Shed set-up, advice needed

[Gemlou81]

We are currently getting set up, all ready to adopt 4 guinea pigs. We have a new 6ftx4ft shed that they will live in, with a 6ft x 3ft aviary attached. My plan is to let them have free range of the whole thing in the spring/summer, and of the inside only in the autumn/winter. Does anyone else do it like this? Does anyone let their piggies have any outdoor time in the winter?
We plan to have a large hutch inside the shed, and my other question is, should I shut them in the hutch at night? The shed is about 50ft from our house and we live in a rural area, so I thought I ought to shut them in as added protection from predators. I'm trying to source a hutch that is a good size as a bedroom for 4 pigs, preferably one that is low to the ground so that they can go in and out as they please during the day. Thanks.

 

[Incredipigs]

Mine have a 4ft x 4ft playhouse with a run on the side, through the summer they have access to the run day & night and through the winter they have access to the run all day but they're shut in at night

 

[Guineautopia]

I have a simalar set up. I’ll add some photos but in winter they do stay inside and the inside is heated

 

[Gemlou81]

I have a simalar set up. I’ll add some photos but in winter they do stay inside and the inside is heated

Amazing house! So do you shut them in any kind of hutch within the shed at night?

 

[Gemlou81]

I have a simalar set up. I’ll add some photos but in winter they do stay inside and the inside is heated

I'd be interested to know what you use for heating, too, if that's ok. Thank you.

Mine have a 4ft x 4ft playhouse with a run on the side, through the summer they have access to the run day & night and through the winter they have access to the run all day but they're shut in at night

Thank you

 

[Guineautopia]

Amazing house! So do you shut them in any kind of hutch within the shed at night?

No they have free run. The whole unit was purpose built and is Fox proof with windows and a door. So they are perfectly safe.
I use an oil filled radiator to heat the shed in winter.

 

[Fayld]

Hi how much does it cost to keep the oil rad on and do u leave it on all day or just night? Thankyou

 

[Siikibam]

This is an old thread (last year) so you may not get an answer. Far as I know (from using one in the house) oil filled radiators don’t cost much to run. It may be better to leave it on a medium temperature so it switches itself on and off as needed.

 

[Fayld]

Yeah I just thought maybe the person knew after there question Thankyou
I'll put another post out

 

[Guineautopia]

Hi how much does it cost to keep the oil rad on and do u leave it on all day or just night? Thankyou

I can’t remember exactly but we did work it out originally and it was pence not pounds per day. It has a thermostat and so is ‘on’ 24 hours a day but comes on and off as the temperature drops in the shed.