mollyripkim Posted March 5, 2015 Share Posted March 5, 2015 Have been thinking for over a year about getting a pair of guinea pigs but all the current advice seems to be that they have to be kept indoors. As kids we always had them outside. Anyway I have a large walk in run and was hoping to put their hutch in there, chickens wouldn't be able to get to them but I did wonder if I would ever be able to FR the piggies in the run with the chickens whilst I was there. Has anyone done this? Any other words of wisdom would be great as well, pros and cons. Thankyou. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarrisonFamily Posted March 5, 2015 Share Posted March 5, 2015 I have chickens and guinea pigs but they are apart. My guineas live outside all year but there hutch is under the carport and they get covered in really cold weather. They have an outside run that they spend most days in - which have little plastic houses to hide in. The chickens have been out free ranging when the chickens are in the run and they take no notice but I would NOT put them together. I have seen the chickens attack mice and they are brutal and I am sure they could attack and seriously harm or even kill a guinea pig. Hope this helps.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted March 5, 2015 Author Share Posted March 5, 2015 Thankyou, that actually helps a lot as my other place for the hutch is under the carport outside the back door so I could see them all the time. Think you are right about the chickens, I have a spare Classic and run so could easily use that for an outdoor run. Trouble has been that there seems to be a big trend in having them as indoor pets which I just can't do so reassuring to hear from someone who has them outdside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarrisonFamily Posted March 6, 2015 Share Posted March 6, 2015 As I said mine are quite happy outside and when in the run they are not bothered by the rain and are quite happy nibbling the grass. The only thing I would recommend is that at times of fire works cover them well as I am sure one of mine died of fright this new years eve when a **** neighbour let off a ridicoulously loud window shaking house rattling should be illegal firework. I feel that outside they are alot happier - it must be quieter and nicer for them..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted March 6, 2015 Author Share Posted March 6, 2015 Oh thats such a shame, poor thing, I hate fireworks. I have found a rescue place near me, they do a home check before they let you have them so I am thinking of ringing them next week. We are on holiday in April and although my pet sitter is quite happy to look after them as well as the chickens I think I will wait until then. My hubby thinks I am broody (hardly as I am in my fifties) as spring is in the air. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted March 6, 2015 Author Share Posted March 6, 2015 Meant to say I think it's more natural outside for them too especially as they love grass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Millie-Annie Posted April 6, 2015 Share Posted April 6, 2015 I have three guineas, they live outside all year round. I have a cover lined with very thick polystyrene that goes over the sleeping bit. If ever I go to check them in the winter they are lovely and warm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted April 6, 2015 Author Share Posted April 6, 2015 Thank you Millie Annie that's reassuring. I am all ready and excited now, hutch, cover, food etc and am on a list with a local breeder so all being well will have them mid May. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted April 6, 2015 Share Posted April 6, 2015 As long as you don't put indoor Piggies out in fall or winter, they will be fine. It takes a while for them to get a good winter coat on, so getting them in early summer will be fine. In their native Peru and Chile, they can cope with subzero temperatures without any issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted April 6, 2015 Author Share Posted April 6, 2015 It's been hard deciding whether to go for indoors or outdoors but think outdoors suits us best and I have read that by keeping them outside they will gradually build up a winter coat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
