Hutch advice

[asdash]

I have a double hutch for the boys like this - http://www.deemillen.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=182_184&products_id=1132, however we have now got a girl (who will be getting a friend) so we need a second hutch - I am driving myself mad looking at them !

The one we have we got second hand, and the ply wood floor was already marked and warped, I have put vinyl floor tiles down so it is much easier to clean, but I have seen some with a moulded plastic floor - are these any good ? do they lift up ? have areas where all the bits get trapped ? or should I just stick with putting down vinyl as soon as I get the hutch.

Also despite our best efforts the boys will not go into the bottom half voluntarily ! - the ramp has already been extend so is not too steep and they are both happy to come back up it but not go down on their own. So I am wondering if I should just get a single level on like this - http://ukpetsonline.com/detail.aspx?ID=648 for the boys and give the double one a good clean and put the girls in there or should I have two double hutches ?

Any recommendations for good sturdy hutches - would prefer not to have a plywood one and would like one I can get a hutch cover for (can't get on with tarpaulin) Also the one I have has an extra 'roof' on the bedroom area which make it much harder to spot clean as I can't easily manouvre a scoop in the space so I would like to avoid that.

They will be coming in for the winter, so I could wait until the spring to buy it but if I find the right one at a good price, then I can store it in the garage and have time to paint it and put down vinyl as needed.

Forgot to say we have a separate run so would prefer not to have one with an open run underneath

Thanks

Andrea

 

[tabelmabel]

If you have a bit of cash to splash have a look at Rydale hutches - my piggies are indoors but if I ever did put them out I think I would go for a big single story Ryedale one (they are rabbit hutches really so a good size)

some guinea pigs don't like ramps and it is possible that they can fall down the hole and be injured. Also if the ramp doesn't close there will be a draught coming up all the time so a big single story is better if you are buying new anyway

The ryedale ones can be customised to suit what you need - they are pricey but they look very substantial and built to last

 

[PoppyandBillie]

You can buy a ramp tunnel for cosy cavies. xx

 

[bubble&squeak4ever]

Just to say that I have the hutch from bunny business (the second link you provided) for my 2 girls. Here's the link to my thread showing it: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=96488. Its a really good hutch but the only downside is that we found that some of the pieces didn't really fit together that well but a bit of diy will soon fix that. I think it's a great price for this size hutch as most this size are around £100! Hope this helped!

 

[asdash]

You can buy a ramp tunnel for cosy cavies. xx

I did wonder about a ramp tunnel, but if you put them on the ramp (with food at the bottom) they will go down it ok, and they go up with no problems !

They seem to just like to stay in the bedroom bit and sleep with a little explore for food !

I have taken the ramp out today and blocked up the hole (babysitting a friends pigs for a couple of days) and they seem to really like the extra space and were having a good explore. So I think I may stick to the single level ones.

Still can't decide which one to go for though

Andrea