Hi! First post and it might be long...bear with me!

[Gordy]

To cut a long story short - I rescued a rabbit and guinea pig last year who have always been together. I post on Rabbits United (RubyGordy) and was advised by all on there to have them both neutered and find them each friends of their own kind. Ruby rabbit is about 3 now and Gordon the guinea approx 2. Currently they both live in a really big hutch I had made but now I need to plan a seperate guinea home.

I'm thinking of finding two girlies from a rescue for Gordon if poss and I've seen a wendy house which I think looks ideal as a home. It's 5foot by 3ft and will go against the house wall. I can get it in log lap and plan to attach a run to the side.

Here's a link to it.

http://www.woodlands-sheds.com/?x=den

What I need to know is: how much or how little ventilation do outdoor GPs need? The play house has a glass window which I would have meshed instead and, I guess boarded with a shutter at night. Also - what's the best way to have them go from play house to run? Would you use a cat flap or just have a tunnel? Or maybe just a square cut out that a wooden panelcan be slotted down over at night?

As the playhouse would be against the wall, I'm guessing I could get some heating installed. Is there anything anyone could recommend?

Finally - any other tips/advice at all that I may not have considered would be very welcome! Sorry if I've bored you completely...:red

Thanks

Roz

 

[Niki]

Hi Roz & Welcome

The log cabin looks great The entrance to a run i would have a hole cut out that you can board off, making sure it's not accessible by any other rodents etc.

Meshing the windows is a good idea but shutters may make it very dark in there if they're solid esp in winter time when they'll not be able to go out in their run.
I have sheets of plastic pinned up at my windows for the winter-time & lift it in summer as they need ventilation to prevent damp as this & draughts aren't good for their health.

If you're good at DIY you could make use of the inner of the play house by adding level(s) & ramps, both would have to have sides to ensure the piggies didnt fall off.

Only other thing i can think of is something across the doorway to prevent them making a run for it when you open it

Just remembered insulation to ensure they're warm in winter, there are members on here who have heaters in sheds but for the life of me i can't remember what they are :red

 

[Gordy]

Hi

I see you're in Leeds as well - thanks for your reply. Sheeting over the window is a good idea.

With the play house being log lap - do you think I'd need to insulate the inner walls further?

Cheers - crashing out now but will pop back tomorrow.

Roz

 

[Gordy]

I have them booked in at the vets next tuesday.

Fingers crossed it all goes OK.

 

[MemberY]

Hiya
my guineas are indoors but I know some members here have a similar set up to what you are planning. I believe they use tubular heating (look at screwfix.com) which is very economical and safe or a small electric oil filled radiator is brill (obviously sectioned off).

I would suggest cutting a hole too and having it so you can slide 9mm marine ply to the side to open and shut it?

As for insulation, I would insulate the floor by placing polystyrene and foil (cant remember what the foil is called!) and board over with marine ply. The walls should be fine with heating. You could put curtains at the windows to help too The plastic is a good idea or that plastic opaque stuff used for roofing...my memory is awful tonight :{ begins with `P` I think...

plexi glass?

 

[Niki]

Hi

I see you're in Leeds as well - thanks for your reply. Sheeting over the window is a good idea.

With the play house being log lap - do you think I'd need to insulate the inner walls further?

Cheers - crashing out now but will pop back tomorrow.

Roz

I never realised you were in Leeds |)|)

 

[Gordy]

Hiya
my guineas are indoors but I know some members here have a similar set up to what you are planning. I believe they use tubular heating (look at screwfix.com) which is very economical and safe or a small electric oil filled radiator is brill (obviously sectioned off).

I would suggest cutting a hole too and having it so you can slide 9mm marine ply to the side to open and shut it?

As for insulation, I would insulate the floor by placing polystyrene and foil (cant remember what the foil is called!) and board over with marine ply. The walls should be fine with heating. You could put curtains at the windows to help too The plastic is a good idea or that plastic opaque stuff used for roofing...my memory is awful tonight :{ begins with `P` I think...

plexi glass?

Hi -

Yes - I think cutting out a hole will be easiest. I've also already got some thermawrap bubble foil for the rabbit hutch so can use what's left from that. I know the clear stuff you mean - no idea what it's called either! Will check out the heat things. I know an electrician so can get that sorted.

Oh boy, must - stop getting carried away until the ops are over! :...