Guinea pigs advice

[nerobot]

Hi,

I'm thinking of getting some Guinea pigs (probably just two), but there seems to be a lot of conflicting advice on the internet, so I hope someone could give me some information.

Firstly, I was hoping to keep them outside, in a wiremesh pen, with no bottom, and I'd probably make a wooden pen inside this for them to sleep in, etc. However, some people seem to say this is alright, while others seem to say keep them inside. If they have to be kept inside, then I won't get them as the cats would kill them.

Secondly, what size would be good for them?

Is there certain things from the garden/veg patch that they shouldn't be eating?

Any advice on keeping them safe from cats and foxes while they are outside at night?

And finally.... any advice on what to do if going away on holiday?

Thanks for any information.

Steven

[Two_Sheds]

Steven
Go for it. Much nicer pets than rabbits. Here's a similar thread from last week: http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...are_24002.html

[Two_Sheds]

this is my hutch (£45).
With a run so they can access fresh grass every day (they must have fresh Vit C every single day).
A hidey hole for sleeping in (face the door away from the wind). There's a wooden floor in the living quarters on which I put a plastic cat litter tray, and bedding made of shredded newspaper & hay. They have lived in it for 4 years now, and are snug as bugs in rugs.

[Capsid]

I bring mine in to a hutch in the shed for winter. They need dry ground and the cold, wet grass can give them a chill in their belly which is not good for them.

[nerobot]

this is my hutch. A run so they can access fresh grass every day (they must have fresh Vit C every single day). A hidey hole for sleeping in (face the door away from the wind)

Thanks for that. Looks like something I was thinking of making.

Steven

[frias]

We had guinea pigs for years and they always lived outside. My neighbour has them now and they are outside. As long as they are warm enough at night. They love grass, thistles and dandelions. Holidays are not such a problem as with chickens as it's easy to transport a cage to a friends house. You won't get any eggs though.

[Capsid]

We had guinea pigs for years and they always lived outside. My neighbour has them now and they are outside. As long as they are warm enough at night. They love grass, thistles and dandelions. Holidays are not such a problem as with chickens as it's easy to transport a cage to a friends house. You won't get any eggs though.

My back lawn is quite water logged in winter but clearly they are OK outside through the winter, they certainly have more room to run around and fresh grass and dandelions are a favourite.

[flowerofshona]

I have 70 piggies and the biggest killer is damp, drafts ect and if you can bring them into a shed.
Piggies catch colds very easy so if you cant bring them inside make sure you pack the cage out really well with hay and cover the hutch well at night.
Dont put piggies out on wet or damp grass !!!
Fresh veggies every day is a must, never feed lawn mower clippings as they ferment very quickly in their tummys.
Any probles just shout im happy to help
Piggies are cool !!