Ideas/Suggestions Greatly Appreciated!

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Guinea-pigGaga

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Good evening!

Firstly, may I begin by saying 'Hello', and 'Thank you' to any member of 'The Guinea Pig Forum' who may be reading this post!

Secondly, I would like to say 'Thank you' in advance for any time, energy, or effort spent replying to this post!

Nevertheless, I have recently adopted four sows, currently living in two pairs, in temporary housing - Both pairs are currently living in hutches sold by Pets at Home (Guinea Pig Den Hutch)! Although, I have a Ryedale hutch on order - 6ft Triple Rabbit Hutch!

However, I have a few concerns/issues, and would very much welcome any ideas/suggestions to ensure the safety, and health, and wellbeing of my girls!

My first concern is the height of the upper levels - I am concerned about my girls tumbling/falling from the upper levels, particularly where the bedding areas are concerned?!

My second concern is protection from the elements, and predators - I would like to insulate the hutch/ invent a way where the girls can be enclosed when the weather is bad/ at night?!

My third, and final concern relates to floor time - I am looking at purchasing a suitable run for my girls, but, unfortunately, we have a small-ish paved garden. . . Therefore, I am attempting to find a suitable material to lay on top the concrete slabs to provide some comfort?!

Any ideas/suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
 
Hello! :))
Ill see if I can help!
Firstly...you could add sides to the ramp (if not already done) to stop them falling off when running down and it would make them feel safer also. Also if you are worried they might tumble over the opening of the ramp then you could also add sides to this by using wood. Or make the opening smaller somehow.
Tarpaulin is a great hutch cover if you cannot find an already-made one to the right size. You can get it from eBay for very cheap. Clear tarpaulin is also great because they can still see out in bad weather! Duvets make great insulation in the very cold weather (ideally they should be brought inside at this time though)
Putting piggies on the concrete slabs is fine! It's best to put down fleece or towels to absorb any wee wee and protect their little feeties :)
Hope that helped you a bit
 
Thank you for your reply!

However, I should have clarified that there are no ramps (However, I am concerned that one of my girls may not respond quick enough when I open one of the bedroom doors, or, as two of my sows are rather nervous, that one of them may run over the edge when disturbed) - I have ordered the Ryedale 6ft Triple Rabbit Hutch, so that my current sows can live in pairs, and so that I have a spare hutch should I find that I need it (One of my current sows is somewhat aggressive)!

I am really unsure about housing over winter - I have an elderly entire single boar indoors (Bedroom), and really have no room for another pair of indoor cages. . .

I have yet to introduce the two pairs of sows, as one pair remains in quarantine! However, should introductions go well, more indoor housing options may be available!

Tarpaulin, and duvets are very much a possibility (Of course, it is always nice to receive cost effective options, but I am open to slightly more expensive options - Obviously, my girl's health, and wellbeing is my top priority. . . I am quite prepared to beg, steal, or borrow to ensure that my girl's receive the care they deserve)! I will also be investing in some more/new Snuggle Safes!

Thank you for your suggestions for the future run - I do worry about their little feet. . . I find that concrete slabs are quite abrasive on my feet, which I do not find to be a particularly pleasant feeling (Burning sensation), especially when the concrete slabs are cold!

:)
 
I'm no expert on out door housing so i cant offer much advice but you could try putting something like fleece down in the run to protect their feet. You can buy fleecey picnic blankets which have a water proof layer underneath, that might work better than just normal fleece. This is not something I've ever tried but I hope it gives you some ideas.
 
Thank you for your reply!

And thank you for your idea - I do know of the picnic blankets to which you are referring, and would imagine that your idea would work quite well! :)

I have kept my last several guinea pigs indoors, and would love to keep these girls indoors also, but this really is not an option at present! However, if I were able to keep these girls indoors, I would not hesitate to order a couple of indoor cages, and rid myself of the worry, and stress that I am currently experiencing - I am continually on edge, and will run out to the garden whenever I hear a noise!

I also need to buy a decent pair of scales, and would greatly appreciate any recommendations (My current girls are quite large. . . Therefore, I believe that I will need to purchase either a set of baby, or veterinarian scales etc)?!
 
Just wanted to offer some advice about the scales I use. My girls are all pretty large (1.1kg-1.3kg) and I have my oldie who is just 800g.
I use normal digital kitchen scales, but i use a large bowl (from an old set of scales) but it is about a similar size of a large plastic mixing bowl.
 
Thank you for your reply!

I believe that my girls are/will be of a similar weight/size to your girls! :))
 
With regards to winter care this thread gives some useful tips - http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?54309-Cold-Weather-Care-For-Guinea-Pigs.

I can't find the thread but I know someone on here added heaters to their hutch. This is possible if researched properly in order to be aware of fire risks etc. Small tubular heaters can make the hutch frost-free or you can get (electric) outdoor heat mats which can be placed underneath the floor of the hutch (with a little DIY to hold it in place and channel the cable) or inside the hutch if you get the ones with armoured cables. You can use thermostatic controls to maintain temperature as you do need to make sure a relatively constant temperature is maintained as dramatic fluctuations in temperature are dangerous for guinea pigs.
 
just seen this thread There are alos pads you can put in the microwave to heat and then put in the hutch Cardboard boxes are great as well Filled with hay or fleece) and these can be thrown out when soggy
 
I'm a bit late to this post but regarding putting something over the paved area. Why not get a camping mat. I got one from Lidl a few months ago it was about 2m x 1m and is great. It just rolls up when not being used. You can even leave it out in the rain if it gets a bit mucky. I'm certain it was less than £10. You'll probably get one at a camping store as Lidl probably won't be doing them again till the spring.
 
do you know anyone that can put in a removable lip along the cage to stop them falling out when you open the door - pss even in two parts so if bed door open other side still on
 
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