Hutch mould

[Honey&maple]

Hi guys.
My Guinea pigs have had this 6ft chartwell double hutch for 2 and a half years now. It is starting to rot away and become mouldy as I haven’t had chance to paint and treat the wood. The rain seems to be seeping through. I have tried to mould spray it also. My Guinea pigs are inside at the moment so I have time to get it ready for them . However , do you guys think this hutch can be saved and any tips on how to do so please?

 

[Roselina]

Hello that’s a shame …..I don’t think you can save that hutch - once mould has taken hold it releases spores which if breathed in are very dangerous. The chemicals used in a mould remover are too strong for guinea pigs - I would either buy a new cage next year and really double up on the rain protection or keep the piggies indoors - you can’t put them out now in a new cage anyway due to the temperature change. I’m sure other forum members will be along to offer advice - good luck

 

[Betsy]

I had a Chartwell Hutch outside for a few years before I moved and put it in the garage. Did you have a waterproof/rainproof cover and an insulating cover to go the rainproof cover? I never had a problem with mould while it was outside as I had the covers to go over it.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Once rain has started to get in and cause damage then that is usually the end for them.
I wonder the same as Betsy though - do you use hutch covers? Mine are in sheds and roofed enclosures but I have kept hutches completely outside in the past but always had a waterproof cover on them (including in summer - just didn’t put the front down on them) and not had issues with mould

 

[eileen]

I agree with the above posters. I used the thermal cover and rain cover,it lasted 8 years outside in all weathers.

 

[Honey&maple]

Once rain has started to get in and cause damage then that is usually the end for them.
I wonder the same as Betsy though - do you use hutch covers? Mine are in sheds and roofed enclosures but I have kept hutches completely outside in the past but always had a waterproof cover on them (including in summer - just didn’t put the front down on them) and not had issues with mould

I think I’m going to get a new one . Would I need a thermal cover and waterproof? Or is it okay with just a waterproof as they’re quite pricey.

 

[Betsy]

You need both covers to keep your piggies warm enough.

 

[Piggies&buns]

If your piggies live outside in winter then you will need both waterproof and thermal.