When and how to introduce to the garden?

[Newpiggymum7]

Hello,
We had two lovely little piggies join us yesterday and they are quickly settling into their indoor home. They’re in a C&c cage inside and will be all year round.

I don’t think they have ever been outside. We “rescued” them from a family who had only had them for four weeks and decided they weren’t for them. They’re are about 18 weeks old.

They seem confident and are already popcorning around their cage whilst we’re in the room.

Anyway. I intend to get them a nice big run for the garden for warm days. When and how should I introduce this. I know I obviously need to wait until we can handle them confidently and I won’t even attempt that for a few weeks and until they are eating out of our hands. But is there an indicator that they are ready to try a short break in an outdoor run?

We have started giving them a little bit of picked grass (which is also a great job for my four year old to go picking )

Thanks very much!

 

[Piggies&buns]

Really it comes down to how they are settling in, while remembering that outside can be scary for indoor piggies, so even if they are settled in their cage you may find they are terrified when you put them outdoors. There are no hard and fast rules for this - it’s really just going to be how they seem to be.


You are sound right in picking a little grass for them. It is essential their gut gets used to grass slowly as too much grass on unprepared tummies can make them ill.
I have attached a guide below which explains the quantities to grass to pick for them while they are adjusting

Fresh Grass and Lawn Time - Tips for Avoiding Spring Time Deaths
Feeding Grass And Preparing Your Piggies For Lawn Time

 

[Newpiggymum7]

Thanks so much