4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[poachedegg]

We have 2 guineas (had them for 5 weeks) and am thinking of adding another 1 or 2. At the moment run is 1metre, but would extend to 2m if we expanded.

 

Would the house be big enough for 3/4 guineas? We would be leaving them out all winter.

 

How easy is it to add new guineas to existing ones?

[mot336]

3 or 4 would be fine in my opinion, so long as you keep moving the run onto fresh grass they will be very happy. I think I read somewhere that G pigs live in groups of about ten in the wild! As for intros I have never had a problem with girls. I let mine meet in neutral area (the bath) leave them for an hour or so then put them all into there home together with a big ball of hay!

[poachedegg]

3 or 4 would be fine in my opinion, so long as you keep moving the run onto fresh grass they will be very happy. I think I read somewhere that G pigs live in groups of about ten in the wild! As for intros I have never had a problem with girls. I let mine meet in neutral area (the bath) leave them for an hour or so then put them all into there home together with a big ball of hay!

 

Thanks Mot336 - would I be ok to add 1 guinea to 2?

[mot336]

Thanks Mot336 - would I be ok to add 1 guinea to 2?

 

Yeh, Should be fine have done it myself many times with no problems. They seem to be happier the more you have. Just keep an eye on them for the first day or so but I shouldnt think you will have any problems at all!

[poachedegg]

Thanks for that.

[tanyajb]

I don't mean to be rude and this is in no way a personal criticism! but my advice is please don't do it an eglu is barely big enough for 2 guineas let alone four they would have virtually no space inside to move around inside when the weather is too bad to go out.

 

I too bought an eglu trusting omlets advice about g pigs in it when i arrived i was shocked by how little space they have inside and they are too cold for the winter. i have kept

the eglu to use as a run for the summer. omlet should redesign or stick to chickens.

 

the rspca recommend a minimum of 4ft x 2ft indoor space for g pigs preferably with an attached run. Eglu are great to use as a run on grass for the summer but thats about it. they do not comply with the animal welfare act minimum sizes.

 

My personal opinion is this type of housing is better and it cost less than an eglu!

 

[SAB]

You have a great setup tanyajb and your guineas must be in 7th heaven. I agree rain would be a problem with guineas not getting out and about in Eglu run (would be same in any outside run, or in the wild) but not insurmountable - a large run cover or shower curtain means that my 2 are out and about whatever the weather (they are on slabs mind you, so no problems of wet muddy grass in the rain).

[Sheilaz]

Yes, your set up is lovely, those guineas look so happy.

But Tanya, my 2 Eglu guineas have a great time too! The Eglu/run is on slabs & half sheltered under the metre wide roof overhang by the kitchen door, with a rain cover also keeping out the worst elements.

 

To me, this seems luxury compared to wooden hutches without runs in which many guineas overwinter.

 

Mine have plenty of room & exercise, lots of handling,attention, novelty food challenges and cuddles, and they call when they know I'm near the door, so cute!

 

Please don't assume that, because your set up is wonderful, that Eglus aren't.

I've kept happy guineas for over 20 years, and the Eglu has meant I've continued to do so, just when I'd thought I might stop!

 

I think it's more down to thought & care than the actual house. The space probably feels very safe to them & I don't have any concerns about it, if used with love & care.

[tanyajb]

Yes, your set up is lovely, those guineas look so happy.

But Tanya, my 2 Eglu guineas have a great time too! The Eglu/run is on slabs & half sheltered under the metre wide roof overhang by the kitchen door, with a rain cover also keeping out the worst elements.

 

To me, this seems luxury compared to wooden hutches without runs in which many guineas overwinter.

 

Mine have plenty of room & exercise, lots of handling,attention, novelty food challenges and cuddles, and they call when they know I'm near the door, so cute!

 

Please don't assume that, because your set up is wonderful, that Eglus aren't.

I've kept happy guineas for over 20 years, and the Eglu has meant I've continued to do so, just when I'd thought I might stop!

 

I think it's more down to thought & care than the actual house. The space probably feels very safe to them & I don't have any concerns about it, if used with love & care.

 

Your piggies sound very happy and well cared for and as they are not on damp ground or grass they'll have less chance of getting frostbite etc and as you say they have shelter too which is good!

 

i had 2 guinea is an eglu for about 4 - 6 months before i bought the shed and i was just not happy with it, when the weather was foul they were always wet underneath and i think their health was at risk!

 

I think 2 guineas in ok in an eglu if they have the larger run and as you say it is better than being stuck in a tiny hutch but anymore than 2 i think is an absoulute no no!

 

My shed may look flash but i haven't put it on here to be a show off. i just wanted to show people others alternatives.

 

Also the shed option it is really very simple and quite cheap too!

[Sheilaz]

...and it was lovely to see your guineas!

[Louisdog]

I must agree, I sold my rablu and rehoused my GPs as I wasn't happy with it

[SAB]

A sheltered area, on slabs (avoiding damp grass and frostbite) and longer run seem to all be important, absolutely tanyajb. And with a set up like yours, you would be entitled to show off if you wanted(!) I don't think anyone meant otherwise. Reading all the posts allows those who are thinking eglu or not to see pros and cons, taking into accout own situation, like siting and what alternatives there are.