Preparing for winter energy costs

[Handy]

Hi All,

I keep seeing all the things about energy price rises this winter and I'm trying to plan for how best to deal with it - if it was just people in the house I'd be trying to keep the heating off for as long as possible and using more blankets etc, but obviously I also have my pigs. What things I can do to help keep them warm other than putting the heating on please? And is there a minimum temperature that I really shouldn't let them get below? Obviously if they need the heating I'll use the heating, just considering options!

Thanks

 

[Piggies&buns]

Piggies need to be kept between 18 and 22 degrees, but below 15 is too cold.

Other ways to keep them warm
- stuff cardboard boxes and hides with plenty of hay
- cover part of the cage with a blanket to stop draughts
- use microwavable snugglesafe heatpads under some hides (not all, so the piggies have a choice of where to go with it without a heatpad)

 

[Handy]

Piggies need to be kept between 18 and 22 degrees, but below 15 is too cold.

Other ways to keep them warm
- stuff cardboard boxes and hides with plenty of hay
- cover part of the cage with a blanket to stop draughts
- use microwavable snugglesafe heatpads under some hides (not all, so the piggies have a choice of where to go with it without a heatpad)

Thank you

 

[Lady Kelly]

I think people commonly forget that hay is a great insulator in both summer and winter. Plenty of hay all year round to snuggle in to. When I had outdoor piggies my hubby built a large wooden box that I filled to the brim with hay and all 4 would snuggle in quite comfortably. It helped stop the hay spreading out this reducing the insulation

 

[Handy]

I think people commonly forget that hay is a great insulator in both summer and winter. Plenty of hay all year round to snuggle in to. When I had outdoor piggies my hubby built a large wooden box that I filled to the brim with hay and all 4 would snuggle in quite comfortably. It helped stop the hay spreading out this reducing the insulation

Thanks, I can definitely sort that one easily enough!

 

[Posyrose]

I have some stainless steel heat pads ( called puppy whelping pads) that run on mains electricity and have stainless steel armour coating on the lead, so are totally chew proof. I got them on recommendation from someone here. I keep them on permanently in the colder months which allows me to keep the heating on slightly lower than I otherwise would. I got them from amazon but can see them when i looked today.

 

[Handy]

Thank you, I'll have a look at those too!

I have some stainless steel heat pads ( called puppy whelping pads) that run on mains electricity and have stainless steel armour coating on the lead, so are totally chew proof. I got them on recommendation from someone here. I keep them on permanently in the colder months which allows me to keep the heating on slightly lower than I otherwise would. I got them from amazon but can see them when i looked today.

 

[Swissgreys]

Also depending on where in the house their cages are, you could consider a free standing heater for just this area.
Moving cages away from windows and doors, and covering them with a blanket can also help trap heat.

 

[Handy]

Thanks, they live in my bay window so I did put a blanket over the top in winter to help keep drafts out, but I might find something to go along the wall behind the cage to insulate it a bit better there too.

 

[Merab]

I have some old bath towels pinned around the cage to keep out any drafts.
They also protect the walls from sprayed pee!

 

[Bill & Ted]

Damp, winds and rain are the things that make life hard for guinea pigs. Most piggies are fine with cooler temperatures provided they have plently of hay to snuggle in, away from drafts

 

[Handy]

I have some old bath towels pinned around the cage to keep out any drafts.
They also protect the walls from sprayed pee!

Good tip, thanks!

 

[Handy]

Damp, winds and rain are the things that make life hard for guinea pigs. Most piggies are fine with cooler temperatures provided they have plently of hay to snuggle in, away from drafts

Thanks

 

[Pound Shilling & Pig]

Damp, winds and rain are the things that make life hard for guinea pigs. Most piggies are fine with cooler temperatures provided they have plently of hay to snuggle in, away from drafts

I agree, its the damp and drafts that can cause problems. My piggy shed is well insulated and has heating on in the colder months. I aim to keep it between 15 and 17 degrees, sometimes it gets a little warmer and sometimes drops a bit below but as they have plenty of clean, dry hay to nestle in if they choose, they are really not bothered. I also use a dehumidifier to keep the damp out. I worry much more about the high temperatures like we've had lately.