What type of hutch to buy

S

sturoo83

New Born Pup
Joined
Oct 10, 2018
Messages
3
Reaction score
1
Points
45
Location
Falkirk
Hi, we're looking to buy guinea pigs for the first time and I'm unsure what type of hutch to buy and if it should have a attached or separate run. We're planning to keep them outdoors and our garden is flat and has areas of artificial grass and patio slabs. At Pets at Home we were told that having a run on slabs is better than grass, as it wears their claws down. However, I'm unsure whether to buy a hutch with an open base, such as this one (Windsor Guinea Pig Hutch), or one with a raised base, such as this one (Double Guinea Pig Hutch). Also would I need a separate run for them with hutches of this size?

If we went for a hutch with an open base (rather than floored) would the guinea pigs be ok using this when the ground is wet, as I imagine it would then make the top floor of the hutch and their bedding wet?

Thanks
 
Have it half on grass half on slabs. Everyones a winner. Or dig out a little foundation on the grass and lay bricks down for half and half
 
I personally prefer separate hutches and runs. My piggies have a 5ft two storey hutch and then I remove them from the hutch and put them out into the run (it then provides greater space as my run is considerably bigger than the ones which are part of the hutch) when weather allows. I find it easier to deal with cleaning the hutch etc without having to keep getting in over the run (some runs are double the length of the hutch). I also feel it is easier to insulate a hutch that doesn’t have a run attached. Equally, it is easier to move a separate run around the lawn to get fresh grass (although I note you mention you have artificial grass).
And yes, even with a good sized hutch, they would still appreciate a separate run to play in when the weather is dry and warm enough for them to be out.
Ultimately though, its personal choice and as long as it is big enough for the piggies, then that is the important bit!
 
My first hutch was from P@H with an open run at the bottom. It didn't last long. The back board started to rot at the base as it was permanently on the ground and in the winter was very wet. I had to put a false floor on the bottom of it to stop the piggies getting cold and damp in the winter. I also had to cover the open sides with weatherproof ply. I have learned from that experience and now have a two tier hutch on legs. The legs are stood on some old quarry tiles my friend gave me. I have a separate run that my piggies go in during the day when the weather is nice.
 
After doing my research and recommendations from this forum. I went for a Chartwell 5ft double tier with insulation and cover with fly net. Look at home and roost or scratch and newton. I have 2 girls. Minimum size is 4ft x 2 ft but go as big as you can.

I also have a a separate run for grass time when it’s nice weather. Xx
 
Nice one! I have the Chartwell 6ft Double tier. I would also recommend you get the hutch snuggle that goes over the top of the insulation cover with fly net. This is thermal, waterproof and has a waterproof cover that comes down over the front. It just gives your piggies an extra layer of protection for the winter.
 
Thanks all. Really useful advice. I’ve read on some sites they need at least 4 hours outside of their hutch each day for excericise. Is this the case and if so, what do you do if the weather is bad and they can’t go in their run? Even if you put a cover over the run, the ground would still be wet and cold. Do you bring them into a room indoors for exercise or are there some days when they’re unable to spend time out of their hutch and is this ok?
 
I don't get mine out in the winter if it is too cold or wet (if it is under 10 degrees outside mine don't come out of the hutch) I have always brought them inside for cuddle time and a bit of a free roaming. I do this every day. If it is really cold outside I limit this to half an hour cos the temperature change on their bodies is too much for them. Some days they just don't come out of the hutch. Most days I can manage it though. I put them in their run on the patio. As the patio is rather cold at the mo the run is on top of an old duvet so that they don't get too cold.

Inpsired!.webp

Have you lots of fleecy hideys and stuff to help to keep them warm? I have loads and snugglesafes (Piggy hot water bottles). I also go through twice the amount of hay in the winter as I do in the summer as I stuff the hutch with it so they can snuggle down in it to keep warm.
 
That is correct in that they can’t go outside if it is wet or cold. If you have a very large hutch so they have lots of space, then that will help towards keeping their exercise levels up even if they can’t go out.
My two live in a hutch in my shed. They have a run on the lawn but they can Be let them out of their hutch and they get to roam around in the shed floor when it is warm enough (over 10 degrees but cooler than 20/22 degrees) but wet outside and cant go out. Other than that, I will do the same thing as Betsy and let them have a short amount of run time indoors.
Being outdoors piggies, it’s vital to add a lot of extra warmth inside the hutch and insulation to the outside of the hutch once it gets below 10/12 degrees.
 
When we move house (in the next couple of years) I have stipulated that I need an outhouse of some kind (shed or garage) with electricity so that I can keep my piggies in there. That way I can keep them a bit warmer, they can have a run attached to the hutch and can get some exercise when it is wet and also I don't get wet when cleaning them out.:)
 
Betsy said:
I don't get mine out in the winter if it is too cold or wet (if it is under 10 degrees outside mine don't come out of the hutch) I have always brought them inside for cuddle time and a bit of a free roaming. I do this every day. If it is really cold outside I limit this to half an hour cos the temperature change on their bodies is too much for them. Some days they just don't come out of the hutch. Most days I can manage it though. I put them in their run on the patio. As the patio is rather cold at the mo the run is on top of an old duvet so that they don't get too cold.

View attachment 97021

Have you lots of fleecy hideys and stuff to help to keep them warm? I have loads and snugglesafes (Piggy hot water bottles). I also go through twice the amount of hay in the winter as I do in the summer as I stuff the hutch with it so they can snuggle down in it to keep warm.
Click to expand...

Thanks Betsy. We haven’t got anything as yet. Still looking into the options and get some advice before we get them.
 
The reason I got the 5ft double teir was for days when it’s bad weather and I can’t brng them indoors. Mostly I do bring them in for a cuddle and a run around the dining room if the ground is wet and cold. Just make sure it’s not 10 degrees outside and then 30 degrees inside as they struggle with a jump in temperature.

I think it’s great that you’re putting so much thought into this. They will be very lucky piggies xx
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top