its been so long

Question
Hey! Sorry i haven't said anything for a while, but  i haven't thought of any questions, or had anything pop up. anyway, i dont have to sell Chessy and Checkers anymore. (a few tears did the trick)lol. but we're thinking of moving to a place thats like 2 or 3 acres, and getting a few horses. I was wodering what you thought of converting a few extra stalls into giant cages or play areas for my piggies.i would have to make some kind of top to keep unwanted visitors out, but other than that I think it would be fine. They would live next to their cousins,(who would be in the stall next to them) and it would be about the right temperature because it is warm in the winter, and fans keep it cool in the summer.they would get the same amount (if not more)of attention, because I would be at the barn at least three times a day. (twice to feed the horses, and at least once more to ride or viit w/ the horses.) either that or they live on the patio. My mom and dad are sick of the hay clogging up the vacum, and the pee stains on the carpet. o well. they are outside right now, and extremely happy. plus i cover their cage at night. please give me any input or advice you have!  *Taylor*   (P.S. Their cold is getting much better!)

Answer
Hello Taylor.

Nice to hear from you. I'm glad you don't have to sell chessy and checkers anymore. It's sad to give up a pet that you want to keep. Cheers to you!

Now, in regards to your piggies being outside in a barn cage. That would have to be a huge NO. Not only would it be a bad situation with them being in a barn type of atmosphere, but unless you live in a place with a temperature of 70 degress and always stays that way, it's bad for your pigs to be outside and experience the weather changes (humidity, coolness, windy, breezes). They wouldn't last long in a situation like that and would probably catch colds and die, or die from heat strokes. Unfortuately, since guinea pigs have been captured, we sort of make their bodies (over long periods of time) get used to certain things. Sure, guinea pigs were once in the wild, running around. But we have bred them and conditioned them to survive in a different kind of atmosphere.

In addition to that, the horses would scare the bejesus out of your pigs. They might even die from being scared. Hearing the sounds the horses make, feeling the vibration on the ground from their hooves. I would venture to say that if i saw pigs in a barn cage next to horses, that it would be abusive to keep pigs that way.

Now, some things you could do to ease your parents troubled minds. Regarding the hay. Pick up as much as you can with your hands before you vacuum. I do the same thing. It doesn't take much time. Even if you have to spend 15 minutes picking up little pieces of hay, you can do it and your parents will be very pleased. Now, in regards to the pee on the floor, you can do this. Section off a piece of your room for them to play in. You can still make it a pretty good size. You could section off the area with chicke wire, or the cubes from the cage you are using. Place newspapers all over the area, or you could even use towels. After they play, if you see any mistakes on the floor, use a pet cleaner (woolite) on any areas that have been soiled. It should clean right up.

Hope this helps. Stay in touch
Christy :)