Rabbits and guinea pigs are curious, social and more active than most people expect. A good hutch gives them a safe, dry place to sleep and shelter, and works best as one part of a bigger setup with room to run. Here's what to look for.
1. Plan for more space than you think
The most common mistake is buying a hutch and treating it as the whole home. The RSPCA points to the Rabbit Welfare Association's recommendation of an enclosure of at least 3m x 2m x 1m for a pair of average-sized rabbits, with room to run, jump and stand up on their back legs. Guinea pigs need less height but still plenty of floor space to move around.
In practice, that means pairing a hutch with a run, a secure area of the yard, or regular time out exploring indoors. Choose the biggest hutch your space allows, and look for designs with a built-in run.
2. Keep them in pairs
Both rabbits and guinea pigs are social animals and generally do best with a companion of their own kind. Factor that in when you choose a size: everyone needs room to stretch out at the same time, and enough space to get away from each other for a while.
3. Heat is the biggest danger in Australia
Rabbits and guinea pigs are very vulnerable to heat stress, and it can be fatal. RSPCA guidance puts the ideal temperature for guinea pigs at roughly 16 to 24°C. Position the hutch in full shade during the hottest part of the day, make sure air can flow through it, and have a plan for heatwaves. On very hot days, bring them inside somewhere cool.
Check the hutch's position at 3pm in summer, not 9am. A spot that's shaded in the morning can be in full sun by the afternoon.
4. Keep predators out
Foxes, dogs, cats and birds of prey will all try their luck. Look for solid timber, secure latches, a fully enclosed run with a roof or mesh top, and mesh that's firmly fixed. A raised sleeping area keeps bedding dry and gives your pets somewhere enclosed to retreat to when they feel threatened.
5. Get the floor and bedding right
Bare wire floors are hard on little feet. Choose a solid floor, or cover any mesh with a thick layer of bedding. Soft hay or shredded paper works well. For guinea pigs, the RSPCA advises avoiding sawdust and wood shavings because of the risk to their breathing.
6. Make cleaning easy
You'll be cleaning often, usually spot-cleaning daily and doing a full clean weekly, so check how easy it is to reach every corner. Wide doors and a sensible layout make a big difference over the years.
Where to start in our range
- Simple and low-profile: The Grazer combines a sheltered sleeping area with a ground-level run.
- Classic two-in-one: The Cottage pairs a cosy sleeping area with an open run.
- Room to spread out: The Ranch, a spacious double-storey design with separate areas to rest and move.
- Extra run space: The Yard Run is a ground enclosure that gives them more room to graze.
Every hutch is delivered free Australia-wide and backed by a 12-month warranty.
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