Hutches for your Guinea Pig
Hutches may be purchased from your pet shop or, if
you are a handyperson, you may construct your own. When purchasing a
hutch, one should think less about expense, than size and quality. As a
general guide to size, the floor area of a hutch for a single guinea pig
should be not less than 1,860 sq cm (2 sq ft) with an additional 930 sq
cm (1sq ft) for each additional animal.
 If you wish to construct an indoor hutch for a pair
of guinea pigs, a good size would be 90 cm long X 30 cm deep X 40 cm
high (3x1x1 1/4 ft). It may be constructed from good quality 12mm (1/2
in) thick plywood, which is glued and tacked together to form an open
fronted box. The door can consist of a single frame made from 21/2 cm X
21/2 cm (1X1 in) batten, covered with galvanized wire mesh of 12 mm (1/2
in) gauge; any larger gauge should be avoided or mice will gain access
to the hutch. It may be wise to fit a narrow board along the front of
the hutch to prevent the bedding from falling out when the door is
opened.
It is not necessary to use paint or wood
preservatives on indoor hutches, but a coat of varnish or lead free
paint on the outside will render it more attractive. The inside of the
hutch should either be left natural, or you can apply a regular coat of
non-toxic emulsion paint. Needless to say, ensure that any paint used is
thoroughly dry before introducing animals to the hutch.
 Hutches which are kept in the open will necessarily
have to be more substantial; they are best constructed from good quality
tongued and grooved boarding. To further insulate and prevent drafts the
hutch can be lined with thin plywood. The sloping roof should be covered
with a good quality roofing felt and there should be an overhang of
about 7.5 cm (3 in) so that rainwater does not run down the sides of the
hutch. The partition should be of solid plywood, with an entrance hole
towards the back of the hutch.
An outdoor hutch should be sited in a position where
it does not receive the worst of the weather. Backing up to a south
facing wall is an ideal position, although provision for shading from
the sun should be made in the summer months. For added protection in bad
weather and at night, a rolled up sheet of thick gauge, transparent
polythene can be kept attached to the top of the hutch front.
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2sq ft? What a terrible recommendation! That would be like stuffing a human in a large cupboard and only coming out for exercise when the person looking after you wanted you to come out.
In a 2sq ft cage, even one juvenile guinea pig would not be happy. After adding a hideout, a water bottle, a food bowl, the hay and a couple of basic toys the guinea pig would have no room to move! One of my adult male piggies is a 11.5" (foot = 12") long, he would literally be able to move a few paces and that would be it in a 2sq ft cage.
Guinea pigs need their exercise, and have been proven hundreds of times that when housed in a cage that is at least 7.5sq ft (10.5sq ft for 3 cavies, 13sq ft for 4) are so much happier and HEALTHIER. In small cages guinea pigs will become overweight, lethargic and less healthy in general. Large cages provide the room for them to run laps, popcorn and exercise on their schedule.
Cages at least 7.5sq ft = Happier pets
Happier pets = more fun for owners!