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Step 1
There are 2 options to go for when choosing a hutch for your guinea pig, you can either make one or buy one. The upside of buying one is that they are made to be fox-proof if used correctly. The upsides of building one is that you have a lot more choice in what it will look like, you will save money in the long run and if you make it well it will provide shelter and security for your animals.
- For making your own hutch go to step 2
- For buying your own hutch go to step 3 -
Step 2
When building a hutch, there are many issues to think about. The first and most important one is security and will it protect the guinea pigs from foxes and other animals. The next is the actual shelter and warmth
Firstly you should go down to a local hardware store and buy 10 columns of wood and chicken netting to make the actual surrounding cage around the hutch. This will be the portable area where the guineas will be able to roam about and eat grass. This can be made by making 8 of the columns of wood nailed into squares, this creates the top and the bottom of the skeleton of the cage.
Next take the 2 leftover columns of wood and cut them in half to make the 'stilts' which will be between the two squares at the corners. Now you have your outer cage.
The top layer of the cage should be cut in half, so that one side can be lifted on a hinge so that you can access the hutch inside. This should be safeguarded with padlocks or mechanisms which are animal-proof.
Now it is time to think about the inside 'hutch', this should be just a wooden box which has two main areas. One to sleep in which should always be stocked with enough straw and hay and the other the eating area. The top of the 'hutch' should be able to be opened like a door, so that you can take out the guinea pigs easily, and that you can refresh their food, water and straw/hay. The door should have a safety mechanism such as a padlock.
To avoid dampness and grass dying below, you should prop the hutch up by a couple of centimeters to that the guineas are still able to go in and out.
You can always inbox me for more information or advice! -
Step 3
If you are going to buy a hutch the best places to find them are petshops or online retailers such as eBay. A good hutch should cost between £100 and £300 depending on size and quality. Whenever buying a hutch, you should read any manual which comes with it and learn how to use the safety measures efficiently.
You can always inbox me for more information or advice!
