Outdoor Hutch

[Weebird]

Hi!
I need to get an outdoor hutch but I don't know were to begin? I have two boars.

Áine

 

[Mother Hubbard]

Hi there,

Well you are in the right place, there is a great list and information
Member Gallery: Hutches

Boars as you know need more room than 2 sows. It's important to ensure it's practical, risen off the floor, you can obtain hutch covers easily enough, the mesh/grid is robust enough to fend off unwanted guests. The latch is sturdy also, and has adequate hide i.e. it's in two compartments. I recommend lining it with lino for ease of cleaning and ensuring you can disinfect it without it going into the wood and it soaking in. Means you can even dry it quickly when the weather is rubbish. Also consider weather, going outside and doing the weekly cleaning when it's raining, make some provisions for that.

Size wise. bigger the better!

 

[Weebird]

I hope you don't mind all the pics but I'm thinking this one. I'm not too sure what to use as bedding. At the minute we use fleecey blankets. Also is it too cold at the minute? We are hitting -2 degrees.

Thanks for your help x

 

[Guineapigfeet]

I would say that that hutch is quite small and probably doesn't meet the minimum space recommendation for two boars as only one level counts, any extras are a bonus.

I think the minimum recomended for two boys is 140cm long by 60 deep

 

[VickiA]

While that looks like a lovely hutch it almost certainly doesn't meet the space requirements for 2 boars. Also, you have to be aware that not all piggies will use a ramp. You are much better with a 5 or 6 foot single story hutch.
If your piggies currently live indoors it is really far too cold to now start putting them outside. That should wait until spring. Is there a reason why you have to now put them in an outside hutch?
Any piggies outside now have lived outside over a period to acclimatise them to the temperature. Even then they need full insulation and water proofing, lots of extra bedding and snugglesafe to keep them warm.

 

[Lady Kelly]

The hutch looks quite small. I have the Chartwell 6ft double storey hutch personally and while it's ok I do wish I had paid the premium for one of the more solid hutches as the back is just plywood and doesn't feel overly strong (though it hasn't caused problems yet). What I do like about it is I have been able to purchase an insulating and weatherproof cover for it which helps protect the piggies.

Cleaning out the double storey especially in the cold and wet is backbreaking, I am thinking of moving to a one storey in future (that and we have had to build a side on the ramp and cover it in carpet in order to get the piggies to use it as it was just too slippy).

 

[flowerfairy]

The hutch looks quite small. I have the Chartwell 6ft double storey hutch personally and while it's ok I do wish I had paid the premium for one of the more solid hutches as the back is just plywood and doesn't feel overly strong (though it hasn't caused problems yet). What I do like about it is I have been able to purchase an insulating and weatherproof cover for it which helps protect the piggies.

Cleaning out the double storey especially in the cold and wet is backbreaking, I am thinking of moving to a one storey in future (that and we have had to build a side on the ramp and cover it in carpet in order to get the piggies to use it as it was just too slippy).

I have a chartwell hutch and agree that it is flimsy. I would go for a budget hutch from boyles pet housing;

https://boylespethousing.co.uk/product-category/guinea-pigs/budget-guinea-pig-hutches/

 

[Weebird]

Thank-you for your feedback. The space we have at the minute just isn't working. Difficult to clean out etc. It's in our spare room and everytime someone comes to stay we have to move them. We've had a re-think and have decided to convert a space upstairs. They are rescue piggies and I don't know where they were kept orginally. So I worry about putting them outside. It would also be easier for me as I have some health problems. And I think I would miss them. We haven't been in this house long and it needs work. I think when get the garden done we'll make a piggie space and so they can enjoy the sunshine when there is some but live inside. This is the space at the minute. I'm just not happy with it. Also I'm now worried it's too small. The place I rescued them from just recommended the cage, I added the run.

 

[eileen]

That is a great set up.you could take a look in the housing section to inspire you,with other members set ups/c and c cages are relatively inexpensive and very adaptable.some members have sheds that piggies are kept in.lots of ways to keep piggies happy,as long as you keep to the recommended sizes.120cm x 60cm for two sows,140 x 60cm for two boys.

 

[MJG]

That's a fab set up ! perhaps to shut off half the room (that's what I did in my small spare room )

 

[Weebird]

Thanks everyone!