Outdoor Runs

[Julia McAnish]

Can anyone recommend a run they use & leave their piggies in unsupervised? Would like to leave the boys outside when I'm at work, when the weather is nice we have an octagon one at the moment with the fabric cover, but watch them like a hawk while they're in there

 

[Chief Guinea Pig]

Personally, I would not leave them un-attended for long periods of time. It could suddenly start raining when you're at work?

But a run you're after, is the foldable rabbit run. I find it to be nice and sturdy.
http://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/rabbit-folding-run

 

[Hank288]

I made mine out of wood and mesh with a lid so that it is really really secure, nothing can get in, or out. It is quite easy to make one, it only took me a few hours. I just built 4 sides and a lid and then attatched them together with bolts so that it can come apart for the winter months when not needed. I can send you step by step guide and photos if you want.

 

[Julia McAnish]

Thank you for info. I think I've found a large run which has a little hutch at the end, that may be a possibility or the folding one looks good & we can get a little hutch in there. I like the sound of making one, but I don't think I'll ever get around to it!

 

[A&T]

I have the folding one from pets at home. Its really sturdy! I've left amber in it before and popped to the shops. You can always get abit of tarpaulin or something water proof to go over one side of it and secure it down with bricks just in case it does start raining or whatever.

But yh I have 4 cats and a few strays around and they have never managed to get into it, amber is use to cats but will only go up to the sides if its a cat she knows (my cats that won't swipe her) but of course the guinea pig will learn not to go near the sides of a predator is about anyway! the cats sit on top and it doesn't bow or anything either very sturdy! best thing I've ever bought! And it can be folded up in winter tucked behind the bench and covered up! Perfect!

 

[Ruby Inferno]

According to some of the folding rabbit run reviews, it's not very good quality. I wouldn't know though. There are some more wooden runs here: http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/small_pets/runs_fencing/73299

If you're going to leave them unsupervised, definitely add some additional predator-proofing (double meshing, bricks to weigh the run down, padlocking doors, etc.) to any run you get as well as a waterproof cover such as tarpaulin, completely covering the top in case it starts raining.

 

[Flutterby]

It may be best to look at one of those hutches/chicken coops for during the day that had a sheltered part they can retreat to if they wish?

 

[CarnivalPiggy]

Have you tried any Omlet ones? They seem to have fairly good reviews, but I'm not sure if they've just picked the good ones. Does anyone else have anything like this from Omlet?

https://www.omlet.co.uk/shop/guinea_pig_products/

 

[Flutterby]

The main problem with the omlet runs is that the houses are plastic which makes it vety hard to control temperature as they heat up in hot weather and don't hold any heat in the cold. They are also known for causing condensation. Their actual runs are fine without the attached huts, but you can get better runs for a lot less money. Shame as the concept is good.

 

[Ruby Inferno]

The other problem with the omlet runs is some of them have a wire floor...

 

[Flutterby]

Ah yes, I forgot about that! For what you get for the money you are better off buying something else.

 

[sophieandhoney]

I am planning on putting my trio out in the hutch with a run attached via a run around kit, I bought a metal one from Zooplus and will mesh it plus put grids on the bottom round the edges so no one can dig in and fully secure with tent peg things. Cable ties will be used extensively!

That way they have the hutch if it rains and the run if it doesn't!

I am also building a rabbit run not that I have a clue what I am doing!

 

[artcasper]

I made mine out of wood and mesh with a lid so that it is really really secure, nothing can get in, or out. It is quite easy to make one, it only took me a few hours. I just built 4 sides and a lid and then attatched them together with bolts so that it can come apart for the winter months when not needed. I can send you step by step guide and photos if you want.

Hi, i would be interested to see your photos of your outdoor run as i am going to ask my dad to make one, he has retried now so he will like a little project!

 

[Hank288]

Ok no problems, it is apart at the moment so that is perfect. I will take them tomorrow morning on then post them on to you with a few instructions. It should be fairly easy as I have limited DIY knowledge.

 

[artcasper]

Ok no problems, it is apart at the moment so that is perfect. I will take them tomorrow morning on then post them on to you with a few instructions. It should be fairly easy as I have limited DIY knowledge.

Thank you..

 

[PipsPiggles]

My dad made me this run a few years ago, its just wood and wire but each side unclips for easy storage, the lid also unclips and folds in half. I bought the add on hutch from Amazon and added hooks so it hooks securely onto the run and also gives them more space. It's a simple idea but has lasted for years and is secure. Though the slightly paranoid side of me still makes me put a small concrete block on the lid!