Does anyone keep Guinea pigs outside?

ripplyuk

I know this was common years ago but nowadays people seem to keep them in sheds in winter. I don't know how much warmer a shed would be. I imagine it would still be very cold to live in and possibly quite dark. Are they are happy outside, even in a shed, or are they just surviving and miserable?

guccigoo

I am a first time owner of 2 guinea pigs, mine are kept indoors in the front room where they have lots of interaction with me and the kids, the only thing I don't like is the smell so maybe just bring them in in the winter.

kt1inamillion

My two are outside.

They have a massive double hutch but stay at the top. They also have a run so when not raining they go out in in....I would say to exercise but mine are so lazy the most exercise they get is walking to their food dish and back to the hut thing...lol

ripplyuk

kt1inamillion wrote: »

My two are outside.

They have a massive double hutch but stay at the top. They also have a run so when not raining they go out in in....I would say to exercise but mine are so lazy the most exercise they get is walking to their food dish and back to the hut thing...lol

Are yours outside all year? Do they seem happy enough during the winter?

Trina90

I have had my guineas outside, inside and in the shed. The shed was by far the most suitable. However, at certain times of the year, like at current, it is too hot and they are at risk of heat stroke, and should be brought inside.
I used to breed guinea pigs and my record was 21 at one point! :eek:

Money_saving_maniac

My bessie mate has 9 of them and they live in a run outside, inside the run they have their hutches.
She couldn't keep 9 inside LOL

JP08

As a kid we had guinea pigs - from what I remember their accommodation composed of a "two room" hutch and a run - the solid doored dark room in winter being extremely well packed with bedding. The hutch was in a well sheltered spot and tucked up against the house.

kt1inamillion

I'll be honest I've not had them a full year but since February but they have been outside from the day we got them and they were around 12 weeks at the time.

They never showed any signs of distress....when it really rains they got into their bedroom bit (the part of the hutch with the solid door).

They are by are back door so always see some one or hear us in the kitchen....they have sonic hearing for any rustling which they think is for them.