[cabaya]

My mom likes to build things, and especially likes using her jigsaw... So I also wanted to make a safe outdoor pen for Charlie and Elise to play in on warm days and these are the plans I made. What do you think?



I plan on using square wood poles for each of the corners to create the frame and metal mesh for the sides and top. I am also hoping to create a door on the top of the cage so that I can get them in/out without lifting up the whole thing and risk them running away. I also included the plan for a little house to put in there.

[Lynx]

Very cute!

You'll be outside with them? Sometimes it's hotter than you think and they can overheat.

Will you use hardware cloth? It is stronger than screening and I recommend it. Maybe 1/2" or smaller if you want. I suggest a solid top for shade and so they don't feel so open and afraid (it is really scary outside if you are a guinea pig). At least half the top solid if you don't want it all solid. So you'll have the top swing up?

Another issue is securing it to the ground. Because of stray dogs and foxes, it has to be very very secure. As I said, if you can be outside when they are, that's a good idea too. If things get too hot for you, you will know it is too hot for them.

I bet they will love eating spring grass!

[cabaya]

I should have said this, of course I will always be outside when they are and I would put the pen in the shade, maybe under a tree or my deck. And they would only ever be in it for maybe an hour.

I was not sure what kind of screen I would use, I will take a look at hardware cloth though, thanks!

[Topaz]

One more thing to watch out for is fertilizers/chemically treated lawns. Be sure your grass is free of chemicals, as well as other animal droppings.

Sounds like a good plan and how great that your mom wants to help! I can't wait to see that spring grass myself. *sigh* I'm sure my guinea girls would agree.

[miniWeaver]

Thats a good plan. My pigs are too big to stay outside for that long! We go to take pictures with them when it's a warm, nice day outside and they overheat in 5 minutes! heehee. But they love to eat the grass outside. They love it love it! And I agree Topaz, I can't wait til it gets warm and stuff for spring!