What type of hutch/run?

[Cla76ire]

Hey everyone,

I am currently researching guinea pig runs/hutches ready to introduce some guinea pigs in the spring. They will live outside, and I thought that maybe the spring would be the best time to buy as by the time the winter comes they wiull be older and a little hardier!

I initially thought that I would like a hutch with a run underneath, so during the day they could go between the two as they please. However, I am now thinking that a separate run that we put them in during the day would be preferable as then we can move it's position, as they eat the grass.

Want to give them as much room as we can. Very grateful for anyones thoughts on this.

thanks in advance!

Claire

 

[Claire W]

Hi

It is all down to personal choice really but you are right, if your piggies are going to live outdoors, waiting until the Spring when the weather warms up will be better as it is to cold to introduce piggies to outdoors living at the minute.

Always buy the biggest you can afford.

My 4 girlies live in a 6ft by 2ft by 2ft hutch and have a separate run but this is purely because I preferred them to have a single story hutch. We also have no grass in our back yard so have to move the run to the front of the house and supervise the girls if we want them to have a run on the grass.

There are many members on here who have hutches with runs underneath and many who have single hutches with separate runs.

Have a look on Amazon and ebay as there are thousands to choose from on there.

One thing to point out with hutches with a run underneath is you must make sure that the run is well secured so predators can not dig underneath and in the cooler weather, you may want to shut the run off to keep the piggies out which will leave less room during the winter.

The minimum requirement for 2 guinea pigs is 4ft x 2ft x 2ft

This thread may give you some more ideas http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=53209

 

[Lisa_Ann]

Hi

I agree with Claire: buy the biggest and best quality hutch you can afford and have room for.

I have young piggies and only got them in September and like you, did lots of research first. It s best to be prepared as poss, then you can enjoy them when they arrive, rather than worrying.

I asked at a local rescue regarding housing as I definitely can't keep guineas indoors due to space and my hubby not really being up for it. They said that yes you can keep them outdoors during all seasons providing you have a very good quality insulated hutch that is weatherproofed, use weatherproof blankets etc, plenty of hay and can use heat pads. Mine have been outdoors through all this snow and although I worry about them as it's our first Winter, I know their hutch is good and well insulated.

I have uploaded my hutch details on the sticky section.
I really recommend it,. they are superior quality to anything you will find in a pet shop. Really check the quality. I upped mine to 9mm log lap just to be sure.

I debated the whole run with a ramp too. I decided that actually a really good single level hutch would be better and less draughty as well as safe. they look great and good for spring and summer but I'm not sure how snug you can make them in winter? Others may be able to advise.

Happy shopping!