Pigs Outside For Winter

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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I was the opposite! When I first looked into to getting mine, I thought keeping them indoors might be cruel. I still feel like they are missing out by not having outside time but I think they have a nice home and a good life despite not being able to have time on grass in the fresh air.
 
Sophie mason said:
I spend lots of time outside with my piggies lol, just this morning I’ve asked my husband to build a hay box for the piggies so I can just fill it with hay and watch them walk in and out if it teehee, and he did hahahahaha

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I have one of those green tunnels. My Eden claims it as hers and just fills in with pee and poop.. :vom:
 
My lot all argue over their red tunnel. One goes in one end another goes in the other end there is a lot of chattering going on inside then one backs out. I too, have to clean mine every night. My son now calls it the peepee pipe!
 
I have indoor piggies, but that is through choice - I don't want to go out in the rain to clean and feed them! The argument that they need to be kept as close to the environment in the countries where they originate doesn't really hold water, as they wouldn't be inside a centrally heated house there either, nor would they have fleece bedding or be eating nuggets, or be kept in cages, or be picked up and cuddled. As long as piggies are well looked after according to the environment they are kept in, then indoors or outdoors is personal choice.
 
Reenie said:
I have indoor piggies, but that is through choice - I don't want to go out in the rain to clean and feed them! The argument that they need to be kept as close to the environment in the countries where they originate doesn't really hold water, as they wouldn't be inside a centrally heated house there either, nor would they have fleece bedding or be eating nuggets, or be kept in cages, or be picked up and cuddled. As long as piggies are well looked after according to the environment they are kept in, then indoors or outdoors is personal choice.
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When I say close to their environment, I meant temperature wise and dust, wind & damp free environment etc. Sure they wouldn't be on fleece but it's easier to clean than soil for substrate and far better than wood shavings which is completely unnatural to their environment.

As long as they're kept above 15 degrees in their home and out of the wind and rain then they'll be okay. I do believe it's preferable to have them indoors so it does upset me a bit when people keep them outside for no reason (they're outdoor animals etc) and don't take the precautions you guys do. For a lot of people having them outside is just a hutch with some straw :(
 
@Cavy Kung-Fu like I said everyone is entitled to their opinion. I have absolutely no problems with anything you have said. The majority of comments on this thread are sound advice, including to bring them in if possible. What I have taken offence to is the one comment on this thread that has implicated that any pigs kept outdoors are abused or neglected. I would say accused but it was one step short of accusing anyone. As you have rightly said there are many people who shove their piggies/rabbits out in a little hutch with a touch of straw or hay and leave them to it, but as you have also pointed out that isn't the members of this forum.
 
@Lady Kelly I took offence at that comment too! Yes I keep my guinea pigs outside and no I do not neglect or abuse them! When Velvet had her babies I was going to give the boys to my friend's daughter who has always wanted guinea pigs but after one comment that was made I didn't let her have them as I knew they wouldn't be looked after properly. So I kept them. I love them all and wouldn't dream of hurting, neglecting or abusing them. They are spoilt rotten! Whenever something new arrives I get the comments 'What have you bought them now?' My son said to me today that they have better accommodation than he does!
 
Thanks for keeping this civil people :) I know this is a topic that can cause upset and anger.

There is Nothing wrong with keeping piggies outdoors as long as sensible precautions are taken in winter. The same as indoor owners taking sensible precautions in hot weather with rooms with very little ventilation.

Guinea pigs are pets that can be kept indoor or outdoor. A complete all rounder as pets. We do not wish outdoor owners to feel unwelcome or victimised.
 
The indoor/outdoor debate always provokes plenty of responses and mixed reactions.
The forum does not advocate keeping piggies either indoors or outdoors. There is no forum stance on this issue, and members are equally welcome whether their pigs live indoors or outdoors.
No member has the right to criticise another member’s choice as to whether their piggies are kept inside or outside.
This forum is used worldwide as a reference tool by guinea pig owners. Members come here for information and guidance, not lectures and judgement. It’s important that we continue to provide a balanced view and the information help and support that members need to ensure that they are able to best care for their piggies.
 
Betsy said:
My lot all argue over their red tunnel. One goes in one end another goes in the other end there is a lot of chattering going on inside then one backs out. I too, have to clean mine every night. My son now calls it the peepee pipe!
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Mine have one of those cardboard tunnels I bought a big one & cut 3 or 4 inches outta the base so they can't Pooh or wee in it
 
Hi

My pigs will be outside, they have a new ‘mansion’ coming this week placed in a sheltered area and will be covered up at night. They will have plenty of hay and straw. And they snuggle up. If you have a animal that is outside all year round then they adjust as it gets cooler. As long as you keep an eye on your pets and have plenty of bedding then in my opinion it’s everyone’s each to there own.
 
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