Hutch And Run - How Much Combined Space?

[sbenbow]

Hi All,

We are looking to potentially get two guinea pigs for the kids (with us adults as the "primary carers"!). We have done a fair bit of research, but i can't find out too much on the amount of space they need as a "run" as well as a hutch.

We are looking to put the guinea pigs (and hutch) into the conservatory - it will be warmed during winter (temperature thermostat), with the potential to move the hutch outdoors (in the shade) in the summer to avoid any potential overheating

I was looking at the "Bluebell" hutch - two storey hutch - dims are 152cm long x 61cm deep x 112cm high. I know this will be fine as a hutch for two piggies - but will it also be fine as a run during the day? Most posts i read say that they need a lot of space to "play" - hopefully they will have this within this safe environment (as well as being let out at various points during the dayt to play too - but likely only half an hour at a time!).

Thoughts and ideas welcome as we want our (potential) guests to enjoy themselves!

 

[Jesse's pigs]

I let my two boys have their floortime in my bedroom. I block of any holes and remove any wires and let them have the space thats left. Outside I use the top of their cage which isn't too big so I'm currently doing a bit of DIY and constructing a simple square run with shelter for them.

I recently did a thread showing my boys enjoying floortime I'll link it so you can see how much space they get.

Floortime

Even if you bought a puppy pen or some grids so you can make a safe zone for them to play in the conservatory could work. They do reasonably big hexagonal runs etc for rabbits and guinea pigs.

 

[Gia]

I have two diy cages and I love them. They are customizable and efficient. I use wire grids I bought from bath and body works and coroplast from some election signs my grandpa got out of a dumpster some where. I also have two pens for the grass and floortime and a baby pool i can put a blanket in for minimal mess.

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

I have the bluebell hutch and I'll be honest with you, it's rubbish and I would get something else It's not warm or sturdy, wish I'd never got it lol.

Would you make a run in the conservatory?