Foxes

Reggie

Reggie

New Born Pup
Joined
Apr 18, 2020
Messages
18
Reaction score
3
Points
80
I have not seen foxes in my garden before but I am nervous that foxes will be able to get into my garden and to my guinea pig I have a tall cage from pets at home and a thick thermal cover over it. We did have him in a shed but found it made him very stressed and he is much happier outside I need advice. Thank you
 
What made you think he found it stressful to live inside a shed? I don’t keep my piggies outside so can’t help you. I’ll tag... @Piggies&buns @eileen @Betsy

Does your boy live alone or is it a case of can’t live with friend and can’t live without? Or are you planning to get him a friend?
 
How could I make is fox proof for him to be safe ?
 
You have to make sure the locks are secure. Foxes are cunning. What kind of cage do you have?
 
Siikibam said:
What made you think he found it stressful to live inside a shed? I don’t keep my piggies outside so can’t help you. I’ll tag... @Piggies&buns @eileen @Betsy

Does your boy live alone or is it a case of can’t live with friend and can’t live without? Or are you planning to get him a friend?
Click to expand...
He did have a friend at the start but unfortunately he passed away and I was advised not to get him another friend as he was too old I am not sure why it made him stressed
 
Siikibam said:
You have to make sure the locks are secure. Foxes are cunning. What kind of cage do you have?
Click to expand...
I have a two tier hutch it is wooden with mesh wire on the door and it is secure with a lock on each door I am scared this is not enough it also have a thick thermal cover over it which I tightly velcro everyday and night
 
Reggie said:
He did have a friend at the start but unfortunately he passed away and I was advised not to get him another friend as he was too old I am not sure why it made him stressed
Click to expand...
I’m sorry for your loss. How old is he and who advised you not to get him a friend? I think as he’s alone I’d consider moving him indoors if possible.

I don’t know much about fox proofing but hopefully the mesh etc is fine. Be aware that the cage doesn’t get too hot with the thermal cover on during the day as well.
 
Siikibam said:
I’m sorry for your loss. How old is he and who advised you not to get him a friend? I think as he’s alone I’d consider moving him indoors if possible.

I don’t know much about fox proofing but hopefully the mesh etc is fine. Be aware that the cage doesn’t get too hot with the thermal cover on during the day as well.
Click to expand...
Ok thank you I would move him inside but I have dogs and I’m not sure he’d like the barking yes I do check the degrees and make sure if he’s too hot I take off the thermal cover
 
i would ensure you have a padlock on each of the doors,maybe put another layer of mesh,galvanised mesh.foxes are very clever and have been known to unlock catches on hutches.are you able to place the hutch near to the house ?or place in a shed,outbuilding,car porch,garage if you are very worried.you seem to have done most of the work.i hope that is useful !the thermal cover works by keeping hutch warm in winter,and cool in summer,in the summer if it is very hot,place the plastic bit of the cover on top of the hutch.
:)
 
Ok thank you very much I will have a look 😁
 
This is the issue with many flat packed hutches. Their lack of strength against predators. Have you seen foxes in your local area? We had one that came into our garden a few times several years ago. I made sure never to leave food around, cleaned up any spills. So as not to encourage rats too. The fox didn't even look at my pigs but I understand your anxiety about it
 
Piggylove82 said:
This is the issue with many flat packed hutches. Their lack of strength against predators. Have you seen foxes in your local area? We had one that came into our garden a few times several years ago. I made sure never to leave food around, cleaned up any spills. So as not to encourage rats too. The fox didn't even look at my pigs but I understand your anxiety about it
Click to expand...
Yes it is very nerve wracking I’m looking into get more mesh wiring and more locks I have seen a few foxes and I do try clean up spills just scared but I’m trying to make it as fox proof as possible
 
When we moved 6 months ago, my piggies went in the garage having previously been outside for over 3 years. They love it in there. They are out of the rain and the wind. It took them a couple of weeks to adjust. I have 4 piggies living in 2 pairs in a 2 tier hutch.
 
