Does anyone have an outdoor enclosure?

Status
Not open for further replies.
ghostbusterbunny

ghostbusterbunny

Adult Guinea Pig
Joined
Mar 30, 2011
Messages
1,484
Reaction score
247
Points
505
Location
Ribble Valley, Lancashire
I'm looking for ideas for an enclosure-style run for my big herd. Considering there's 16, a conventional run isn't an option, so I was wondering if anyone had something a bit more... heavy duty where piggies can spend most of the day outside. I'm thinking half paved/half grass (or even entirely paved and they can have fresh grass in the run) but I'd need something cat and bird proof where they can safely be left for extended periods to enjoy being piggies!

I know this might be a bit of a long shot, but does anyone have an outdoor set up like this or have any ideas as to what I could do that would be durable enough for 16 little horrors? I know that if they do have a grassy area they'll munch through it in a day... so I'm not sure if that's going to work.

:)
 
These are good - covered ends so they cast good shade for the hideys to go in, if they catch the sun hideys can turn into little ovens (and some pigs aren't bright enough to move).

Up to 7ft long.
http://www.happyhutch.co.uk/our-rabbit-runs/66

Can be ordered to the size and design you choose.
http://rons-runs.weebly.com/runs.html

These will also make to your requirements.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/a.tolbert/6ft x 4ft Tortoise.html

I've had large groups on wood bark and partial slabs - found it got wet and mucky after a few weeks of use through the summer. Now I use astroturf and love it - I hoover up the poo, disinfect as needed, no need to relocate the run as it never gets mucky or bare. I give them corner trays (ferret loo) for their grass or Graze-On dried grass, upside down plastic dog beds as hideys in the shaded areas, tunnels and log rolls.

P8230510.JPG


P8040399.JPG


P7030256.JPG


Or you can join up smaller runs to create one long one.
P8050401.JPG


Vid of a couple of piggies out in their run
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/T4oetMqWQmyCHTghTmxId3UPGSaOwsRwKWotWxCf0K4?feat=directlink

HTH

Suzy x
 
I have upwards of 28 pggies and this year have invested in a 12 foot x 12 foot bird aviary which is attached to their 12foot x 6 foot shed . it was rather costly but different sizes are avaILABLE and they are cat and bird proof though the piggies are locked in the shed at night.
Have a look on ebay under "aviaries" you should get some good ideas.
 
This is what I have. They are usually supervised when they're in it. I am in the process of making a chicken mesh cover which will be in a frame and hinged to make it bird/cat proof. ;)

P190811_12590001-1.jpg


P230711_18020001.jpg
 
Two options, depending on whether you want or need to move it around. If you do, then runs which have an end door on them would be great as you can have a series linked together. Mine have a door at the end, and with lids on top, you can ensure they are protected. Not a cheap option though at around 50 quid each.

Option two is used by my neighbours who have chickens. They have made a fruit cage thing, with a full size door, and put the coop in that. It allows the chickens to run round safe from foxes, but retreat into their weather proof cage if they want to. You can get netting online, and possibly save money by putting the posts up yourself.

HTH
 
I'm thinking we might need to build something. All of those runs are great (especially THM's!) but whilst we have a large garden, it's very uneven, even my metal one that has spikes so you have a little wiggle room doesn't go everywhere.

An aviary type thing is quite good, might be able to build something with paving stones and maybe astroturf (I love that idea!) that can just stay in one place and all the piggies will be able to use it all the time.

Thank guys! Definitely got some food for thought here! :]
 
If I put my pigs on astroturf instead of grass they would never EVER speak to me again! :))
 
:)) It''s the only green stuff that can grow in my garden - it's ancient riverbed with 6 inches of clay - If I wanted to throw pots for a hobby it would be great, but grow grass? Forget it.
 
I've managed to acquire a number of corrugated pipes from work, the type that go round young trees to prevent them getting eaten. Coupled with a "Y" drainage pipe, I've put them all together in the pen and the girls love it! :)

P040412_12160001.jpg
 
i'm interested in this thread too as although i will only have two little piggies, my gardens mostly decking! and the grass area has a 10foot pool in the middle lol so i'm liking astroturf as i could corner off some decking and if they are on the astroturf do you think they'd be ok?.. or do they need to be on grass?
 
aviary

christine said:
I have upwards of 28 pggies and this year have invested in a 12 foot x 12 foot bird aviary which is attached to their 12foot x 6 foot shed . it was rather costly but different sizes are avaILABLE and they are cat and bird proof though the piggies are locked in the shed at night.
Have a look on ebay under "aviaries" you should get some good ideas.
Click to expand...

The aviary has now "grown to "18ft x12 ft!
 
when I used to keep my herd of 6 outside i used 2 hutch and run combos attached together and made a entrance for them to run through both runs..

Now my piggies live in my shed.
 
annaleaze said:
i'm interested in this thread too as although i will only have two little piggies, my gardens mostly decking! and the grass area has a 10foot pool in the middle lol so i'm liking astroturf as i could corner off some decking and if they are on the astroturf do you think they'd be ok?.. or do they need to be on grass?
Click to expand...

Depends if you want to supplement their grazing with hay or veg.

I personally like my pigs on proper grass, they are grazing animals and need constant fibre and while I sometimes do have to have them on the patio with hay in their run, I much prefer grass - it's cheaper lol.

You could make yourself a nice 4ft x 4ft container with planks of wood, chuck a load of nice compost in it, and get some rolls of turf (currently £3.49 from homebase lol) then add fencing to create a little guinea area on your decking! This is what I intend to do if our next place doesn't have a lawn (although I have actually made us up our budget so we can get a lawn lol)
 
Suzy, do yours ever get confused and eat the astro turf?!

I do think mine would be a bit too dopey for this...!
 
It is quite commom to keep your guinea pigs outside in Australia. The link below is one of the designs I am planning to buy for my girls as a outside run. I know you cant buy it but you maybe able to find a carpenter who could knock one up for you. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Rabbit-Guinea-Pig-Ferret-Chicken-Coop-House-Hutch-8029-/260866701380?pt=AU_Pet_Supplies&hash=item3cbcddf844
If you scroll through it even shows detailed pictures of the different area's as well as sizes, but you could certainly use it as a guide.
 
This was my run in 2010-Fenced off from the dogs
Run412410.jpg


The fully netted roof
Run612410.jpg


Herbs planted, grass growing
Run06510.jpg


Run16510.jpg


My seat
Run26510.jpg


Pigs in the run
HaggisGirls221510.jpg


Magoo021510.jpg
 
Last edited:
Blimey! We're struggling to keep the moss at bay, due to poor sunlight (problem with light has been solved with the fell of a conifer a few weeks ago) But there's still too much moisture in the soil to prevent moss taking over.. considering taking the whole lawn up and relaying new turf..
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top