Extending Outdoor Hutch

[Veggies Galore]

Last Summer, I had 2 boar guinea pigs in an outdoor 2 tier hutch. This was adequate for 2 but I have learnt a lot while they have been indoors over the winter.
Also, I now have 1 boar and 2 sows.
My OH wants the guinea pigs outside now. He thinks we can just bung them in this 2 tier hutch and they will be OK. He doesn't understand the complexities of their behaviour and that they need their own personal space.
He won't let me get another hutch so I am looking at ways I can extend this one to give them more sleeping areas.
We had a run made for the front last year and I am thinking of getting one made for the back too.


My question is, should I be looking at putting the extra sleeping areas upstairs or downstairs?

I have read somewhere that sleeping areas should be raised off the ground - is this for safety or to ensure they don't get damp?

I would be grateful for you views.

 

[Wiebke]

Sleeping areas are ideally off the ground because of damp/cold. Also take into consideration that they will need extra shading during a heat wave. Best of luck with your plans!

Please be aware that they will need extra protection during cold nights and wide daily temperature swings. Move them out on a warm day with a warm night to follow.

 

[Veggies Galore]

Sleeping areas are ideally off the ground because of damp/cold. Also take into consideration that they will need extra shading during a heat wave. Best of luck with your plans!

Please be aware that they will need extra protection during cold nights and wide daily temperature swings. Move them out on a warm day with a warm night to follow.

Thank you for the reply @Wiebke. I've got the shade thing sussed - my local supermarket were selling ground sheets at a reasonable price last year so I bought a load - and I have renamed mine "shade sails".

Another concern about having them outside is safety - I know for a fact that there are foxes in the area and it's not out if the realms of possibility for a dog to get into our garden. Have any forum members had any problems in this dept?

 

[Goth Mummy]

Your set up looks strong and sturdy. Of course foxes are always a worry. But your run looks very well made and if you have to keep them outside (and you do not have a shed to house the hutch in) then I think that you have to do the best you can, take all best precautions and just keep alert to the possibility of predators.