Unconventional living

Sarah from Chucklebunnies

Sarah from Chucklebunnies

Adult Guinea Pig
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Hello. After nearly 20 years in a conservatory (built for us originally) starting off in a hutch with the ramp down my piggies now live in a slightly different way. I thought people on here may be interested so I took some photos as I cleaned out. There are also two small bunnies living there, both species of animals need places to hide and get away from the other which is critical for healthy living I found.
Here they are hiding in their separate hidey place across the floor while I cleaned - Lulu (oldest), then Belle, then Ruby's butt and finally Amelia hidden at the back (youngest)
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Here is the actual home, yes it is a plastic box with airholes in the lid (no lid at all in warmer weather), newspaper and fleece. They like the low ceiling. The pink entrance is a sandwich box - they chew entrances and the box plastic itself is too soft. For transport, I just have to put the sandwich box lid on! This home is nicknamed the Lardis....
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Here it is in situ - underneath the rabbit hammock which creates further cover across the front.
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Here is the hay tray, with Ruby in it. Note the shape - prevents the rabbits dragging the hay out. And the comfy place to sit and munch nuggets. (This is all they get each day, just the one bowl. Not refilled!)
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This is the whole setup - note the rabbit toilet blue and white cat thing and the towel behind the bird cage on top of the boxes where the rabbits sleep. Their choice, they like the boxes, i just provided the towel once they had decided. That's Elric of Melnibunny, the Eternal Stampion currently investigating the hay.
The wire fence is so that Amelia doesn't explore into the sitting room. She is the one and only piggy in 20 years who will go over the doorstep - sigh. And yes, I do fall over it on a regular basis. There is also wire around the base of the sideboard so that piggies can't go under. The stool in the initial photo is over on the left.
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Here is what I see when I sit on the stool - you have to have somewhere to sit and enjoy your piggies. There is normally a tunnel in the middle of the floor, but as I make these and sell them I thought it best not to include it here.
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I hope you found that interesting, I know I am not the normal any more. Finally here is Amelia all loved up as she was hiding before!Amelia, all loved up.webp
Thank you for reading it. Happy 2021 to all piggies and piggy slaves!
 

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Wow it's a really interesting set up.
I would love to know what other hides and shelter the guinea pigs have, as given that there are 4 I am guessing they have multiple places to hide os they can be alone if they choose to. Also do they have several hay areas? One small tray doesn't seem a lot for 4 piggies but I appreciate you just cleaned so there might be lots more that haven't been put back yet.
And do the rabbits and guinea pigs share the same floor space? As a long term owner of both species I have to say that this would worry me to be honest.
Most advise strongly recommends against this for the heath and welfare of both animals.
But maybe I have misunderstood your set up?
 
You haven't misunderstood. I too would be wary about sharing floor space with rabbits and piggys, I wanted to show a setup where it works. It works because there are two places which all the piggies can fit into where the buns can't go. the lardis and under the stool. It also works because the piggys cannot get into the rabbit hammock or up onto the boxes. All shared space would never work. It also works because there is a lot of space - you can't see the front to back of house living room but the rabbits have the run of this. The piggies just have the conservatory. You can't put a piggy in with a rabbit in a confined space as accidents can happen. But with room to move easily they avoid hurting each other. In fact, the female rabbit, Xena, she keeps the piggy's ears clean and they go and ask for attention! I do not have a male piggy in case there is a problem there with the rabbits. I was worried a female would try to muscle in on their lardis, try to take over it and 'nest' there for baby rabbits. But no worries, thankfully. I am always on the lookout for problems! And both rabbits are neutered of course.

There is only one hay rack. They all need fresh hay so it needs regular cleaning and topping up. The rabbits pull hay all over the place with a powerful digging motion, that setup stops them doing this. So I have just the one. If I could have two I would, but the rabbits would wreck any other. I tried putting hay into one of those hanging bag type things, but the rabbits attacked the bag! You think piggys are destructive...they have nothing on rabbits!

Normally the piggies have another tunnel and a home but I don't want to be an advert. They provide places to go when crossing the floor. Or cardboard boxes and so on. They like cardboard boxes.

I am glad you found it interesting and I totally understand your worries. I so share them. This setup has come about after a fair bit of invention, changes and shuffling about.
 
