Newbie Guinea keeper - help please

[okciv]

Hi,
I've been thinking about getting guinea pigs for ages.
They will live outdoors/in a shed and I have a few questions I am hoping people can help with:
I'm torn between a normal hutch with run and a chicken type coup with a run like the ones below:
http://www.henhouseworld.co.uk/ch101n.htm
http://www.thepetpads.co.uk/index.php?page=shop&action=viewproduct&pid=8192

Does anyone have any experience/opinions of either of these? Which type is best suited to guinea pigs? I want as big a hutch/run as I can afford and space is no issue.

Also, Can I leave my Guinea pigs outside in their runs all day even if no-one is home? (I have a fenced off garden with locking gates) never seen any foxes around here?

When it's winter & they have to live in the shed do I need a heater? I have no power to my shed. How does them living in the shed work for ventilation? and can I leave then in the run inside the shed all day?

Hopefully someone can help. Any advice welcome.

 

[okciv]

No replies, i should have said - if you don't think either types of housing are suitable please let me know that as well.

 

[Ryli]

Love the first one, I would think it would be OK but the ramp would need sides so the guineas feel secure. Mine are still not using the ramp but I'm sure they will eventually!

I have one of these:

http://www.petplanet.co.uk/product.asp?dept_id=373&pf_id=8196

I have only had my piggies since February and wouldn't be without them now. I only put mine out on the grass when I am home (they have a play pen which I put them in, with a net over the top).

They were in the shed (in hutch) with no heating (door open during the day) but they are now in the garden.

I think you should go for it and welcome to the forum, I have found it very helpful as I am so new to piggies |)

 

[tanya1]

Hi i don't think that particular chicken coop would be suitable because it would be quite dark when they stay indoors,which they will do when the weathers bad. Also i think the indoor internal measurement are too small on most hen houses because hens only use their houses at night and too pop into to a lay an egg! If you can find a hen house with a big inside and a window it would be fine.

The other type hutch with run would be good for 2 pigs as long as the hutch is a minimum of 4ft(although bigger would be better 5 or 6ft would be great) any ramps need to be very gently sloping for guineas to be able to use them safely, alot of bought ones will need altering.

Alot of people still keep guineas outside in the winter but it is not ideal they will be cold and can die from it. Either bring them indoors for the winter or into a garage(But not one used for a car) or summerhouse or shed.

There are a lot of good housing setups on here for inspiration including one of mine! I keep my pigs in converted sheds and playhouses all year round, they are insulated and heated with tubular heaters(which are cheap to run) they also have runs attached on the side.

Have a look at the link below xx
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=29902