Is My Hutch To Small?

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Craigk37

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Hi,

We were wanting to get some Guinea Pigs for our Daughter and when mentioned to a friend they has a unused hutch they gave us.

We thought it was plenty big enough but having done some research I am not to sure? :(

the measurements are L101 x W54 x H100cm and is a two storey hutch.

If it is too small I will need to get a new one ASAP, could anybody please advise? it will be in our garage and not sure if a hutch or C&C cage is best? don't like the idea of it being on the floor though due to cold issued. This is an expense we was not budgeting for so the cheaper the better, but not compromising the poor Piggies welfare.

 
Hi!

RSPCA recommended cage size for two piggies is 120cm x 60cm x 45cm, so yeah that hutch is a bit small. The size of the cage is done via one floor if that makes sense? ie them having multiple floors wouldn't count.

There's a forum guide here :)

Cage Size Guide
 
That hutch on it's own is too small however you could attach a run to the bottom of it but you may find that they will mostly prefer to be downstairs as the ramp will also be very steep and guineas are not keen on using them.
 
Your second one is better, yes :) And yes you can use fleece in outdoor hutches, just as successfully as with indoor ones.
Bigger is always best when you can, as they like to have room to run around.
It is also worth considering second-hand, as you can get huge hutches sometimes for very little, just be sure to disinfect thoroughly including the mesh and all the nooks and crannies.

But 5ft is a good size :)
 
I agree with Critter - the 2nd one is better.

My guinea pigs are housed in a shed. I used to keep them in a C&C but changed to a hutch as I feel they are safer in a hutch (just in case something got into the shed)
 
I feel so sorry for them but the other half isn't as "worried" we have been giving them floor time everyday for at least 2hrs and they have been popcorning so want them to feel like that in their home.
 
I've got the 6' chartwell & its a lovely hutch & would buy it again if I ever needed another one.
 
Craigk37 said:
I feel so sorry for them but the other half isn't as "worried" we have been giving them floor time everyday for at least 2hrs and they have been popcorning so want them to feel like that in their home.
Click to expand...

Floor time helps a lot.
 
I've got 2 females & 2 baby belonging to one of the females, one baby will be moving out as he's a boy. There will be plenty of room for the 3 of them in there. I use wood chips on newspaper & hay for bedding x
 
my old hutch had a metal bottom so easy to clean, I think the new one is wood, is ok to line this with lino?
 
A lot of people do.Some use self adhesive floor tiles and do up the sides as well
 
The one I got has a green waterproof paint already painted on the base. Was a nice surprise as I had bought lino tiles to do it with
 
I put Lino in the bottom of my hutch. Best thing! It makes it very easy to wipe clean and will make the wooden base last longer. :)
 
If I was to switch to fleece bedding, is it best to have it folded in half or as one layer? I am thinking of using it with puppy pads underneath, is that absorbent enough or are towels needed also? My OH is not keen on the idea of fleece as it means more washing for her but I am happy to make sure I keep on top of their bedding.
 
I would use towels as a middle layer . If you find you like fleece, you may decide to make or buy some with an absorbant later sewn in (cage liners). I wash mine in a pet wear wash bag to stop bits getting in the washing machine.
 
@gingy pig The hutch got delivered yesterday and had a peep inside, looks like it does have the bottom painted green so I may be in luck! Did you not have to use the lino in the end?
 
Craigk37 said:
@gingy pig The hutch got delivered yesterday and had a peep inside, looks like it does have the bottom painted green so I may be in luck! Did you not have to use the lino in the end?
Click to expand...
No,I didn't bother to line it in the end, I've had it about 5 months & its still fine so far.
 
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