Pigs Outside For Winter

GinaG

GinaG

Junior Guinea Pig
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I'm in the UK, my girls have just gone outside in a P@H bluebell hideaway hutch with thermal cover. They love being on the grass do I'm trying to put them in their run for as long as possible. Today is meant to reach 13, how cold does it need to drop before you house them back inside?
 
Mine live outside all year round but do not go in a run on the ground after summer. If I want them to have a run around I provide a set up in the kitchen for them.
 
Lady Kelly said:
Mine live outside all year round but do not go in a run on the ground after summer. If I want them to have a run around I provide a set up in the kitchen for them.
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Please feel free to correct me if I am wrong (and I probably am), mine live outside all year round too but I thought the temperature change between inside and outside was too much for them if they have a run inside and live outside.
 
Betsy said:
Please feel free to correct me if I am wrong (and I probably am), mine live outside all year round too but I thought the temperature change between inside and outside was too much for them if they have a run inside and live outside.
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They are inside for an hour, max two and the kitchen door stays open. We don't have the heating on in the house at the minute so the temperature change is not really noticeable
 
That's what I did last year too. They were well protected against the frost though! This year will be the same. In the spring, when I have saved up they will have a shiny new hutch too!
 
I think most people who can/want to house their pigs inside over winter probably moved them back inside a couple of weeks ago when we had those fierce storms.

Mine can't come indoors as they make my OH very ill. Well, we think it's mostly the hay and one particular pigs coat type that set off his sever asthma.

Mine are currently still in their double decker hutch with covers etc. out in their aviary. This means that during the day they've got the choice of whether to go out into the aviary run, or stay tucked up in their piles of hay in the hutch. I have to say mine are still keen to dash out for a scamper when I open their hutch first thing in the morning; but I know they're in and out all day. They're usually all out and sitting in a line at the edge of the run when I get home from work, which is a lovely greeting, although I know they're really only after dandelion leaves.

I'll be moving the hutch back into the shed shortly ready for the colder weather. Once it's back inside the shed I'll attach their indoor winter run to the hutch so that during the day they'll still have the choice to get out and have a leg stretch, but they'll be in the dry.
 
GinaG said:
I'm in the UK, my girls have just gone outside in a P@H bluebell hideaway hutch with thermal cover. They love being on the grass do I'm trying to put them in their run for as long as possible. Today is meant to reach 13, how cold does it need to drop before you house them back inside?
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Guinea pigs should be moved indoors when outdoor daytime temperatures are consistently below 15 degrees Celsius or outdoor nighttime temperatures are consistently below 10 degrees Celsius. Living in these low temperatures are the equivalent of us living in am unheated caravan or tent & they will survive but it can't be fun for them. Also the damp conditions in the winter air make them more susceptible to illnesses such as URIs. At very least they need moving to a heated shed or garage but you are also missing lots of interaction not having them indoors where you can be with them as much as you like all year long :) xx
 
Whilst I would love to have my piggies indoors, it's not possible. My husband now has asthma (never had it before), that was one of the reasons for moving their bedding outside, they eventually moved out where I expanded my community. Mine have lived outside all year round now for 3 years approx. It's the damp that is the biggest problem. I take all precautions as possible.

I ensure when it's cleaning out time, they are put into an indoor run in the summer house with the door open whilst I get hot and bothered outdoors cleaning with boiling hot water etc. and then ensure I dry it all down with lovely dry fresh bedding, lashings of hay, boxes, heat pads, and at night, an electric blanket over the front - but only when it's gone super chilly, they manage fine with everything else.
 
When mine lived outside in winter, even in the snow and frost, I used so much hay, put pigloos with heat pads stuffed with and covered in hay.
 
All these poor piggies getting cold, frostbite on there little toes. Could the people who have outside piggies, please give them the number of the RSPCA I'm sure they want to report you. Lol.
Make sure your piggies are somewhere that they have heat pads or in a heated shed.
 
Tiamolly123 said:
All these poor piggies getting cold, frostbite on there little toes. Could the people who have outside piggies, please give them the number of the RSPCA I'm sure they want to report you. Lol.
Make sure your piggies are somewhere that they have heat pads or in a heated shed.
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I'm glad mine don't live outside anymore, the best thing I ever did was moving them permanently into their C&C. It's so hard when you can't have them inside though.
 
I agree mine are in the living room so one of us is constantly talking to them & giving them strokes. They hate it when my daughter comes up from Kent to stay. She's asthmatic so they are moved into our bedroom. They only pick at there food & the rest of the time they don't leave they hideys.
 
If you can move them indoors, please do. When you say they've just gone outside, how recently? It can be a big shock for them if they've been inside and then put out when it's cold.

