Crazy Multilevel Hutch Idea - Could This Work?

[gemnomnom]

Hello all!

So we've had our two lovely piggies for about 6 weeks now. Before we even had them we were planning what kind of cage to give them. It wasn't until after we bought materials that we discovered C&C cages, which admittedly would've been easier, but a lot less fun...

Anyway, my lovely OH has come up with this idea:

and we would like to know if this is crazy? And if there are any potential issues?

The front which is split in half will be on door hinges so we can open it to clean it etc.

The ramps will have grooves in them so the piggies could hopefully use them - although I am dubious about whether this will work or not.

Has anyone attempted anything like this before? Lol. x

 

[Dindypig]

Very interesting, I had a similar idea but to go in the corner of the room. I think the piggies would love it so long as it isn't too complicated for them and has plenty of space for hidies and lounging.

 

[worried val of york]

Wow you are really getting into guinea pig world now. This would look absolutely amazing. Are you architects? One thing that you would consider is the time taken to clean all the floors. If you actually go ahead and build it then you would get some comments from anyone visiting. It would beat an aquarium hands down.

 

[piggyfan]

Many guinea pigs do not like to use ramps. I think they would benefit more from a one level but large space. It is a nice idea though but with guinea pigs only the ground floor counts in terms of space. I know you probably will not like my opinion as it sounds negative but I am just being honest.

 

[twiams]

My only concern would be how much space holes/ramps take up! Guinea pigs are enjoy running laps far more than climbing ramps etc. So the amount of space taken up by holes in the floor and ramps would hinder the amount of useable space that they actually have, i guess it really depends on the sort of dimensions your thinking, but i've seen a cage that was 130cm long which is a fair size especially as it was two tier which makes many people think your getting twice as much size but with a ramp in the middle to one side and all the space that took up left only half as much space available and the pigs just couldn't run around without bumping into things as there was no room for hidey houses or toys at all.
Plus that pig also later passed away after falling of the top level and suffering brain damage, so security of open holes would have to be monitored.
As mentioned above, cleaning may also be a pain in the bum!
It's a good starting point for an idea, but in my opinion wide long cages are better than high and tall cages.

 

[doglovinpiggylover]

my boys cage is similar to this but on three levels of 4 x 2. the fronts drop down to make cleaning easy. One thing i will say is the ramps get completely saturated with pee at the bottoms as for some reason my boys love to pee at the top of them! With them being wood its not great, but its something for you to consider anyway.

 

[the boys]

I think that is an ace idea. My boys love their ramp. They zoom up and down. The popcorn before and after running on it.
I'm having a hutch made. 2 tier hutch. With a trap door so I can stop the using both floors if needed.

 

[gemnomnom]

Hi all, thanks all for the great responses as usual.

We were at a stalemate as to whether to build the cage upwards as shown, and have it in our living room alcove where it fits in perfectly, or have it long but single/double storey in front of our tv (our tv is 2 ft off the ground). OH didn't think it would look nice compared to the alcove where it tuck in nicely and it would be 'their space'. Plus the cats have not troubled them once since being there.

Thanks for the picture! What hinge/how does the front drop down? Funny that they pee there!

Wow, I am really sad to hear about that pig who fell & passed away. How high up was the ramp? Ours would be 90 mm off the floor below. The ramp & split-level they have at the moment is higher than this.

Now we are going to make the hutch deeper so they have more floor space, and thus lower the height and have fewer floors. I am also not sure how bedding would work - have been loving the puppy pads + fleece so far.

Also glad to see comments on what a PITA it would be to clean! I was telling OH this from the get-go.

Thanks for the kind words. I am definitely not an architect (just a writer) but husband is always doing technical drawing, pottering about with 'boys toys' and general DIY tinkering.

 

[doglovinpiggylover]

I have taken some piccis of the cage front when it is open, one of the hinges, one of the bolt i use to lock and also one of how i keep the middle one open to let air in but keep the dogs out!

I use newspaper and vetbed in mine and it is very easy to clean out x

 

[gemnomnom]

Thanks for the pictures! Did you build that yourself? Do you (or anyone else have any tips for making sturdy corners? We have a way, but would just like some extra ideas

 

[Jess]

That is pretty cool! Personally I would be leaning towards making it wider and longer then higher
But each to their own!
Plus if you do want to go up say… 2 storeys maybe, right at the bottom would make a perfect storage compartment for hay and food etc. I look forward to hopefully seeing the construction and finished project will be pretty ace!

 

[Hermes]

Even with multiple levels you need your base to be 120cm x 60cm although if you want it to fit widthways I guess you could have 104cm by 80cm. I think your original design is overcomplicated with the number of ramps and I agree with the general consensus that providing more space over a couple of levels would be better.

 

[doglovinpiggylover]

nooooo i didnt build it lol my dad did. Re the corners oh i dont know sorry. Its just all wood and screws

 

[gemnomnom]

Helllo. Yes the 'ground floor' will be storage for their things. Will be nice to have a self contained area for it. I do think it will be at least 1040 x 800 mm. Thanks for the specification.

We're thinking now of having three storeys just. More of a cube than cuboid. Will keep you all posted.

 

[christine]

Many guinea pigs do not like to use ramps. I think they would benefit more from a one level but large space. It is a nice idea though but with guinea pigs only the ground floor counts in terms of space. I know you probably will not like my opinion as it sounds negative but I am just being honest.[ Have to agree with piggy fan,sorry.