You are right there is always a risk. They are not outside rabbits, they always stay in which helps. And of course they have their vaccinations. But yes, there is a risk. The piggies can also transmit to the rabbits as well mind. So whenever you mix animals in floor space you are taking a risk.
 
I always get nervous thinking about pigs and buns living together. I’ve had both but always strictly separate.
My opinion has always been they are different species. They don’t speak the same language and piggies are just too fragile. Rabbits are so so strong and prone to be very grumpy.
 
It is a very interesting set up. I'm fascinated by anyone that just has their piggies free roaming the floor without bedding. Think of the poo! 😱I'm so desperate to own bunnies and they will have to share a room with my piggies but my boys are in a cage on a table while the rabbits would get the floor space. I still need to buy a house first but other than that I've got it all planned out.
 
My herd of 5 guinea pigs live in a c and c cage on table tops and 2 of my rabbits live on the floor in the same room. The rabbits have two 32litre underbed storage boxes full of hay and a growbag tray full of hay.

The guinea pigs have a large wooden magazine rack for hay which stands on shallow shoe trays with more hay in them.

Your set up looks fascinating and easy to clean. Dont know anything about the likelihood of dieases being transmitted, just that it could be a possability which you are clearly aware of.
 
I have to say poo goes everywhere, as does wee sometimes, but the floor is tiled which really helps. I am impressed you have your rabbits on the floor with the piggies on a table flowerfairy - our rabbits are prodigious jumpers and I am assuming the table is quite high? Or difficult to land on?
 
I've just remembered - bumblefoot was a real worry when we first moved to free range on tiles. But luckily they are pretty lazy, don't run around on it too much and it seems to be good rather than bad for their feet to have a variety of surfaces to walk on. No in curling toenails and no needing to trim hard flaps of skin away (forgotten what that one is called)
 
I have a conservatory and the piggies do have a runaround in there in autumn, winter and early spring when they are based inside. But I find it gets extremely hot in the summer, how do you manage? Our roof is glass with roof blinds and it can still get scorching 🥵 The piggies go into runs in the summer during the day so not a problem
 
We had it built with two opening windows in the roof at the top, not one. It cost more! And two windows at the side, and the patio door to the living room can stay open as well. We have a wire thing to cover the outside conservatory door when that is open, so that the air can get in - but we have to be nearby when that door to the garden is open though, there are a lot of cats around us. We looked into blinds but actually providing shade close to the piggies and allowing a through draft makes it cooler overall. And they like to lie on the tiles too.
 
Sarah from Chucklebunnies said:
I have to say poo goes everywhere, as does wee sometimes, but the floor is tiled which really helps. I am impressed you have your rabbits on the floor with the piggies on a table flowerfairy - our rabbits are prodigious jumpers and I am assuming the table is quite high? Or difficult to land on?
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The tables are the linnamons from ikea so just usual table height. I guess the grids make them inaccessable. Both indoor rabbits are fairly small, a dutch and a small lionhead x.

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Sarah from Chucklebunnies said:
We had it built with two opening windows in the roof at the top, not one. It cost more! And two windows at the side, and the patio door to the living room can stay open as well. We have a wire thing to cover the outside conservatory door when that is open, so that the air can get in - but we have to be nearby when that door to the garden is open though, there are a lot of cats around us. We looked into blinds but actually providing shade close to the piggies and allowing a through draft makes it cooler overall. And they like to lie on the tiles too.
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We don’t have roof vents, only windows and patio door, that must make a huge difference 😄
 
I personally don't think that one fairly small hay tray is anywhere near enough for 4 guinea pigs.
The fact that it is also fairly open means they may choose to use it less and it is easy for 1 dominant piggy to guard.
I do understand you want to limit the amount and size of the guinea pig hay area as the rabbits make a mess with it, but the rabbits clearly are looking for digging space.
Whilst your animals have lots of floor space, I feel that animals like rabbits and guinea pigs also require a lot of environmental enrichment too.
Rabbits benefit from sand boxes or digging trays, boxes and wooden items to sit on, play with and destroy, etc.
Guinea pigs really need lots of hides, preferably with some made of natural things such as wood and cardboard to provide chewing opportunities if needed.
I don't think one plastic box (with a small, single entrance) and I spot under a table are really enough for 4 piggies. They never have the option to be alone and enclosed and safely away from the rabbits.