I personally say anything below 17 is too cold for pigs, regardless of hutch covers. South America (where they come from) is a lot warmer here with a better climate so their little bodies aren't made for British weather.

If you absolutely cannot move them indoors, an insulated shed (preferably with some kind of heating?) or likewise with an unused garage would be much better than being out in the elements.

I wouldn't house my pigs outdoors, but if I did I'd make sure to find space for them inside for winter :)
 
Tiamolly123 said:
All these poor piggies getting cold, frostbite on there little toes. Could the people who have outside piggies, please give them the number of the RSPCA I'm sure they want to report you. Lol.
Make sure your piggies are somewhere that they have heat pads or in a heated shed.
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I know this is an contraversial subject, but some of us, for very good reasons can't have our pigs in the house however much we may want to. I have the choice between making my husband very ill to the point of hospitalising him, keep the pigs outside (and now we've moved using a shed in winter) or not having pets at all.

I strongly belive that even though mine live outside/in the shed they have a very good quality of life.

Before we moved into our new home and had space for a proper pig shed mine had to live outside in a big 6ft hutch all year round. Yes, the winter months were hard - but I always ensured they had a thick dry bed, plenty of food and covers over the hutch.

Ok, it would have been better if I'd been able to bring them in - but I couldn't.

I was completely honest about my situation with my first adoption from a recommended rescue that is listed on this site. I explained all the precautions I took etc. and about my husband. The reply I got back from the rescue was along the line of ...."in normal circumstances we don't re-home to outside homes; but in this instance you've been honest and I truly belive you know what you're doing for the benefit of your pigs so we will allow you to come and boar date at our rescue......" etc. Ok, so it was spring and the pig I adopted on that trip had time to adjust to outside living over the summer (I wouldn't put a pig straight outside i the middle of winter), but I think it does show that if your careful about it outside pigs can have a good life.

Sorry, rant over. It's something I feel rather strongly about!
 
It's damp and draughts that are dangerous for piggies, so if they are kept in a sheltered spot, with lots of hay, plus covers over the hutch, there is no reason why they can't be outdoors. The TEAS piggies are housed in a shed, but I have had boarding guinea pigs, who are kept as outdoor piggies, so have been outdoors whilst boarding here. I have had some here during winter, when temperatures have been below freezing, but when I have put my hand into the hutch, they have been toasty under the hay. Hay is incredibly insulating and as long as it is kept topped up, they will be just fine.

Our first guinea pigs were outdoors all year round and they were the piggies who lived the longest, had no health issues and were always bright and lively and clearly enjoyed life.
 
Tiamolly123 said:
All these poor piggies getting cold, frostbite on there little toes. Could the people who have outside piggies, please give them the number of the RSPCA I'm sure they want to report you. Lol.
Make sure your piggies are somewhere that they have heat pads or in a heated shed.
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Whilst you are fully entitled to your own opinion you really don't need to be so rude about it. Adding "lol" to the end doesn't make it come across in jest. It's statements like these that made me start using the forum less in the past because it doesn't make outdoor owners feel welcome in the slightest
 
I have mine outside all year because I have no space for them inside. My rainbow piggies Lenny & Gizmo lived outside too. They never saw a vet until Lenny had a nasty abscess on his neck which ultimately led to a trip to the Rainbow Bridge at around 5 1/2 years. Gizmo lived for another 11 months and didn't want a friend which was his choice.

During the winter when it is frosty outside my piggies are toasty warm in the hutch, they have lots of snugglies, snuggle safes, loads of hay, a hutch hugger, a blanket and I have insulated the open sides of the run at the bottom of the hutch with bubble wrap. They are in a sheltered spot in the garden near the Conservatory and next to the fence. They do not come out of the hutch unless it is a nice warm day and go in the run. If it is a bit too chilly for them outside they have cuddle time twice a day. But I don't keep them inside for too long as the change in temperature from inside to outside would be too much for them. I love my 5 piggies and only want what is best for them.
 
Unlike members above I don't feel the need to justify why my pigs live outside. I can 100% guarantee that they are not neglected or abused. In fact I have been home checked and allowed to adopt from the RSPCA so they clearly believe the same.
 
Lady Kelly said:
Unlike members above I don't feel the need to justify why my pigs live outside. I can 100% guarantee that they are not neglected or abused. In fact I have been home checked and allowed to adopt from the RSPCA so they clearly believe the same.
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I'm not justifying why mine live outside, just offering advice on what I do for the benefit of other members who wish to do the same and may not have considered other options to try and keep their guinea pigs warm over the winter. I have followed some advice on the Forum different from what I thought was best for my piggies. We only what the best for our fluffy potatoes after all! Mine are certainly not neglected or abused. I love them all dearly.
 
