This hutch was intended for chickens but this client wanted it for 3 very lucky guinea pigs. it comes in 2 boxes at a combined weight of 60Kg. The instructions were basic diagrams with very little written instruction and I wouldn't say that this build was very friendly for anyone who was new to hutch builds. Having said that, for it's size it went up fairly simply. the nest box and perches were not a part that we put in as they were not needed for guinea pigs; the frame that sits inside the house however would be ideal for putting in a second floor so that piggies can make the most of the inside space. The biggest problem was with the apex shape of the run. The run comes in several parts and the top and bottom are cut at 45 degree angle with pre drilled holes. It seamed that the screw it instructed to use was too short to adequately hold the top and bottom together without being easily popped out. and we did have to make use of all the spare screws, of which there was only 1 per size. The build took around 2 hours, much longer than normal, the delay with the run pieces not holding took a lot of time to decided how best to resolve on the spot in a way that would safe for the pigges and give the best finish. Overall I think this hutch is well made but it does have some floors that I noticed when putting it together.
Firstly the image on the box which showed several chickens was fake and I think misrepresented the size of the hutch and the run. The divide that was intended to attach to the nest box would not provide much if any draught exclusion and the ventilation on both ends of the inside house could make the house could or draughty in the winter. The run does not actually affix the house, this does make it fairly straight forward to move on to fresh grass but I can see that any slight mishap, the run not being pushed completely against the house could prove an irresistible opportunity for an escape artist or hungry hunter. I would recommend adding a hook and eye to the run and house. A quick, simple and cheap way to keep the run and house together. There is also no proper access to the run, the door on the run is a tiny square no more than 20cm and the loose slide bolt is not what I would consider safe, really there is no point the door being there, as it can be used and could be a liability. I will say that the quality of the materials was good and the overa; design was good but only time and use will tell how good it really is.
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AuthorRebecca, owner and founder of R and R Pet services. Archives
May 2022
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