Opinions on my shed idea

Status
Not open for further replies.
MOC

MOC

Adult Guinea Pig
Joined
May 22, 2012
Messages
1,026
Reaction score
109
Points
480
Location
Stoke-on-Trent
Hello piggie people :D

After the recent failed bonding of Clive and Squilliam I was seriously stumped as to what I can do in regards to housing. I can't afford to give them the space they need indoors, 4 6ft hutches will not fit. I can't build a 4 tier c&c cage as it wont be stable and will take up too much of my bedroom. I have had a brainwave this morning though. I could probably squeeze a 6x6 shed in the garden, within this I could get 3 6ft hutches on one side and my 5ft two tier hutch on the opposite side. I'd put the 5ft on wheels so I can move it out of the way, enabling me to open the 6ft hutch doors more easily, although it will still be a bit of a faf. I'd obviously be out there every day and I'd try to get them in the house every day for floor time in my room, I love them way too much to ignore them! I know I'd miss the morning wheeking but I want to give them tonnes of room and think this may be the best option. I'd have the shed at the bottom of the garden on a patio type platform so the shed would be high off the floor, I'd obviously insulate it with bubble wrap ect

I've seen some 6ft hutches going dirt cheap lately and I'm seriously considering this. Would rescues still see me as a viable option when it comes to finding my boys friends? I don't want anyone to think I'm negligent for housing them outdoors but they would be in a shed and would actually be getting more room than a lot of piggies. I know of quite a few people who would sadly look down upon me for keeping them outside )-:

What do you think?
 
Aww i can tell you love your piggies lots! In my eyes the room is the most important thing. I have my piggies in a shed and i have 15 adopted piggies so rescues would still let you adopt! Couple of things though stuff the bedding area with LOTS of hey to keep them warm and when it is really cold use old carpets or blankets to cover them up. Also maybe invest in some snugglesafes? Hope this has helped! And good luck with yor shed :) x x x x
 
Thanks Sarah. I'd definitely do what you've said. I've taken the plunge and just bid on an 8x6 shed on eBay. Luckily I have friends with huge vans so collection won't be an issue. I know I'd end up going bigger, it will allow for ease of movement I think. Fingers crossed I win x
 
Just an added bit about insulation. When my piggles lived with me at my parents I had them in a shed, I was concerned about keeping them warm so I had the inside lined with loft insulation ( can getrolls for not too much at places like home base and B&Q ). Then just box it in with ply over the top. Has the added advantage of keeping them cool in the summer too. I see no reason to.think any less of someone keeping their pigs outside as long as they equip the piggles accommodation to.keep.them.healthy and happy!
 
I've heard about loft insulation, it sounds like a good idea. I was going to do something similar for the rabbit but she's indoors now. Thanks for the advice!
 
I have a 6x6 shed ready for my pigs (they arent moving in or a few months yet).
I think it's a great idea. Only suggestion I had when I saw you said 6x6 was that it would be a squeeze for you to fit 6ft hutches into it in the first place. Most of the sheds arent quite 6ft and you could have trouble getting the hutches in at all.
But you said you are bidding on an 8x6 so in that case you wouldnt have a problem.
X
 
I didn't win the shed however I'm still on the lookout for an 8x6.
I'm either going to try and get some second hand 7ft hutches (lol I'm always going bigger) or I'm going to get my friend to build the hutches onto the shed, with drop down doors so I can have them on both sides, in that case I'll be able to have them as big as the shed is in length, so around 8ft. I think for two boars an 8ft hutch is pretty adequate. It also means if I have to get Wigner neutered he can have plenty of lady pigs ;-)
 
I didn't win the shed however I'm still on the lookout for an 8x6.
I'm either going to try and get some second hand 7ft hutches (lol I'm always going bigger) or I'm going to get my friend to build the hutches onto the shed, with drop down doors so I can have them on both sides, in that case I'll be able to have them as big as the shed is in length, so around 8ft. I think for two boars an 8ft hutch is pretty adequate. It also means if I have to get Wigner neutered he can have plenty of lady pigs ;-)
 
MOC said:
I didn't win the shed however I'm still on the lookout for an 8x6.
I'm either going to try and get some second hand 7ft hutches (lol I'm always going bigger) or I'm going to get my friend to build the hutches onto the shed, with drop down doors so I can have them on both sides, in that case I'll be able to have them as big as the shed is in length, so around 8ft. I think for two boars an 8ft hutch is pretty adequate. It also means if I have to get Wigner neutered he can have plenty of lady pigs ;-)
Click to expand...

Fixed hutches in the shed sounds like a great idea. If i had someone to make them I'd do the same.
Make the most if the space :D

X
 
I lined mine with bubble wrap from amazon which was really cheap, then put boards over the top, we do have a heater too, but the insulation really keeps the heat in :)
 
I don't see why anyone should think less of you for keeping your piggies in a shed. I think it is perfectly fine and always had outdoor, all year round piggies when I was younger. I also had a 8x6' shed fitted with hutches. The only reason I don't have outdoor piggies now is because I live in a flat. :)

I remember insulating my shed with loft insulation covered with laminated hardboard which was really easy to wipe down.
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top