Silly Qs about double hutches with run at bottom

[KookyK]

Hello! I posted the other day in introductions - I'm new here and haven't yet got any piggies. I am currently looking to get set up first so that I have everything I need as 1) you can't really do it the other way round lol, and 2) I know many rescue centres like to visit you 1st.

I've been looking at all different hutches and runs, both separate and all in 1. Some Qs about the double decker hutches where the run is at the bottom and the bottom run doesn't have a base:
-Are these any good?
- Does the grass stay alive ok being as the hutch above means that this bit of grass is permanently covered?
- If dew gets on the grass, does it take longer to go if there is the hutch above?
- Should the run/hutch always be put on grass, or should/can it be put on a patio (thinking of when grass is wet)?

I'm thinking due to the wet grass issue, is it best to get a separate run and/or a double decker hutch where the lower level has a base rather than is onto grass?

One other thought I had, as obv I'm trying not to buy unecessary things is whether to hold off buying an outdoor run til Spring and just buy an indoor one for now as grass is quite wet and chilly already. Is this a good plan if I'm trying to spread costs out a little?

Thanks in anticipation of your replies! p

 

[CiaraPatricia]

I have hutches like those but keep them on concrete. If you move it around the grass then the grass would be ok, but if you leave it in one place they'll eat the grass right down to the roots. Also those hutches are top heavy and will blow over in the wind and your pigs will get lost, so it's best to put them next to a wall. I've read on zooplus customer comments about that happening, so be careful.

I think they're fine on concrete/patio, the floor gets wet but it dries off quickly. You can just sweep up the poo every few days. And every few weeks you might want to move the hutch and hose the ground, maybe scrub it with some cage cleaner and a broom or scrubbing brush, it's quite easy to clean really. Concrete is good for wearing down their claws too, so you don't have to trim them.

Or you could put down a layer of hay on top of the concrete, I've done that at the moment, it seems to work well.

You can get two storey ones that aren't open at the bottom, but I like the ones that are open because you can attach a run to the front of them easily too.

 

[redd1800]

I have a double hutch that doesn't have a base on the bottom. Its our bunny hutch, and I am planning on changing it. It is top heavy, and needs kept in a sheltered spot, where the wind won't tumble it. I also worry about the bunnies feet with them spending so much time on the cold damp ground. Planning on changing over to a double hutch with a solid base. They have a 6ft by 6ft run permanently attached, so plenty of space

 

[KookyK]

Brilliant really useful replies, thanks!