Hutch for the pigs

[WombleandBear]

i've got two guinea pigs, my parents are moving house and I've been told that I need to get them a hutch/run for outside. They're currently indoor pigs and a much as i'd love to keep it that way, my mum has told me they can't stay in my room when we move. Would just like some advice on what to look for in a decent hutch (stuff like size, materials, roofing ect ect) or some general recommendations.

Would be hugely appreciated, thank you!

 

[Piggies&buns]

When it comes to hutches, spending a good amount of money for a decent, sturdy hutch is important. Buy cheap and you will regret it because they won’t stand up to a UK winter if you aren’t able to move it into a shed.

I know you said you had to rehome your boys but I’m not sure whether that happened or whether you’ve still got all your piggies but size wise if you’ve got the neutered boar/sow pair then you are looking for a 5ft hutch. If you’ve got two boars still then you need a 6ft hutch.

I personally prefer having a separate hutch and run rather than a hutch/run combo - I just find them easier to manage and be able to move the run around the lawn to refresh the grass

You have also got to consider the seasons.
Hutches can get very hot so need to be kept somewhere shaded in summer And kept a close eye on as they can still get hot.
In winter they need protection (ideally being moved into a shed or garage) including thermal and water proof hutch covers or tarps. Things like old carpet or blankets underneath a waterproof layer will also help keep warmth in. Lpads of hay for warmth and snugglesafe heat pads

 

[WombleandBear]

When it comes to hutches, spending a good amount of money for a decent, sturdy hutch is important. Buy cheap and you will regret it because they won’t stand up to a UK winter if you aren’t able to move it into a shed.

I know you said you had to rehome your boys but I’m not sure whether that happened or whether you’ve still got all your piggies but size wise if you’ve got the neutered boar/sow pair then you are looking for a 5ft hutch. If you’ve got two boars still then you need a 6ft hutch.

I personally prefer having a separate hutch and run rather than a hutch/run combo - I just find them easier to manage and be able to move the run around the lawn to refresh the grass

You have also got to consider the seasons.
Hutches can get very hot so need to be kept somewhere shaded in summer And kept a close eye on as they can still get hot.
In winter they need protection (ideally being moved into a shed or garage) including thermal and water proof hutch covers or tarps. Things like old carpet or blankets underneath a waterproof layer will also help keep warmth in. Lpads of hay for warmth and snugglesafe heat pads

Yeah I had to rehome the boys, so just a neutered boar and sow pair.

We've got a converted container unit with a window and heating which is going to be used as a hangout space but mum said for the winter I can move the hutch into there which is handy. The advice on the run is really handy so thank you!

Was also wondering, would fleece blankets still be alright for bedding or would it have to be a change to sawdust?

 

[Piggies&buns]

Yeah I had to rehome the boys, so just a neutered boar and sow pair.

We've got a converted container unit with a window and heating which is going to be used as a hangout space but mum said for the winter I can move the hutch into there which is handy. The advice on the run is really handy so thank you!

Was also wondering, would fleece blankets still be alright for bedding or would it have to be a change to sawdust?

You can’t really use fleece outside as it can wick moisture from the air and won’t dry properly. You might get away with using it during a dry summer but any rainy days and you could run into trouble. Mine live permanently in my shed (hutch inside with the hutch door permanently open) and I occasionally use fleece in the shed floor during the summer but I personally wouldn’t attempt it if they are fully outside.

I use aubiose or megazorb as my bedding preference but shavings if I can’t get one of the other two. All topped with hay.