If you have limited indoor space or don’t want your home smelling of guinea pigs, then an outdoor guinea pig cage is your best bet.
However, as a hutch is one of the biggest expenses of owning a guinea pig, it’s important to select a cage that will last you a long time.
To ensure you find the best outdoor guinea pig hutch for your pet, I’ve reviewed a variety of cages and looked at their highlights and drawbacks.
After considering all the options our top picks were…
Can Guinea Pigs Live Outside in a Hutch?
guinea pigs are sensitive to extreme temperatures…
Guinea pigs can live outside in a hutch all year long provided you put in extra measures to protect their enclosure from overly cold and hot conditions.
As guinea pigs are sensitive to extreme temperatures, it’s important you keep their hutch comfortable during summer and winter months.
Warm Weather
In warmer months, make sure your guinea pig hutch is sheltered from direct sunlight and has accessible water bottles.
TIP
You could also wrap an ice pack or frozen water bottle in a towel and place it in your guinea pig’s cage so they can lie against it when they feel too hot.
Cold Weather
In cooler months, consider placing your guinea pig’s hutch in a shed to keep them warm.
If the outside temperature drops too low, you might want to move your guinea pig indoors temporarily. Providing them with a pet bed is also a good option so they will have a warm and comfortable place to sleep.
Things To Consider
If you have to keep your guinea pigs outside, make sure they have access to lots of bedding and use tarping, foil bubble wrap, or another type of waterproof insulation to help keep them dry and warm.
For pet safety, you should also ensure your guinea pig’s hutch is secure to keep your guinea pigs safe from predators such as foxes.
What Temperature Can Guinea Pigs Stay Outside?
Guinea pigs do best when kept outside at temperatures between 64°F and 73°F.
If the temperature drops below 59°F, then your guinea pig could develop hypothermia if you fail to keep their habitat warm.
For this reason, it’s best to relocate your guinea pig’s cage inside.
Alternatively, if the temperature rises to 78°F and above, your guinea pig is at risk of getting heatstroke.
NOTE
Guinea pigs cannot sweat as they don’t have any eccrine glands, so it’s crucial you keep them cool when the weather gets too hot.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Outdoor Guinea Pig Hutch
When you’re looking for an appropriate outdoor guinea pig hutch for your pet, there are a lot of important aspects you need to consider to ensure you find the best one.
Let’s take a look at some of the key factors a guinea pig owner should keep in mind when shopping for the best outdoor guinea pig cage.
Durable Material
Your guinea pig hutch needs to be durable so it can withstand harsh weather conditions.
The majority of durable outdoor guinea pig cages are made from plastic or wood, with a roof that is constructed out of asphalt or metal.
Asphalt roofs tend to be the most long lasting as they are resistant to rust.
Cages with plastic or wooden walls are also resistant to rust and can tolerate extremely windy conditions
Sturdy Construction
The best guinea pig cages are both sturdy and strong to ensure their durability.
While low-quality cages are cheaper, they often break easily or don’t last a very long time.
Purchasing a pricier guinea pig hutch that is made from superior materials will save you money in the long run as you won’t need to replace it very frequently.
Weatherproof Construction
If water leaks into your guinea pig hutch, it can cause an array of issues for your guinea pigs. Not only can it make them sick, but it can also cause bacteria to build up on their bedding.
Your guinea pig cage needs to be constructed from waterproof materials to prevent either of these problems from occurring.
You should also ensure the hutch offers protection from sunlight as guinea pigs cannot sweat.
Pet-Friendly Design
As your guinea pig will spend a lot of time inside their hutch, it needs to have a pet-friendly design and the structure needs to be safe. Don’t use guinea pig hutches that have sharp edges or wired flooring/ramps that could hurt your guinea pig.
The latter might not seem like a huge issue, but wired floors or ramps can injure your guinea pig’s feet and cause bumblefoot.
If your hutch has wired ramps, you can make them safer by covering them with soft fabric.
Enough Space for the Pets
The number of guinea pigs you own should also play a part in which hutch you choose for your pets.
You need to ensure all your guinea pigs have enough room to move freely around.
A lot of manufacturers will specify the number of guinea pigs their hutch is suitable for.
Protection Against Predators
Predators like foxes, coyotes, and hawks can and will try to prey on your guinea pigs if their outdoor hutch is not well protected.
Always ensure you lock your hutch when leaving your guinea pigs outdoors so predators are unable to get inside.
TIP
You might want to place your hutch in an area where predators are less likely to reach it. You could also install fencing around the cage for extra safety.
Removable Trays
Removable hutch trays are a great feature which make cleaning and maintenance a lot easier.
When it’s time to clean the cage, you can simply pull out the sliding tray and empty the waste without needing to scoop it out manually.
Additionally, when the trays become damaged or overly stained, you can easily replace them.
While removable trays aren’t essential, they certainly make cleaning your guinea pig cage less time consuming.
Reliable Roof
The roof on your guinea pig cage needs to be capable of withstanding heavy rain or other harsh weather conditions.
