Taking piggies outside on a nice day?

It depends on ground temperature and dampness. The usual guidance in the UK is April/May, but I'm not sure how things are where you are. My rule of thumb is that if I wouldn't want to lay my bare belly on it, it's too cold/damp for my guys!

The area also needs to be secure and the run should be fully enclosed and predator-proofed, just in case. You also need to be sure there's no non-guinea pig animal urine on the grass as that can make them poorly, so public areas aren't recommended.
 
I have done this yesterday for an hour as it was exceptionally sunny and warm yesterday. Today has been cold and breezy so the next time may not happen till April?
 
Hi, I was wondering if it is safe to take my boys outside in a playpen outside in the grass.

Hi

Please consider the overnight temperatures.

For indoor piggies we recommend to test the lawn with your own bare feet for 5 minutes; if they are damp and cold, then your piggies will also feel wet and cold in the same time, not to mentioned being left out for much longer!
It is a good way of testing the ground. I would recommend to wait until after a night that is 10 C to ensure that the ground is warm enough. That way, you can make sure you are not joining the rash of urinary tract infections that we see every spring around Easter time.

Please also be aware that it can be warm in the sunshine but that the breeze can still be rather cool and that a thick cloud can quickly lower temperatures.

Please also be aware that you should introduce fresh grass slowly, starting with just a little in order to avoid diarrhea or bloating from a gut microbiome not accustomed to it.

I know that the temptation is great but it is much wiser to take it slowly, prepare and wait until conditions are right.

Here is our detailed advice: Feeding Grass And Preparing Your Piggies For Lawn Time
 
My neighbour lines out a cat-box with hay etc and puts the whole thing in a tall run. If it's warm enough her pigs run round but if it's not quite they stay in the box most of the time. Mind you, you have to be watching them to see what they do because if it's too cold you'd be wanting to bring them back inside pretty quick!
 
I took Marigold out today and she enjoyed the gentle breeze and warm sun! You should certainly take your boars out, but make sure they stay away from weed killers!
 
It rained all day here weds.yesterday I thought about it,but the soil is still soggy,so will only put the piggies on the grass when we have warmer nights.
 
IMG_1257.webpIMG_1259.webp
It will be at least a month before they can go out here, the heavy clay soil keeps the ground damp. Mine are outside everyday the weather permits in summer. They have heavy runs with lids for protection against cats, birds etc and one of us is always outside with them, either gardening or having a good excuse to sit and read!
 
Back
Top