Betsy said:
When we moved 6 months ago, my piggies went in the garage having previously been outside for over 3 years. They love it in there. They are out of the rain and the wind. It took them a couple of weeks to adjust. I have 4 piggies living in 2 pairs in a 2 tier hutch.
Click to expand...
Do they get any natural daylight?
 
That’s nice I think the reason why he didn’t like it was it might have been too dark as there is only one window facing away from the sun he seems much happier outside
 
Reggie said:
That’s nice I think the reason why he didn’t like it was it might have been too dark as there is only one window facing away from the sun he seems much happier outside
Click to expand...
Mine like it outside too. Natural sounds and smells, fresh air...
 
Yeah I would say that’s why what do you to keep your piggies safe from outside animals ?
 
I have a hutch that weighs about 150kg! Fox proof mesh, heavy duty bolts, 6 inch legs. It's a bespoke hutch. I had it hand-built to my spec. In the winter or very windy weather I have acrylic windows that I put in.
 
Ok I do have mesh on it and it’s very heavy I need to get another layer of mesh and heavy duty bolts
 
That is amazing should I get another layer of mesh to go over mine I will show you my hutch do I need knew locks too
 

Attachments

  • image.webp
    image.webp
    86.6 KB · Views: 9
  • image.webp
    image.webp
    90.5 KB · Views: 9
  • image.webp
    image.webp
    61.5 KB · Views: 8
Yeah it is what shall I do to make it better
 
Reggie said:
Yeah it is what shall I do to make it better
Click to expand...
I had the exact same one. I didn't adapt it, only put in a bannister at the top of the stairs, added more steps to the ramp, put vinyl on the floors and added waterproof feet. It had its cover on permanently because the wood was so thin. The floors started to bow and after 3 years I replaced it with what I have now.

You could add better bolts, but I don't know if you have space. Maybe put another layer of mesh on if you want but would your water bottles still fit? And be careful with having it high up because it could get blown over or pushed over.

On a similar hutch I had before this, because let's face it no matter what name is on it, a flat packed hutch is a flat packed hutch. They won't have solid walls or be made to last outdoors long term. But on that hutch my husband attached side and rear pieces over all three sides of the hutch, thicker plywood to insulate it. It didn't look attractive, but it did the job.
 
Piggylove82 said:
I had the exact same one. I didn't adapt it, only put in a bannister at the top of the stairs, added more steps to the ramp, put vinyl on the floors and added waterproof feet. It had its cover on permanently because the wood was so thin. The floors started to bow and after 3 years I replaced it with what I have now.

You could add better bolts, but I don't know if you have space. Maybe put another layer of mesh on if you want but would your water bottles still fit? And be careful with having it high up because it could get blown over or pushed over.

On a similar hutch I had before this, because let's face it no matter what name is on it, a flat packed hutch is a flat packed hutch. They won't have solid walls or be made to last outdoors long term. But on that hutch my husband attached side and rear pieces over all three sides of the hutch, thicker plywood to insulate it. It didn't look attractive, but it did the job.
Click to expand...
Ok thank you I will have a look some of the other specific made hutches are quite expensive that’s why we had to get that hutch
 
I ordered a Chartwell 6ft double storey in December. It was £230. The thermal cover and waterproof cover were £110 combined. So £340.

When the hutch came there were broken parts and the tongue and groove side panels hadn't been assembled properly. There were gaps between the slats. They replaced the panels but the replacements also had the same defect.

I looked at ryedale pet homes, and paid a little more to have a bespoke hutch. Sometimes they aren't as expensive as you might think especially when you take into account the higher spec and much longer life. Instead of buying a hutch every few years I will be saving money in the longer term.

Rabbit Hutches - Guinea Pig Hutches - Ryedale Pet Homes
 
I would buy these but the thing is they’re a bit pricey as of now and I already have a hutch with costed about £135 with the thermal cover I’m going to make it as fox proof as I can
 
Reggie said:
I would buy these but the thing is they’re a bit pricey as of now and I already have a hutch with costed about £135 with the thermal cover I’m going to make it as fox proof as I can
Click to expand...
I understand. Completely x
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top