Would you bring them in?

[Lisajazz]

Outside we have a hutch and run set up. originally I was going to have outside guineas but when they came I couldn't do it and keep them inside as I love to watch them.

I try and put them outside every day (weather permitting). The hutch and run are static so they have already eaten all the grass - there is still a bit but not much. When I put them out I pick handfulls of the rest of the grass and put that in with them.

Then generally spend 30 minutes or so all together eating the grass and grazing on any new grass that's come through. Then they go in their hideys or some go up the ramp to the hutch and in the bedroom and they don't do much except sit about.


So would you bring them in after half an hour or so when the main activity has ceased or would you leave them out there to get some fresh air for a few hours.

This time of day they are all usually napping inside anyway.

Thoughts?

 

[KingBoris&HisFollowers]

i would bring them in but thats just my opinion,i only take my piggies out a few times a week and they are content with that,if you are giving them an hour a day I'm sure thats enough xxxxxxxxxxx

 

[Caviesgalore (EPGPR)]

Oh crumbs what a dilema, but it sounds like they are getting the best of both worlds!

If the piggies seem to be enjoying themselves and the weather is fine and warm I would be inclined to leave them out. My lot have the usual mad dash around when I put them in the run on the grass and chomp away like loonies for half an hour or so, but as soon as they have had their fill they lounge around in corners, under tunnels and next to each other snoozing - it's such a hard life being a piggy! - but I do think they enjoy being in the fresh air. Hope that helps.

 

[lovelygirl]

i would be tempted to try and make it more interesting for them, give them tunnels and hide their favourite treats and try and keep them active longer, or give them their grass in two batches say 30 minutes apart to keep them moving and munching longer

 

[MommaPiggy]

I would bring them in, unless it's a sunny day.
Obviously not too hot but a breezey, sunny day, I tend to leave mine out for a few hours because I think it's good for them to get some sunshine.

Otherwise I'd bring them in.

Although mine rarely go outside. We had a run but it's so small, my dad doesn't seem to be finishing the half-built run he started...So my Piggies haven't been outside this summer...Barely at all.
Although they don't like it outdoors.

Mine do what yours do. (I have grass trays, though, as we have no grass in our garden.) they eat the grass and after about 30-40 minutes, they go in their hideys.
Although they pee and poop ten times more than normal and end up soaking wet and in need of a bath :{

So I'd say it would be alright to bring them in.
If they're hiding away, it would probly be best for them to go back into their normal cage or heck! Even bring them in and give them some floor time! They don't have to go straight back into their cage, if you want them to still be "out".

I guess it depends. Do they look relaxed when they're hidden away?

 

[Wiebke]

What yours are doing is the classic pattern of stuffing themselves and then sleeping it off!

I would either bring them in again on a not so nice day or leave them out for another round on a nice day. You can make it more interesting by servinng the grass staggered and in different places, so they have ot go and find it and try ot get at it (like a toilet roll stuffed with grass, suspeded on a string).

 

[Lisajazz]

That two batches of grass is a good idea to lengthen the time.

Believe it or not it's sunny here in Cardiff and I have the washing out even (I know - hard to believe!).

Then have tunnels and ramps so that's not it. Then seem relaxed - bored even. I think they are spoiled with their cage - it's so interactive that the hutch / run just isn't as much fun I don't think.

I think i'll leave them a bit longer as it is warm and the fresh air has to be good right?

Any other suggestions gratefully received! Or tips on how to make the garden run fun.

 

[MommaPiggy]

That two batches of grass is a good idea to lengthen the time.

Believe it or not it's sunny here in Cardiff and I have the washing out even (I know - hard to believe!).

Then have tunnels and ramps so that's not it. Then seem relaxed - bored even. I think they are spoiled with their cage - it's so interactive that the hutch / run just isn't as much fun I don't think.

I think i'll leave them a bit longer as it is warm and the fresh air has to be good right?

Any other suggestions gratefully received! Or tips on how to make the garden run fun.

The fresh air certainly can't do them any harm.

It makes me wonder. I don't know, I sometimes think that indoor pigs get so used to the human interaction that they maybe feel lonely when they're outside. Even if there is lots of them.
As you say, yours are spoiled |) and I think lots of indoor pigs that extra spoiled because you're with them constantly.
I just wonder if maybe they can't smell us or something and they get lonely or bored without us around.

 

[Lisajazz]

Could be. I expect it's a bit quiet too as in the house we have the kids, the TV or radio and general noise whereas the garden is often quiet.

 

[lizzie_71]

If the weather is ok (by which I mean not actually raining and not too cold) mine stay in their run all day. They probably sleep for 90% of the time, but that's not a problem. They have a house to sleep in if they want to, plus a few other hiding places. They will tend to have burst of activity at first, then snooze, but will often start eating the grass again a couple of hours later. They love it if the children are outside as well and get more active when they have company out there.

I don't see the harm in leaving them outside all day if the weather is fine.

 

[Glynis]

Could be. I expect it's a bit quiet too as in the house we have the kids, the TV or radio and general noise whereas the garden is often quiet.

Funnily enough i reckon most piggieis love the interaction with hoomans they love our noises, as long as not toooo noisy......my girls hate the vacuum but the day to day business of in and out of the workshop/garage and thru and then popping down to see them, or when i leave or get home from work, they love the noise!
Piggies are social so they love to be centre of attention |)
You'll find the best solution for your piggies, just spend time working it out, you'll find what best suits you both

 

[ILoveGilbertTheGuineaPig]

they love our noises, as long as not toooo noisy......my girls hate the vacuum

gilbert loves the vaccuuum! i used to put him in a special room when we vaccuumed cause he seemed really scared. but then we stoppped doing that and he was popcorning and running around like mad. when we have the vaccuum on, i usually cover his cage with a huge towel, so he's not scared. maybe you could try that?

 

[Dane]

My piggies are indoor piggies anyway but love to go out in their run when weather permits. I have to keep moving it though so they get fresh grass each time as it doesn't seem to grow where the run gets left.

 

[Lisajazz]

That's the problem I have - it doesn't move hence the picked grass.

BTW I brought them in and after an initial half hour racing around they all went for afternoon naps anyway. may as well have left them in the sunshine.

Live and learn eh?