Can I keep my piggy outside?

Question
I've had my guinea pig, Maggie for about 8 months now.  I love her to death, but I also realize that I have a very hectic schedule and it is very hard to find time to clean the cage because I usually take it outside to do it.  I have been doing it regularly, and she seems to be very healthy and very happy.  I was wondering if it would be too drastic of a change to build a cage in my backyard, somewhere shady.  I am concerned about heat mostly because the cage will be carefully reinforced to prevent predators.  Also, I was thinking this may be a good idea because when I take her out there she seems to have fun and enjoys chewing on grass and running around.  I was thinking that I still would put her cage inside a larger cage, so that she can feel safe, because she has been staying in the same cage and she seems very comfortable there.  What kind of risks will there be and is there any kind of precautions I should take to ensure that she stays cool and comfortable?  Also, would you recommend this?

Answer
Hello Erika,

She may be kept outside. She will need ways to keep warm in winter an cool in the summer and to be protected from predators and rain. Try moving her out on a mild day so the change from indoors to out isn't too extreme. There needs to be a closed in area and an open air area. One very hot days, frozen bottles of water can be wrapped in a wash cloth (to prevent tender ears from sticking to them and getting torn off or frostbitten) and placed inside her cage. I partial solid roof over the open air area can also provide shade while still letting them sit in the breeze. In the winter, blankets should be provided in the closed in area for her to snuggle in and if possible the cage should be moved into the sun. On really cold, really hot days, or in very bad weather, it would be wise to return her to the house for a few days until the weather is less extreme. The roof should be peaked (have a pionted top) and a tarp (or even shingles if you can afford it) should be placed on it to help keep out the water. It's also wise to have a bit of an overhang around the roof's edge to allow the water to run off away from the building. The hutch is best if it is off the ground to prevent predators from harrassing them or having easy access by digging under. Your cage in a cage sounds like great predator protection. I'm going to send you a link with some images of outdoor hutches to give you some ideas (or you could even buy them if you'd like) for your hutch. Piggies outdoors can be done and can be done well. I don't recommend it myself though. Piggies tend to get a bit more neglected outdoors and there is a higher chance of stress and illness. Then there is the lack of control over the weather to worry about too. Of course, I also just like having my babies near me. Those are just my personal feelings though. If you are diligent about your piggy care and try hard to make her outdoor life good, she can be kept outside with no problems. Good luck with whatever you decision may be and good luck with your hutch building if that is what you decide is the best for you and your piggy! Oh, I would also suggest a piggy friend for her, especially if she moves outdoors, so she won't get too lonely being by herself more.

http://www.happyhutch.com/ListProducts.aspx?categoryID=18

-kkat
http://www.geocities.com/abyssinianguineapigs