Betsy said:
I'm not justifying why mine live outside, just offering advice on what I do for the benefit of other members who wish to do the same and may not have considered other options to try and keep their guinea pigs warm over the winter. I have followed some advice on the Forum different from what I thought was best for my piggies. We only what the best for our fluffy potatoes after all! Mine are certainly not neglected or abused. I love them all dearly.
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I know sorry it just makes me angry because I know everytime I feel unwelcome there will at least be one new member or someone who was going to join the forum that now doesn't feel welcome here. There is no text book on gold standard care for guinea pigs so we all have to do what we can, encourage the asking of questions, share experiences so that guinea pigs all over the world get the right care for them that also works for their owners. It's just some comments made me realise why a lot of new members join and their first post is an apology (usually for having pet shop/breeder pigs) and that sort of apology should not be necessary on this forum
 
Lady Kelly said:
I know sorry it just makes me angry because I know everytime I feel unwelcome there will at least be one new member or someone who was going to join the forum that now doesn't feel welcome here. There is no text book on gold standard care for guinea pigs so we all have to do what we can, encourage the asking of questions, share experiences so that guinea pigs all over the world get the right care for them that also works for their owners. It's just some comments made me realise why a lot of new members join and their first post is an apology (usually for having pet shop/breeder pigs) and that sort of apology should not be necessary on this forum
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Totally agree with your observations there.
 
That's how I feel too. Mine wouldn't trust me if I didn't treat them right. They all love their cuddles and when they have had enough they just wander off my lap and onto their piggie blanket on the sofa. They are always purring and chatting to me while they are having cuddletime too. I guess they wouldn't do that if they were unhappy. The only stroppy one is Betsy (Beautiful and lovely Betsy my avatar) and that is only cos she has strong seasons but I know her so well I can calm her down by stroking her under her left eye (NEVER the right) with my fingernail.
 
All my pigs have always lived outdoors. My sister has allergies so they can't be kept inside.

None of my pigs have ever gone without anything. I ensure they're kept dry, safe and warm and have a great quality of life.
They now have their own shed which they live in all year round.

When I move out I'll have them indoors. But sometimes it just isn't possible for some people. As long as they're kept warm, dry and safe with plenty of space, I don't see the issue with having them outdoors.
 
Please don't feel like people are hating for keeping pigs outside. The original poster asked when to bring them inside, which would be about now.

Ideally pigs should be inside but if your circumstances mean they can't then an insulated shed and plenty of hay and snuggle pads etc is okay. Everyone knows you guys adore your babies and I would never think that you let you're beloved pigs go cold. It's more of the classic "in a 3ft hutch left outside and forgotten about" situation that we worry about, not piggies who are clearly loved and cared for!

My stance is, if you can have them indoors then please do! If you can't, remember to keep them toasty and warm in a shed if poss in winter :)
 
Sophie mason said:
Mine live outside all year, always have. They have so many blankets, fleece blankets, hay and snuggly things that there is no way they get cold, it makes me chuckle because they all like to lay in between the fleece blankets, it’s so warm. When I go to check on them and lift up the blankets they all give me that look of ‘mum, I’m comfy, leave me be’ hahaha.

I don’t feel guilt or tha I’m neglecting them. They are the most loved guinea pigs in the world, and if they felt any form of neglect or were unhappy they wouldn’t trust me like they do.
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Your mums and new babies are indoors though aren't they?

Mine are indoors as I have no choice. I do wish they could be outside at times in the warmer weather to enjoy fresh air and nice grass but, it is what it is.

I think during colder months if buying new guinea pigs from pet shops or somewhere indoors, then young pigs should stay indoors and moved outside during spring so they can get used to the temperature fluctuations.

Personally, I am a worrier and I would worry about my piggies being outdoors. Not just because of the cold but the foxes and wind and rain. I just wouldn't be able to relax and of course, I would miss them so much!
 
I don't think it matters whether they are in and out as long as their needs are met, which can be done both in and outdoors. Every keeper of outdoor pigs I have seen on this forum have made sure their piggies are well cared for, warm and safe. It's sad that some people think keeping them outdoors it cruel, but some will never change their minds. As long as your pigs are happy and warm, with full bellies who cares?
 
Flutterby said:
I don't think it matters whether they are in and out as long as their needs are met, which can be done both in and outdoors. Every keeper of outdoor pigs I have seen on this forum have made sure their piggies are well cared for, warm and safe. It's sad that some people think keeping them outdoors it cruel, but some will never change their minds. As long as your pigs are happy and warm, with full bellies who cares?
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Couldn't have put it better myself! Well said @Flutterby!
 
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