Floor for outdoor run?

[Nicinoonoo]

Hi

My piggies live indoors and have an outdoor run. We’re upgraded the outdoor run to an Eglu go! 2metre hutch and run so that they can enjoy longer periods in the garden and I can feel reassured they are safe and have good shelter. They do seem to really enjoy outdoor time! We are planning to link it up to an Omlet walk in run next year.

My question is How do I keep their bellies and feet dry in the run. Does anyone use hemp flooring or other natural materials in the run area? The run is easy to move so cleaning isn’t the issue. The run will have a waterproof cover but directional rain has a way of getting in! I want to make sure the GPs have the best quality care

 

[Piggies&buns]

Is it on grass or concrete?
You will ideally need to wait until grass is dry before putting them out for outdoor time, bringing them back inside if it starts to rain and the rain gets into the run.
If it is on concrete, then I would just throw down an absorbent layer and pop some fleece on top of it (Bringing them in when it rains)
As eglu houses are plastic, you need to be really careful with the heat.

 

[Nicinoonoo]

At the moment I have artificial grass and a patio. Artificial grass is not my choice but I plan to change that shortly

I was looking at hemp flooring and wondering if that would work for their walking areas and keep their little feet dry.

My garden is south facing so gets really warm on a sunny day they’d be kept indoors when we have hot/cold/rainy days

 

[Pound Shilling & Pig]

Hemp bedding is safe to use as a substrate to soak up their wees, as is kiln dried dust extracted shavigs.

I would, however be extremely cautious about when you are putting them outside. The combination of a plastic iglu, South facing garden and only a patio to put them on is a very dangerous combination when it comes to overheating. I wouldn't put the run on the artificial grass at all as it can heat up to extremely high temperatures in the sun. Are you planning on replacing it with real grass?

 

[Piggies&buns]

I use hemp - Aubiose (when I can source it) - and it is one of my favourite beddings
Of course It’s only going to be as good as the weather though - as soon as it rains/rain gets in it’ll have to be replaced!
Mine have had to come out their shed, as its got a bit warm, and into their run today. Problem is, grass is wet so I’ve had to put their run on the patio instead of the lawn so ive just popped some fleece down as it’s easier to just pick that up and store it when they’re going back to the shed rather than replacing a disposable bedding outside

 

[Betsy]

When my piggies are on the patio, I put an old single duvet under the run. This is soft on their feet and doesn't heat up as the temperature does. Here is an old picture. I have since upgraded the run to a much better one but it gives you a general idea.

 

[Nicinoonoo]

I use hemp - Aubiose (when I can source it) - and it is one of my favourite beddings
Of course It’s only going to be as good as the weather though - as soon as it rains/rain gets in it’ll have to be replaced!
Mine have had to come out their shed, as its got a bit warm, and into their run today. Problem is, grass is wet so I’ve had to put their run on the patio instead of the lawn so ive just popped some fleece down as it’s easier to just pick that up and store it when they’re going back to the shed rather than replacing a disposable bedding outside

Hemp bedding is safe to use as a substrate to soak up their wees, as is kiln dried dust extracted shavigs.

I would, however be extremely cautious about when you are putting them outside. The combination of a plastic iglu, South facing garden and only a patio to put them on is a very dangerous combination when it comes to overheating. I wouldn't put the run on the artificial grass at all as it can heat up to extremely high temperatures in the sun. Are you planning on replacing it with real grass?

Yes planning on grass. I’ll probably cut out sections of the articificial grass for them while we are waiting on that to happen. We have a large gazebo over the run which helps shade them but I wouldn’t put the fur babies out in hot weather

 

[Nicinoonoo]

Thank you everyone really helpful info

 

[Nicinoonoo]

Update
We tried the eglu omelet go 2 metre run (bought as an outdoor exercise space not a complete set up). I wasn’t keen on the flooring which is a wire panel. Also access is really tricky because it’s located at the front so reaching to the middle and far end wasn’t possible. The pros are the quality of the hutch is fantastic. Too small as there living space but a great secure shelter if they are out in the day. The run was also easy to move. I just couldn’t live with the cons

I’m let’s customer service is so great. I’m returning the run without any quibble and am waiting on the walk in run to arrive today. I’ll let you know how that goes

 

[Nicinoonoo]

We got the 2x2 walk in run, I love it! We have a bit of work to do on setting it up but the boys love it so far.

As a solution for wet ground I’ve ordered tarpaulin to lay on the floor and then cover with fleece.

The walk in run is 6’8 so not bad backs cleaning it! It fits nicely under my 3x4 gazebo so I have the option to completely shade it on sunny days

Any tips for enhancing this space greatly appreciated

Down the line I plan to link it to a 6ft insulated hutch. We still plan to house them indoors at night and when weather not suitable

 

[Nicinoonoo]

Pics of the outdoor set up so far