Anyone with an outdoor hutch able to answer a question for me please?

[Purplerainbow2]

Getting guinea pigs and they will be in a wooden hutch. When I had them years ago the hutch was wooden all way round, including the bottom, which often ended up soggy from wee soaking through the newspaper. Uv seen hutches have the base as a pull out for 'easier cleaning' but it doesn't look very deep and I'm wondering if when you pull the base out you make a load of mess as the bedding will just get caught on the frame IYKWIM?

Tia

[FernieB]

I did have one of these and it does stop the bottom of the hutch getting soggy. When it comes to cleaning out, you just clean out as usual by leaning into the hutch, but you can slide the tray out to hose it down if required for a deep clean.

[FernieB]

I did have one of these and it does stop the bottom of the hutch getting soggy. When it comes to cleaning out, you just clean out as usual by leaning into the hutch, but you can slide the tray out to hose it down if required for a deep clean.

[Purplerainbow2]

Fab thank you. So do you think tray is better than not having one? Do you really need the disinfectant spray the animal places sell? Struggling to find a solid decent hutch. Reviews of pets at home are rubbish so staying away from there. Online you can't see before you buy.

[FernieB]

Try local companies - they will often build to your specifications. You don't need the special pet spray. I use a vinegar solution usually and then rinse it well.

[LetThereBeCupcakes]

Have a look at Manor Pet Housing, I covet their hutches. If you can call them hutches!

My buns live in a converted wooden wendyhouse, dh added ramps etc. Very cheap and I can get in with them!

[TheChimpParadox]

When we had guinea pigs I lined the bottom of the hutch with cut offs excess flooring we had left over from extension. Our Guinea pigs had Kardean Flooring in their hutch ! A good wipe down with hutch cleaner spray when cleaning out too.

This stopped the soaking of the floor of hutch. I did use to put a lot of newspaper down , sawdust and hay.

[Purplerainbow2]

Let they are not hutches! Lovely though! Pigs would have better home than me!

Hmm only have a carpet off cut and that would probably be gross as the wee would soak in?

Still can't find one under £100 that has a metal lock, roof hinge with a pullout floor but I don't know if I NEED a pull out floor? Never had one

[TheChimpParadox]

I need to get ride of my hutch. Am
In South London/ Home Counties if interested. Still has posh flooring !

[cherrypepsimax]

I have tested a few of those types, they are useless! The bedding falls down the back, you can not close it properly, it is very slippy for the occupants, they are usually poor quality, the ramp falls off etc.

They really offer very little in the way of space or protection for the piggies, if you have the space and budget a little wendy house or shed would be much better, you can add ramps, (if anyone is good at DIY) and it is a much nicer house for them. They can live up to 8 years, it would probably last their lifetime, where a hutch would not?

You can probably get a shed for £100 if you look about on line.

[Purplerainbow2]

Cherry I can't get a shed as we rent and there physically isn't space for one in the garden. We have a garage and a 'shed' attached to it but it leaks and is damp so not suitable for the guineas. Otherwise that would've been a fab idea! Also when your talking about 'those types' you mean one with a removable tray? I would put newspaper down before the bedding but I don't think the tray looks very deep and you saying you can't shut it properly just backs that thought up. What else could I put on the bottom of the hutch to make sure the bottom of it doesn't get wet/damp?

Thechimp, what size is it?

[cherrypepsimax]

Yes those types with the slide out try, they are rubbish. If you're worried about the wood rotting put a couple of litter trays in there, makes it easier to clean out too :)

[Purplerainbow2]

A couple of litter trays?! as I'm cat litter trays?

[TheChimpParadox]

as photo :)

[WhoTheFuckIsSimon]

I cut lino to fit and put that inside. Sawdust on top.

Never had a hutch with a pull out base but had a chicken house with one and yes it got caught and was a pita.

[chocdonutyy]

Indoor pigs are great if you are open to the idea, just saying
However if you're going for an.outdoor set up, lino would line the hutch well, cut to the right size and plenty of bedding it should stay put.

[Purplerainbow2]

I would like them indoors, I just don't have the space for them inside

[Floralnomad]

They would need to be inside somewhere in the winter . When we had our rabbit we had a huge litter tray in his sleeping area where he did most of his wee and poo and put the paper / hay in that so the cage bottom was protected . We bought his cage from the local RSPCA centre .

[Purplerainbow2]

They will be in the garage flora

[cherrypepsimax]

Lino is ok as long as they do not chew it, but yes, otherwise a couple of cat litter trays, but dont use cat litter - nothing that can clump inside them, so just use normal piggy bedding.

[Purplerainbow2]

Do you know what I can use to attach the link to hutch? Is spray glue ok if I do it well in advance of getting the guineas in there or just leave it sitting lose on it? Still haven't got a hutch that ticks all the boxes!

[millimat]

E stifled for she's to find a hitch as like you day, they can't be viewed except for online. Decided to risk it and bought one online. It's much better quality than any I've seen before and much bigger too. Pet heaven! I'll find the website now.

[millimat]

What ridiculous typing - hope you got the gist!

[millimat]

guinea-pig-hutches.co.uk/
We got the Windsor hutch. I know lots of people don't like the ramp in a hutch but our pigs are v happy and in the day can be upstairs or downstairs as they choose. Think I found a code online for an extra discount.