Hutch

[Sophiemison]

Hello
I have in total 7 pigs, but I need a hutch for my 3 boys, the hutch will be in a insulated shed so won't be open to the elements, I've got my eye on two bluebell hutch one with the run (that won't be attached as they are 'free range' )and the other is two teired both are 5ft. Which one is best or do you recommend there are so many mixed reviews and don't want to waste money on a hutch like I have done in the past.
Thank you

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’m afraid neither of these are anywhere near big enough for three boys if they are to have the door closed and ever be shut in at any point, they aren’t even big enough for two boys.
The grey one is too small and I would suggest you completely disregard that one. It’s only the bottom part that counts as space and the top enclosed area is not big enough.
The 5ft bluebell would be fine if they have free roam to the entire shed all year round and all the time. The door of the hufch could never be shut.

As a boar trio is incredibly difficult to get to work anyway, so it’s essential to make sure they have a huge space. The space recommended to attempt a boar trio is 300cm x 100cm of permanent space. This gives them a square metre of territory each. If you were to try to keep three boys in either of the hutches in the picture, you will quickly find they fall out due to severe lack of space.

There is no commercial cage or hutch which will be big enough for a boar trio, anything would have to be custom made.
Being two tiered does not count as it doesn’t double the floor space.

 

[Swissgreys]

Just to add that even if it is in a shed I would avoid the cheaply made hutches and consider something more robust like a Chartwell (Home and Roost sell them).
This will last longer and be easier to insulate and keep warm in Winter.

You need to bear in mind that your boar trio will likely not last, so please have a plan in place for splitting the group. This needs to be taken into consideration when buying hutches and working out their living situation.
A two story Chartwell hutch where each level is big enough for a pair, but can be closed off (in effect giving two separate hutches) could be a wise investment.
6ft 2 Tier Guinea Pig Hutch Keep Pets Seprate | H&R