Guinea Pig Hutch Materials

Most hutches are made from either wood and wire or metal. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Wooden hutches usually consist of a wooden roof and wood-panel sides, with wire mesh on the door, front, and/or some sides of the cage. Wooden hutches stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, as long as they are made with a good quality wood and not pressboard. They can also be very attractive.

One problem with wooden hutches is that the wood can eventually rot, causing the hutch to slowly fall apart. Another disadvantage is that guinea pigs love to chew on wood and can gnaw sections of a wooden hutch to pieces if the wood is not protected by wire mesh.

Metal hutches retain heat in the summer and cold in the winter, which can be harmful to the guinea pig inside. They are very durable, however, and can last a very long time if they are well made. They are also easier to clean than wood hutches and often are less expensive.

Whether you choose a wooden hutch or a metal hutch, it’s important to select a home for your guinea pig that uses the proper type of wire. Chicken wire is not acceptable, since it is flimsy and is easily removed by both predators and the guinea pigs themselves. Side panels and doors on both wooden and metal hutches should be made from sturdy, galvanized wire, around 14-gauge in weight. The size of the holes in the wire mesh should be no larger than one inch by two inches.

The roof of an outdoor hutch should be covered with a waterproof substance, such as heavy-duty plastic or roofing material. This is vital if the hutch and its occupant are to stay warm and dry.

The floor is very important because improper flooring can cause a number of health problems in your guinea pig. Most hutches have some wire flooring, designed to allow feces and urine to drop away from the animal. However, wire mesh that is too large can be dangerous because a guinea pig’s leg can fall through. The wire mesh should also be smooth because rough edges can result in sore hocks.

Make sure at least one-third of the floor space contains a flat, porous surface (preferably wood) where your guinea pig can sit to get off the wire. This is important because constant walking on wire can cause sore hocks.