Built in insulation for hutches

[Smoo]

So unfortunately my girls will have to stay outside for their first winter this year... I'm getting a lovely man from work to build me a 6ft hutch for them as the hutch they're in is far too small (it was a temporary emergency one) and I'm looking at getting him to insulate it for me so it's warm enough.

At the moment, we're toying with the idea of a layer of polystyrene built into the walls of the hutch but as I need to get the plans emailed to him I need to know if this would be the best design/material to use. I don't want it to get too hot for them over summer but equally it has to insulate them enough over winter.

They'll be moved under a sheltered lean-to and I'd like to find a hutch hugger that's big enough to keep the wind chill out and also I'll probably buy a couple of heat pads but I'd like the hutch itself to be as warm as it can be made. Any ideas?

 

[sharonS]

Maybe you could do a bit of research on the internet to see what kinds of insulation would be suitable. I would imagine some insulation underneath would be good too as cold air rises.

 

[Hanlou]

My rabbits' shed is insulated with polystyrene then the silver-backed stuff stapled over the top with Hardboard panels over the top of that to keep it all in (and prevent it being eaten! rolleyes). It insulates against heat and cold - so no worries about it getting too hot in the summer.

Insulation will help keep the hutch cool in summer and warm in winter - so the best of both worlds!

 

[Stewybus]

Yes polystyrene should be OK as it works both ways. Keeping heat in, in the winter & keeping heat out in the summer.

 

[Smoo]

Thanks guys, Hanlou I love your rabbit shed!
I think I'll go with polystyrene then, the reason i said built into the walls was so that they girls can't eat it! My builder has suggested whether I would want them remove able but if the polystyrene will help keep it cool in the summer as well I don't see any need

Do you know if there is any specific design need for a piggy hutch? All I know is I want a 6ft x 2ft hutch on legs with insulation! I guess obviously it has to have a sloping roof as well so the rain water can drain off... Other than that I'm a bit useless as my piggies have always been indoor piggies the majority of the time @)

 

[Stewybus]

If I had an outdoor hutch, the only thing that I'd add that doesn't appear on bought hutches is some sort of removable front for when it's really bad weather. Like maybe a perspex sheet that slides into place along the front or shutters like they used to use on windows.

 

[Claire W]

Before my piggies had their shed, I fitted extra bolts to their hutch and used a thick fleece blanket to cover the front of the hutch over night during the colder months.

I covered their hutch in silver loft insulation (essentially silver bubble wrap) on the outside and they had a wind / rain cover over the hutch.

I can not recommend snugglesafe microwaveable heat pads enough for outdoor piggies.

 

[amy104]

If you are having legs it might be nice to have them at a height you can reach whilst standing. Saves your back if you don't have to lean over to get in it to clean.