Suitable hutch for two pigs -advice needed please :)

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sharonk

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Hello!
I am new here but am looking into the possibility of getting two guinea pigs and wanted some advice on their accommodation. I have seen a Bunny Business double decker hutch with a ramp that links the two. It is three and a half feet wide. Would this be big enough to house two pigs? Thought it would give them more space to live in-house than just a single hutch which look quite small But would baby ones cope with the ramp?! We would also buy a separate run to go on the grass. Any advice very welcome!
Thanks very much x
 
a pair of piggies need a 2ft by 4ft space (this needs to be on one level) you can add extra levels for additional space but they still need the minimum 2ft by 4ft on one floor. This is because piggies need to run laps to keep fit, so even though they can handle a ramp (as long as it isnt too steep, an has a side for safety) they cant run up at full speed :)

Its also worth noting that unlike bunnies piggies really arnt suited to winter weather, so some serious winter proofing would be needed if you plan to keep them outside all year round.
 
As Connie says, the width needs to be a minimum of 120cm (4 ft). If you have the space it may be better to get a bigger hutch with a run for when the weather is good rather than a double decker.
 
Agree with the others - bigger is better :))
Young piggies will zoom around their pens so need a minimum of 4ft x 2ft (RSPCA requirements) Bear in mind accessories take up a lot of room though.
Our piggies have 6ft double level pens, the older ones don't run around as much now...zzz but the ones under a year old that I have, go bonkers when they play and really use the space :{
Hilarious watching zooming piggies :(|)
 
thanks for all the advice so far I am very grateful :)

I am struggling to find a reasonably priced 5ft single storey hutch - although maybe I'm not looking in the right places?! this one looks quite nice but quite sure I won't be able to find a waterproof/weatherproof cover for it!

http://ukpetsonline.com/detail.aspx?ID=553
 
Theres no reason the 4 ft wouldnt be fine :) If you do go for a 4ft your probably better off having boys than girls, because boys benifit more from the extra space. However if you were adopting from a rescue you could get a boar pair that has been through the hormonal teens already (14 months+). :) One thing to remember with weatherproofing is making your own is usually a better idea, using an old duvet with a tarpaulin rather than a ready made one (as they often arnt that good) then giving the piggies loads of hay to snuggle in and a snuggle safe heat pad :)
 
Also places like ebay, gumtree & preloved are good for cheap hutches
 
I can't recommend enough for you to get a bigger hutch than 4ft.....my lot get to spend their summer nights in an 8ft by 3ft hutch, and there is three of them. They love the space, I love watching them in the space and everyone is happy.

I'm not suggesting you go that big, but if you are keeping them outside all year around then they won't be able to go into the run in winter, so will be stuck for months in the hutch. For that reason it should be as big as possible.
 
Another thing to check is the internal size.

I notice the size stated is with 'overhang' so in reality, a 4ft hutch has living space of only 3 1/2 ft. And check out the depth too, lots of hutches advertise 18inch wide but ends up being just over a foot in depth internally. Look for a 2 ft depth, as again bear in mind it will be less than 2ft inside measurements.
 
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