Hutch size for 5 sows

[Sprogmama]

Could some of the lovely members here give me a rough idea of suitable space for five sows? I was intending to start with two girls, but seem to have ended up reserving five. :red

I have a 6ft by 2ft hutch with an attached 6ft by 3ft run which they will have permanent access to. The hutch and run are at ground level, so there is no internal ramp to take up precious floor space. Is this suitable? I don't want to have to add extra hutches, so if this is too small I'll need to reconsider how many piggies I have. The guinea pig cages site states a minimum of 13 square feet for four, I'll have 30 square feet including the run.

Thanks for your help.

 

[sophiew (EAGPR)]

Hi

Standard 'minimum' sizes are 4' x 2' for a pair and then add a foot in length for each additional pig, so 5' x 2' for a trio, 6' for four, 7' for 5 then!

As you cannot use the run as permanent space (unless you are planning on putting the whole thing inside an outbuilding rather than on grass) you don't normally include this square footage in the total. They will not be able to have free access to an outdoor run - a lot of the year when it is cold and damp, they won't be able to go out so will be restricted to the hutch space. Also if the hutch is at ground level you'll need to think about winter and how to keep them at a good temperature. Piggies don't do well in extremes of temperature and it's not advisable to keep them outdoors without shelter and additional heating through the winter months.

Great that you are doing lots of research, 5 is a lot to start with so perhaps fewer piggies with more space each? Or have you considered an indoors C&C set up? This could expand with your piggies, and is very cost effective.

Sophie

Guinea Pig Rehoming Norfolk

 

[Sprogmama]

Hi Sophie, thanks for your reply.

During the warmer months they will be in the hutch, we will be putting together an indoor setup for the rest of the year. Although the hutch is at ground level, it does have short legs to take it off the ground. It's also nestled in the corner of our patio, so is quite sheltered from the weather.

The hubby has vetoed any permanent extra setups, which is why I need to be fairly strict on getting the right amount of piggies from the start.

 

[catherine]

What does the rescue say? Ultimately the size hutch you have depends totally on the rescue's requirements for housing for 5 piggies....

 

[Bekki]

having used a 5ft x 2ft hutch for 3 followed by 6x2 for 3 id go larger than 7ft for 5 personally

 

[Sprogmama]

Catherine, I've just sent an email asking for their recommendations. Didn't think to ask the source lol. :red

Becki, thanks for sharing your direct experience, much appreciated.