Hutch help, anybody?

Status
Not open for further replies.
Hemmy

Hemmy

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
May 30, 2011
Messages
130
Reaction score
42
Points
210
Location
Sheffield
Hi everyone! :)

I’m just looking for some advice on hutch sizes. My 3 piggies seem to have grown to adult size in the last few months and have quickly outgrown their current hutch! I’m looking for a new one, but after doing some research there seem to be a lot of varying size guides. I don’t know anyone else with guinea pigs, either, so you are the people to ask haha! So, in everyone’s opinion, what is the minimum size a hutch for 3 young piggies should be?

I’ve generally been looking at two tier/ double hutches: I’ll be moving them in to the porch soon so super long hutches aren’t really an option. My concern with these hutches is the ramp though, Daphne popcorns everywhere and I’m scared she’ll fall. If I get one I think securing with extra wood and a tunnel will be the best option. Does that sound safe?

And last but not least, how does this look: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LARGE-DOU...&otn=4&po=LVI&ps=63&clkid=2596672256210466304

Thank you! :)

x
 
Why not make them a c and c cage? It is far cheaper then a hutch and your piggies get to be indoors with you. You can see them all the time and lessen the risk of mites,flystrike and any parasites. :)
 
Thanks Connie and piggiefan. I don't think C&C cages are an option, we live in quite a small house with no room for an indoor cage that big :(
 
I'd say at least a 5ft by 2ft hutch would be best. :))

I've got three piggies now outdoors after recently adding a young male with my two girls. They have a two tier 4ft by 2ft hutch and I definitely find it's smaller than I'd like and seem to be on top of each other a bit so I've recently ordered a 6ft by 2 1/2ft three tier huge hutch from a local shed builder (I think I'm going to be shocked how huge it is when it arrives).

Or like piggyfan says, maybe a c&c cage? Depends what is best. I keep mine outdoors as I just don't have the space inside for what I'd like to give them x
 
Hemmy said:
Thanks Connie and piggiefan. I don't think C&C cages are an option, we live in quite a small house with no room for an indoor cage that big :(
Click to expand...

There is always space! I live in a studio flat and I have one. You can move or get rid of furniture. It is so worth it as your guinea pigs will be so happy. :)
 
C&C

We all understand not everyone has buckets of space :) I myself have only just met the requirements but make sure my piggies get floor time.

This thread gives loads of ideas on how to fit C&C cages in - they will go to almost any shape you like and can be made multi level. :) if not please make sure your piggies get the 10.5 square ft of space they need as it is a legal requirement to provide your pets with adiquit housing (that is in no way an attack, just making you aware. :)) (also smaller housing can cause problems with bondings) You can get this same space with conventional hutches and cages but as they are often made bulkier, they take up more space than the internal measurements.

Heres the thread

http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=53210
 
Thank you for your replies, everybody. :)

I'd also just like to add that on days when the weather is good, the piggies generally have 6 hours in their outdoor run, and when the weather is bad (the joys of Yorkshire!) they have 3-4 hours floor time. Please don't think they don't get enough space to run around, they do!

I do love having them inside for floor time (what the landlord doesn't know won't hurt him), but as a student it's not my house and so not my decision for them to live inside full time right now. He's been really kind and allowed me to use the double glazed porch which has a radiator, and they'll be just off the living room, which means more cuddles and is pretty much the same as having them in the house; it just means a hutch will be a better option.

Just about to have another epic Ebay session, haha!

Oh! I have another question. I've read a few posts about lino in hutches? What are the pros versus woodshaving, newspaper and hay?

Thank you :)
 
You want something like this: http://www.petsathome.com/shop/dandelion-den-hutch-for-rabbits-and-guinea-pigs-by-pets-at-home-29284 - perfect size for three. However, if budget (and outdoor space!) allows, then something like this would be even better! http://www.petsathome.com/shop/summer-lodge-double-hutch-by-sharples-n-grant-38775

5x2 is the minimum, but as big as you can go on space and budget would be well appreciated by your piggies. :)

The lino is to protect the wood underneath your piggies and to make cleaning easier. Another option is vinyl tiles on the bottom which you can get from places like Homebase and B&Q.

For an outdoor hutch if you are not happy using shavings (opinions differ on the use of shavings but personally I have no problems with it!) then hay and newspaper would be a good alternative but would need cleaning out more frequently. One option you could look at it something like megazorb that you can get on amazon (postage is a bum though) or if you have parents visiting/nearby who can get to a farm shop for a few bags they can fetch it to you - it's about £8 a sack and lasts quite a while!
 
We have a huge C&C the whole length of our lounge wall, sacrificed some furniture and have no regrets :(|) My partner recently fitted lino to the bases of the pens as it makes cleaning easier and provides a bit more warmth. The piggies have vetbed and I swear by it, can work out costly and a pain to wash at times but there's no going back to fleece etc. now.
Everybody has their own ideas and what suits you and your piggies is the choice you make, there's no rigid rules but the bigger the pen, the better. I've lost count of how many times we changed our pens and dread to think of the money we spent until we found the right balance to suit.
The smallest part of our set up is 5ft x 2.5ft which houses a married couple. The piggies all have the pens divided by grids, boars generally need more room. I have a herd of six girls in 7ft x 2.5ft with a 6ft second level, OH is talking of extending it yet again this weekend to make it even bigger :{
 
Woo! Found a hutch thats 7ft long and 2ft deep. I think that should be plenty of room. I'm exicted for it to come! :)

x
 
thats a huge space for them :) can we have pics when it arrives?

i would put lino or vinyl tile on the floor as it makes it easier to clean and dry the bottom of the hutch.

when i had a hutch i used newspaper, shavings and then hay as it was easier to roll up the newspaper with everything in it and bin it :) i did try megazorb but i didnt get on with it :)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top