Talk

Flip

Mumsnet does not check the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you're worried about the health of your pet, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Small pets

Guinea Pig Hutch

8 replies

StopYouMother · 10/08/2016 21:09

Hi all.
We're looking to get Guinea Pigs and I'm currently trying to find a suitable hutch and run. I've seen a bargain hutch with the run underneath and a ramp connecting the two, but I'm not sure if piggies can do ramps?! Does anyone have a hutch like this?
(We will have another run to put on the grass too).

OP posts:

Report

Idefix · 11/08/2016 06:34

My pigs were not able to do ramps they were very much ground based. The bigger the hutch the better so that was pig can have some space of their own when they need it.
We had a large indoor hutch plus a run in the garden for summer.

Report

longdiling · 11/08/2016 06:44

I don't think those hutches are recommended, not all piggies are happy doing ramps and often the ramps are too steep. I would definitely recommend an indoor cage and separate run for outdoors. It'll be too cold outside for them in the winter anyway and you'll get a lot more out of them if they're inside with you. They become much more sociable and vocal.

Report

Nowthereistwo · 11/08/2016 06:50

There are minimum dimensions you need to look at. The rspca has them on their care guides.

I've heard that the pigs struggle with ramps. Also you'll want to move the run daily onto fresh grass.

Pigs need to come inside for winter or at least to a shed with window.

Report

froubylou · 11/08/2016 06:57

Going against the grain here but I have a double hutch with a ramp and all my piggies love the ramp! I wouldn't have one with a run in the bottom though as would be worried about foxes digging underneath.

Mine has an upstairs with a bedroom department and a downstairs that is open plan. Downstairs I put loads of straw for them to hide and burrow in.

Mine can't be inside piggies because of the dog. But dp is going to make an insulated cover for the worst of the winter months. Or if it gets really bad we can move the hutch into the shed.

I have found amazon the best place for hutches. My outdoor was about £70 and have just bought my mum a big double level indoor one for £52.

Report

StopYouMother · 11/08/2016 07:42

Thanks all. I think I'll skip the ramp idea incase they don't use it!

OP posts:

Report

Stillwaitingforthesummer2come · 30/08/2016 07:34

Our pigs have a double level hutch with a ramp and a run underneath. It's connected to a large outdoor run as well, so when we're at home they can wander in and out as they please.
They are shut into the top part at night - still lots of space- but during the day can eat grass whenever they fancy. I know some hutches have very steep ramps but our doesn't and I'm very impressed.