Raincovers and thermal heating

[lisa.rushent]

Hello,

I have 2 hutches for my 4 guinea pigs.. the company that made them apparently dont sell raincovers!

Does anyone have any ideas on make shift raincovers and insulators?

Thank you!

Lisa

 

[tonibun]

Depending on what size they are you can look at the Chartwell hutch covers or Pets at Home. You might find one which will fit. If they are going to be outdoors through the winter you will need plenty of bedding, fleeces, hay etc. I have used old pillows, open one end and mine liked to bury inside it. You will need to keep a watchful eye on them as they are not as hardy as Rabbits and most people keep them in a shed or indoors.

 

[Shimmer]

I use industrial doormat runners as insulation and rain covers on some hutches - the rubber backed, nylon loop type ones, with the looped side inside for added insulation and rain protection. My smaller ones have holes along the top (melt through with eg a hot large nail) so they can be hooked on to cup hooks screwed every foot or so under the hutch roofline - useful for the meshed doors. Larger pieces can just be draped over the whole thing, so the back is insulated and the front flap can just be lifted up to rest on the roof.

I have used this (heavy duty entrance matting) and it lasts for years:

Heavy Duty Entrance Matting, Heavy Contract, Ribbed Carpet, Hard Wearing 2m Wide | eBay UK

Ultra Heavy Duty Matting. The ribbed pile runs down the length of the roll, keep this in mind when ordering your size. Loop Pile | 10.5mm Thick | Easy to Install, Gel Rubber Backing, Hard-Wearing, Stain Resistant.

www.ebay.co.uk

You can also get tarps in various sizes and qualities. I would get a heavier duty one where possible, as they only last a couple of years if out in all weathers. Again, the door covers can be attacked via hooking the eyelets on to cup hooks. The other edges can be anchored with (hay bale) string or bungee straps. They give protection from draughts and wet, but don't really insulate. They can be used over something else if necessary for insulation - even large sheets of corrugated cardboard works if they are completely protected from rain / wet weather.

Covers oufht to be draught proofing but you do need to leave some ventilation as well.