Think I’m decided on a hutch but just a few more bits to sort!

EmmaA24

EmmaA24

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For weeks now I’ve been reading, researching and listing things I need to get and do.

After sending my previously ordered hutch back because it looked too small I settled on a 5ft double hutch.

Home & Roost | Great 5ft Chartwell Double Rabbit Hutch Fox Proof Wire

I’m just deciding on whether it’s worth treating the wood and felting the roof before they move in?

I will also need to adjust the ramp to make it piggy friendly (I’m thinking of also using a bit of roof felt for some extra grip?)

I’m going to use oilcloth to line the flooring as it’s really easy to wipe clean and replace, I also have some left over puppy pads from potty training my toddler and some fleece fabric to try.

Is it also worth doing a deep clean with hot soapy water a day or so before they move in? (I don’t have a date or any pigs in mind yet- just want to be prepared!)

Sorry I know that’s a lot of information! You’ve all been so brilliant and welcoming with your advice so far and I really appreciate it!
 
I think it should be okay , you wouldn’t need to treat the wood bit I would recommend just scrubbing it with soapy water just in case. Hope they like it!
 
That’s a lovely hutch you have planned. Yes it’s a good idea to line the inside for easy cleaning.

I would recommend that if you want your hutch to last for many years to come, you maintain it on a yearly basis with a pet friendly paint and if the roof is not already felted that would definitely be a very good idea.

For the ramp, try a price of off cut carpet as that would be softer than roof felt on the piggies feet. :)
 
EmmaA24 said:
Fab! I hadn’t thought of carpet. That’s easy enough to get hold of.
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A vinyl offcut for the lining (also go up on the sides a little to bedding height to prevent pee soaking into the wood) and some free carpet offcuts from a carpeting shop for the ramps (use double sided tape so you can replace it from time to time) are ideal.

I use carpet offcuts for my own ramps. They retain the scent well (even as a safe guide for blind guinea pigs!) and provide safe grip to help prevent accidents.
Start your piggies on one level and place the ramp carpet on the ground of that level so they scent mark it. This will then help to encourage them to use the ramp, which can often be a problem initially once they are confident with the top level. Guinea pigs are reluctant venture into unmarked territory, but they are wired to follow scent spoors. We tend to grossly underestimate the importance of smell and pheromones because our strongest sense is sight and not smell.
 
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Very nice hutch! I agree with the lino for the floor, so much easier to clean!
 
Thank you for your suggestions!
Great idea about scent marking. I remember seeing my gerbils do this all the time. I guess it’s similar behaviour.

Do I have to be careful about synthetic carpet and them possibly chewing it? What’s the best way to secure it? Wouldn’t want to use anything dangerous or toxic. I’m reasonably ok with basic DIY.

Also do you fix your Lino in place or leave it so it can be removed to be replaced as and when?
 
EmmaA24 said:
Thank you for your suggestions!
Great idea about scent marking. I remember seeing my gerbils do this all the time. I guess it’s similar behaviour.

Do I have to be careful about synthetic carpet and them possibly chewing it? What’s the best way to secure it? Wouldn’t want to use anything dangerous or toxic. I’m reasonably ok with basic DIY.

Also do you fix your Lino in place or leave it so it can be removed to be replaced as and when?
Click to expand...

Use double-sided tape from a DIY shop or amazon for both carpet and lino; that way you can pull it off again whenever needed.
 
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