I am just making these suggestions to help you consider how you could make a large space better for your animals, who you clearly love very much.
Guinea pigs need to be close to a free source of hay and water at all times, and whilst the space is large, they have to cross a lot of open floor with other large and unpredictable animals in it to to meet their basic needs.
I would consider lots more hides (wooden or cardboard), tunnels and multiple hay areas - at least one for each animal, as well as water bottles spread across the whole area too.
 
It’s good you’re wanting to give your animals as much space as possible. But I have to agree that the hiding area under the stool and the storage box isn’t enough. They need to have individual hides for when they want to be alone. Otherwise you’re (in essence) forcing them to be together all the time.

I would separate their hay as well - one area for the rabbits and another for the rabbits. How often do you have to top up the hay? And are those pellets for the rabbits, guinea pigs or both? Their nutrition needs are different so which ones do you feed?
 
The rabbits have their own nuggets - or the piggies would eat them. They also need some separate veggies or the piggies would eat them. It is difficult for one piggy to take over the hay tray because of the shape and placement - although I do appreciate that a piggy can try this sort of thing. I have been through many hay ideas already I'm afraid and this one turned out the best one, which doesn't mean it is ideal. If I was judging this set up then I would put that as a problem too. At least I can refill lots during the day.

They do normally have more hideys, it's just that they aren't in the picture. It is essential for piggys to go and 'be alone' sometimes, they need the space to do this. As it is essential for them all to snug up and chunter sometimes too. And it encourages exploration and interest too, especially if I hide stuff. So the hideys vary in placement, what they are, and there isn't a set pattern to them. I left them out because I make and sell some of them, so it would be an advert and that is not the right thing to do.

I know it is difficult, seeing a different setup, and I appreciate the good will and love shown towards piggies that is very evident in the responses I have received. I suppose I was trying to say by doing this post that one size doesn't fit all, and that things can be different and still ok. If there was ever any problem with a rabbit interfering with or being aggressive towards my piggies then they would be banned. Full stop. Not allowed near them. So far, it is working. but every piggy or rabbit that arrives makes a difference to the place. I do have the wire items to completely block off the piggy place so that the buns can't get in, divide the conservatory if you see what I mean. Touch wood, this hasn't been necessary. but you do have to be able to handle emergencies. I have not had anything to worry about up to this point.

It has been fascinating seeing your responses on this forum. I thought I might be simply caned for putting two different species together. Thank you.
 
Thank you for clarifying your setup. One thing I would say is that looks like a lot of nuggets even for four piggies. They’re the chocolate of the piggy world and actually contain more calcium than some high calcium veg.

And you’re lucky yours cuddle up. The majority don’t want to. Where do they sleep at night, or is it free roam all the time? And are you sure there can be no transference of illnesses from rabbits to piggies even though they’re indoor ones?

If it works for you that’s good. But the general consensus on here is to not mix piggies with rabbits - different species and needs - hence the hesitation and pure acceptance of your setup. Can’t think of the words I want!
 
I think as long as you know, are prepared for the risks and are able to step in immediately, then it’s your choice how you set it up.
It’s not something I would do and It does go against everything I feel as a rabbit and a piggy owner (3 buns, 2 piggies). Mine never even share an air space, all equipment is kept entirely separately and I work very hard to ensure there absolutely no cross contamination from one species to the other.
 
I would be worried about sharing the hay. It's essentiall for both species and because it's only in one place they're having to share it. There's just too much risk. Piggie can get worried and not want to go out to eat it and, I know how much mine love to sleep and eat in their hay trays. That's where they spend most of their time. Also, it's direct Cross-contamination place for both species. It's guaranteed both species have been to that place and likely toileted in there as well. Maybe you could turn the tub into a hay tub?

Yes, I would never have bunnies and pigs share. Glad there hasn't been problems.
Just don't want new pet owners to read it and think this will work for everyone. It's also important to add, conservatory can be deadly in summer if proper measures aren't taken. This one has been built with good ventilation in mind.

