Runs

[asdash]

Ok I think I know what I am doing with renovating the hutch.

Next question is about runs, from what I can see, in the summer (what to do in the winter is a whole other question !) the run goes on the grass with the pigs in it for a few hours a day.

Have had a quick look at runs, is there any preferance for all metal or wood and mesh - have seen a folding one which would be good for storing in the garage but not sure how sturdy it will be.

They are obviously going to need some shelter - I like the look of the little plastic 'pods' are these ok, do I need a roof/cover for part of the run too (especially when the weather is as hot as it has been) I work from home, so most of the time I could go out and pop them back in the hutch if it rains, or are they quite happy to get a little damp ?

Thanks
Andrea

 

[zombieprincess]

Hi andrea, i swear by collapsible runs! Wether it is wood and mesh or entirely metal is up to you. I have 3 of these style runs: http://ukpetsonline.com/detail.aspx?ID=413 one is5ft by 4 and the other 2 are 7 ft by 4. If you end up getting a pair of fully grown piggies these will be fine. If you get babies i would go for wood and mesh as the gaps are smaller. Bare in mind the wood will need regular treatment and the wire will need restapling/replacing after some time. They are however very heavy and sturdy.

There are a variety of shelters you can use, all of thm great, i have pods, wooden houses & cardboard boxes. If you get a large run, consider buying a single level hutch off of eby and making it ground level to put in the hutch. That way the piggies will have access to that if there is a spot of rain. Also it means if you have days of good weather the guinea's can be out all day. over the last week mine have been out from 7 in the morning until 10 at night.

The piggies dont reallymind getting damp, although its not great for them. Mine got caught in a thunderstorm the other day and they were all just pottering about rather than taking cover.