Hutches

[VickieD]

Good Evening All
I'm after some good advice.
Unfortunately I do not have the luxery of keeping my pigs inside so I am buying a hutch.
I do have a space in the garden where the hutch will be kept as sheltered as possible from the wind and drafts and will be covered by a cover.
However I was thinking of buying a 2 tier one, but have heard that it can be hard for their little legs. So I've been advised best to buy a single tier one.
What are your thoughts please?
It will be 4ft and be for 2 little girls.
Also so much advise on utube and various websites so I'm a little confused on what to line the hutch with. I was told thin layer of saw dust and hay or a think layer of sawdust and these fleece blankets which can be washed.
Any advice would be greatfuly
Many Thanks
Vickie

 

[Mother Hubbard]

Hi Vickie and welcome,
Two tier hutch is fine especially as your going for 4ft. I advise in buying the insulator and then the cover. Often the insulator comes with a fly screen which is very useful in the summer, and gives a little bit of shade also.
Re two tier, just ensure or adapt the ramp so it absolutely has sides, it has suitable ridges i.e. not bunny feet size or line it with carpet. You can raise the ramp and reduce the steepness by making the ramp shorter and then adding wooden box with a smaller ramp - a bit like a multi story car park. If it's two tier it's worthing the ability to be able to secure the ramp at night especially if the bottom section is all mesh doors. Foxes and all sorts of wildlife are attracted to the smell so you have to ensure its good quality i.e. the mesh isn't flimsy;the metal grid is better.

Also some people have had their hutches broken into and it's been unclear if human or wildlife so again security is key from both. If you line the hutch with lino it will be easier to clean and will preserve the life of the hutch longer. Please don't use saw dust, you can use wood shavings, although I found they dried their feet as as the shavings absorb moisture. I use Auboise which is an equine bedding because it doesn't smell, doesn't cling to their fur, absorbs really well and is actually cheaper. As long as you have the room for the 20kg bale.

 

[VickieD]

Hi mother Hubbard
Thanks for this feed back this will be of great help.
Can I ask another question. In a 4ft hutch how many piggies could I have and could I have all girls together and different breeds..?

 

[VickieD]

Hi mother Hubbard
Thanks for this feed back this will be of great help.
Can I ask another question. In a 4ft hutch how many piggies could I have and could I have all girls together and different breeds..?

Yes it's a 2 tier hutch on legs and will be fully insulated.

 

[VickieD]

And how many piggies?

 

[Mother Hubbard]

Hi @VickieD

I would say 4ft double hutch 2 piggies, it doesn't matter on mixed breeds, it's all about pigsonality at the end of the day. Girls need less room but boys are generally bigger and more precious about the amount of room they have.

 

[VickieD]

Thanks...
2 piggies it is then.