Good luck x
 
Thank you for taking the time to comment. I totally understand your reluctance to mix the two species. I hope that my experiences with both species and posting the pictures may help anyone who needs to. They can share the space easily, as long as there is enough space. Both are prey animals and they actually get on very well. I have heard horror stories so I am careful, but there have not been any problems so I thought it worth showing people that it can work.

Siikibam - there are a lot of nuggets, but the bowl is never refilled. That's their full day there. Also Amelia has lethal genes and is a nervy piggy so I have been trying to get her to eat more. She now - with a full tummy - actually gets just over 800g (phew) so if she needs an operation down the line then she should be ok. Also it is cold weather, they get a fair bit less in the summer. I want the bowl to be empty well before the end of the day, I want hay there all the time but not nuggets. In the summer they get a lot of forage from the garden but that never replaces the hay - it just replaces some of the nuggets.
 
They shouldn’t be having more than 1 tablespoon each a day though, and that looks like a lot more than that. Are they for both rabbits and guinea pigs or just the guinea pigs? If the former they have different nutritional needs. If the latter then good.

If your nervy piggy has a good heft (BMI) then is there any need to get her to eat more? Pellets aren’t the right thing to feed more of, it should ideally be hay.
 
I tablespoon each a day is a lot less than I am giving. I will cut down on the nuggets then. Thank you for the information, I have been feeding too many nuggets. I do appreciate it. They might not though!

Amelia has only had two seasons in just over two years, so there are hormones in there but her growth is not entirely correct. I don't want her to be carrying a lot of fat, but I do need her to be plump enough to withstand an operation. I will start to feed her separately to the others, it was always an option to do this so I will now go down that route.
 
artcasper said:
i am not one to criticise others but i think you need a lot more HAY....
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I really, really agree with this.
My piggies spend at least 70% of their day in their hay trays eating and sleeping, etc.
With one small and open hay tray shared between 4 piggies it just doesn't seem enough.
I know you are worried about the mess, but have you considered setting up a box stuffed with hay so all piggies can have safe access to a covered hay area 24/7.
 
Siikibam said:
And you’re lucky yours cuddle up. The majority don’t want to. Where do they sleep at night, or is it free roam all the time? And are you sure there can be no transference of illnesses from rabbits to piggies even though they’re indoor ones?
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They don't really have a choice not to be together as they only have 2 sheltered areas, and one is a plastic storage box with a single entrance.
I think that would be a challenge for even my most devoted piggy couple (Eddi and Oreo).
In fairness Eddi and Oreo were my only piggy pair who ever cuddled up anyway - even when they get along brilliantly most of them choose to sleep separately which I think is pretty normal for piggies.
 
Swissgreys said:
I really, really agree with this.
My piggies spend at least 70% of their day in their hay trays eating and sleeping, etc.
With one small and open hay tray shared between 4 piggies it just doesn't seem enough.
I know you are worried about the mess, but have you considered setting up a box stuffed with hay so all piggies can have safe access to a covered hay area 24/7.
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My 3 spend all of their time in their hay trays... they eat in it, sleep in it - and repeat! they have 7 x 3 C & C cage, 3 hideys and free space!
 
It is interesting to see different ways people house their pets. @Sarah from Chucklebunnies it is lovely your animals have so much space to roam and I am glad your piggies usually have a lot more hidies than what are shown in the photo, so they feel safe to explore knowing there is always a bolt hole nearby. I agree with the others about the hay tho. Perhaps you could get several more hay trays like the one you have that suits you do well and place them around the room?

I firmly believe that rabbits and piggies should not be housed together for multiple reasons but appreciate that in your instance so far things are working out. My concern is that for all the rabbit/guinea pig combos where no one gets injured, catches a disease or eats an inappropriate diet, there are all the combos where things don't go so well, some with very bad outcomes. I worry that people with limited knowledge, seeing pigs and buns together, will be unaware of the risks and think it is safe and follow suit, (often just having one of each species) compromising the health and well being of their pets.
 
Definitely. Doesn't matter if your pigs roam or are in cages, having hay everywhere in your house is part of the package.
I know it's all around my house. Constantly hoovering and picking bits of hay off the floor or furniture is what I do 😂
 
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