Advice regarding keep our outside guinea pigs warm

[CatMandu]

We have two piggies who have lived outside since we got them about a month ago. It's getting cold and I had assumed I'd just get an insulating cover when the time came, but today I've looked at Pets at Home and the insulating cover is £67 plus it needs a waterproof cover which was another £40 -ish. I really didn't realise how expensive it would be.

If there isn't another way, I'll just have to swallow the cost, but I wonder if there's something else I can do? DD1 would like us to get an indoor hutch, but I'm yet to be convinced.

[maidamess]

Lob an old blanket over the hutch, a tarpauline or plastic sheet on top and keep it in place with a couple of house bricks.

As long as they've got plenty of hay to snuggle into, they will be fine at the moment.

[CatMandu]

Thank you maidamess, sounds so simple when someone else says it. I assume this won't do when it gets very cold, we could just about find some space in the shed, so was thinking I'd move the hutch in there. Is that ok, there are lots of windows so it'll be reasonably light.

[maidamess]

Yep the shed should be fine. Do they have an outside run as well?

[LouMacca]

Hi. We are moving our guinea pigs in the childrens playhouse this weeek as nights are getting chilly.

Upto now we have been putting plenty of hay in the sleeping part of the hutch.

[babypringle]

We used an old carpet to cover the cage which worked fine

[CatMandu]

Yep, they have a run too. DD usually puts them in when she gets in from school and they have lots of time there.

I put loads of hay in last night and it was all gone by this morning!

Good idea Ruby, I think that's what we'll do to start off and see how they do.

Thanks for all the help.

[Jux]

Loads of hay and top it up constantly. Old blanket over the top and then black bin bag over that with (in my case) old tree root to stop it blowing away. They'll be fine.

Despite being absolutely fine outside in their first winter, DD managed to persuade dh to let her have them indoors last year. Never again.

[CatMandu]

Tbh Jux I could be persuaded to have them in the house, but were trying to sell at the moment and they could put some people off.

[Jux]

Don't do it!! Hay everywhere!! It doesn't go away!! You will be finding it forever.