Now there are a number of hutches available suitable to comfortably house your guinea pig and consider your pets needs when selecting one. This home should provide shelter, ability to move around and a safe hiding spot.

Size of the Hutch

The bigger the hutch the better, so consider where you will be locating your pet’s hutch and allow for the biggest size possible. Guinea pigs require plenty of room to move around, and thinking about your pets size is something to take in to consideration.

• A bare minimum would be 2 foot by 4 foot area for each adult guinea pig, however it’s better for your pet to give them more space. An over cramped guinea pig can become depressed and will be fouled quickly, leaving the pet in unsanitary conditions.
• Make sure that the hutch you choose you can safely reach into it and access the inside for cleaning.

• Provide you pet with a secluded and separate sleeping area that is at least one and a half feet long and six inches in height and width.

Types of Hutch Materials

Most hutch material consist of either wood/wire, wire or metal/wire.  Each type has it’s pros and cons.

Wood hutches usually are made of a quality wood avoiding press board, and tend to stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.  They often have a door with wire mesh, can be attractive.  Cons of a wooden hutch are:

• wood will rot
• guinea pigs love to chew and if it isn’t protected with wire they can literally chew it
• wood tends to soak up more urine and requires more cleaning.

Metal hutches can tend to absorb heat in the summer and be cold in the winter.  They are easier to clean and tend to last a long time if good construction is used.

Providing your guinea pig with a good quality flooring is important to heath.   Make sure that at least one third of the flooring is solid, flat and porous surface.  This gives your pet relief from standing on a wire floor. If the hutch does have a  Wire mesh, the wire  should not be NO larger than one inch by two inches, sturdy galvanized wire and avoid chicken coop wire.

When purchasing a hutch, consider legs or having the hutch at waist height as this is better for ventilation and an easier height to clean.

Burkes back yard has a plan to build a guinea pig hutch to learn more about Burkes…

When considering commercial hutches, measure the inside measurements, to ensure there is the appropriate amount of space for your guinea pig.