Hi, I am new to guinea pigs, I am planning to rescue but am getting conflicting information on runs attached to hutches. The rescue centre says the run must be attached to the hutch, with the planned position of the hutch this would mean the guinea pigs are left with a small amount of grass and then some soft dry soil (hutch is under very shady trees so not much grass), is this unsuitable? I had planned to just put them in the run on the grass each day but apparently this doesn’t suit the rescue place needs - will still move it around the garden as well. No idea if they would like or loathe soil on their feet! Any advice gratefully received!
Soon to be new owner - does the run need to be on grass
- Thread starter Sego
- Start date
Having the run on soil does not sound ideal.
Additionally depending on where you live you could have issues with animals like foxes and martens burrowing in.
Is the rescue insisting that the run remain attached to the hutch because otherwise the hutch doesn't meet the minimum space requirement?
If this is the case I would consider buying a larger hutch and then just using the run on good weather so you can move it around as planned.
Additionally depending on where you live you could have issues with animals like foxes and martens burrowing in.
Is the rescue insisting that the run remain attached to the hutch because otherwise the hutch doesn't meet the minimum space requirement?
If this is the case I would consider buying a larger hutch and then just using the run on good weather so you can move it around as planned.
I have a 6x2ft hutch, I thought that was ok for 2 guineapigs? Another rescue place told me I should not have the run attached - so much conflicting advice! Who knew that rescuing guineapigs could be so difficult!
I could perhaps understand If the hutch wasn’t a good size but a 6ft hutch is the recommended size for two boars, and in excess of recommendation for two sows. Although with that said, piggies shouldnt really have access to a run 24/7 as they would be at risk of predators so I can’t see why having it permanently attached would be helpful
I personally prefer a separate run simply so the run can be be moved around the lawn (my piggies actually live in my shed so are moved from their home to run daily). They have their hides etc moved into the run with them.
All you can do is adhere to the guidelines of the rescue you choose to go with. I personally would not want my piggies on soil though.
I personally prefer a separate run simply so the run can be be moved around the lawn (my piggies actually live in my shed so are moved from their home to run daily). They have their hides etc moved into the run with them.
All you can do is adhere to the guidelines of the rescue you choose to go with. I personally would not want my piggies on soil though.
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I can’t help with question as mine are indoor piggies but I wanted to welcome you to the forum.
eileen
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i have some outdoor piggies and i would not have a run attached to the hutch,due to risk of predators.a six feet hutch is a great size for two piggies.welcome to the Forum.a seperate run is good for when weather is dry and warm,easier to move around.
Can't you have a run attached with a door on the hutch that you can open when you can watch your pigs and know there isn't predators about ? Just thought I'd think outside the boxproblem being with a run in one place is that the grass would wear out I guess .
that is how a hutch with attached run are, and should be used for safety - only open the hutch door to allow them out into the run when you can be there to supervise but that's also no different to physically removing them from the hutch and putting them into a separate run when you can supervise. They can only use a run (attached or not) for a few months of the year anyway. So that's why I cant see why the rescue are specifying it must be attached.
Having a hutch/run combo can be a bit of a headache, in my opinion, for several reasons but positioning and the fact they can’t be moved (easily) being just two.
My separate run has to be moved every two days to let the lawn recover so having a hutch/run combo would just be so difficult.
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I find that I often learn as much from other’s questions as I do from any I ask.
Glad you’re finding the forum helpful