Two storey hutch

[Alicia]

I am getting a new hutch next year for my guinea-pigs, and I'm excited because at the moment they're living in two small hutches which have been joined together and it's not very good for them. I don't know whether a single storey hutch or a double hutch would be best. I used to prefer single hutches but now I think a double hutch might be better, what do you think?

 

[claire8234]

Hi Alicia

This is my two storey hutch - excuse the pampers box but they make good hiding places!

I have had single storey and two storey hutches and I really love this one. It took a few days for my guinea pigs to get used to the ramp but they now hurtle up and down it they have a nice cosy bedding area upstairs and plenty of space to run around downstairs.

If you get a two tier hutch its best that the bottom tier has a solid floor and doesn't sit directly on the ground otherwise it can get too damp and draughty

x

 

[LittleEskimo]

It looks great How many fit in there?

 

[claire8234]

Its 50 inches by 50 inches (128cm) and I have two guinea pig in there

 

[LittleEskimo]

Might have to put that on my wishlist :p

 

[claire8234]

I got this from ebay for £50 including the hutch cover, food bowls, water bowls and the hay rack

The ramp and some of the doors have been a bit chewed by the previous owners rabbits but the wood is really thick and it is very sturdy. I looked at loads in the local pet shop and the wood was really thin so keep a look out on second hand sites

 

[NatalieMT]

Personally I prefer single level hutches, I've had double tier even triple tier ones in the past and gave up on them because my guinea pigs wouldn't use the ramps. I think it's better for mine to have one big space on a single level to run around rather than something stacked high. I don't like how ramps can take up space, can be steep or sometimes get in the way.

My hutches are pretty long, 8 footers and obviously it's not practical for everyone to have hutches that take up quite so much space which is why double tiers can be better. I don't know how much you are looking to spend but you could get a single tier 8ft hutch for less than £100 if you contact local carpenters/joiners etc. Mine are solid timber not plywood which means the cost is probably justified since they will last such a long time.

Just do whatever works best for you, if you think your piggies will take to a double tier hutch and you find one that looks like it will fit the bill then go for it!