That’s why it’s important you select a hutch that is both durable and reliable.
RECOMMENDATION
Personally, I recommend guinea pig cages with either asphalt or metal roofs as they are heavy duty and robust.
Lockable Doors
All guinea pig cages need sturdy and lockable doors, but especially those intended for outdoor use.
Not only will lockable doors prevent your guinea pigs from escaping, but they will make it harder for predators to access your pets.
Number of Floors
Depending on the type of hutch you decide to use for your guinea pig and the number of pets you plan to own, a cage that offers multiple floors might be a good idea.
This is especially true if you have limited space and require a more compact unit but still want to give your guinea pig lots of room.
Accessibility of the Pets
As guinea pigs are quite timid animals, it can be difficult to catch them when you need to handle them or inspect them for illness.
Guinea pig hutches that provide easy access and have big doors are a good idea for this reason.
TIP
Check the guinea pig cage you’re planning on purchasing to see if it has small openings or any inner compartments that might limit accessibility.
Pet Safety
Your pet’s safety is your number one priority when choosing an outdoor guinea pig cage.
Always check the type of paint, materials, and quality of the hutch you’re thinking of buying to ensure it is pet-friendly.
Any materials or paint used on the unit need to be non-toxic.
The structure shouldn’t have any rough or protruding edges that could injure your guinea pig, too.
Easy to Assemble
A lot of cages designed for small animals can be a little fiddly and time consuming to assemble, particularly if they have lots of components and compartments.
If DIY isn’t your forte, then you might want to consider selecting a cage that is simple in design.
Some outdoor hutches even come preassembled, which can be a real time saver.
Easy to Clean
Cleaning your guinea pig’s cage needs to be done frequently, so you obviously want to make the task less of a time sink.
Hutches that have lots of compartments or levels can make cleaning a little fiddly, as can units that don’t have removable trays.
A more simple structure can make maintenance a bit easier as you won’t have to spend time wiping down hard-to-reach areas or multiple floors.
Portability
Guinea pig cages are pretty heavy and bulky structures, which can make moving them around hard.
If you need to relocate your hutch to another area, a hutch that comes with wheels or is easy to disassemble can be very convenient.
Who Should Buy a Guinea Pig Cage
If you’re planning on keeping guinea pigs, you’ll obviously need a cage or hutch to house them in.
You can keep them indoors or outdoors, though the latter greatly depends on climate as guinea pigs cannot withstand exceedingly low or high temperatures.
How Many Times Should You Clean an Outdoor Hutch?
you should aim to fully clean your outdoor hutch at least once a week…
How often you clean your outdoor guinea pig hutch depends on its construction, the number of guinea pigs you own, and the type of bedding you use.
Typically, you should aim to fully clean your outdoor hutch at least once a week.
If you notice your hutch has a pungent odor, then it’s probably due a good clean.
Spot cleaning your hutch daily is also recommended as this helps keep your guinea pig’s habitat cleaner and fresher for longer.
Spot cleaning involves removing any droppings or soiled bedding from the hutch.
Best Guinea Pig Cages Reviews
Best All-Rounder
Be-Mindful Bunny Hutch for Rabbits and Other Small Animals
A superb option for multiple guinea pigs due to its extremely large size. It’s well-built to ensure that your pets stay warm and dry at all times.
Be-Mindful Bunny Hutch for Rabbits and Other Small Animals
Be Mindful Bunny Hutch for Rabbits and Other Small Animals is a superb option for two guinea pigs or more.
Safe For Pets
It’s made using eco-friendly and non-toxic varnish, so there’s no risk of your pet ingesting any harmful substances.
The construction is anti-corrosion, UV-resistant, and waterproof to ensure your small animals stay warm and dry at all times.
The hutch features a premium fir wood build with a robust asphalt roof.
I love the number of openings the hutch offers as this provides you with plenty of accessibility to your guinea pigs.
The hinged roof also makes interacting with your guinea pigs and cleaning the cage straightforward.
The rabbit hutch has two floors, which are connected by a ramp.
Spacious
Inside the cage are several compartments that provide your guinea pigs with different areas to explore.
I really like this as you can use certain rooms for specific purposes such as a feeding area.
Each opening on the cage can be securely locked to prevent your small animals from escaping.
There are also wired sections to provide your guinea pigs with ample ventilation.
Easy Assembly and Cleaning
To make cleaning the hutch incredibly simple, each floor has removable bottom trays that you can easily slide out to discard waste and bedding.
Assembling the cage shouldn’t take you longer than 20 minutes with an electric drill.
Despite its positives, the durability of this rabbit hutch is its main drawback.
The wood is a little flimsy and can be a bit hard to slot together during assembly. In addition, the material of the cage is prone to warping over time.
Specs
- Dimensions: 42.1” x 19.5” x 39.4”
- Weight: 42.9 lbs
- Materials: Wood, Metal, and Asphalt
- Includes Run: No
Pros
- Made from pet-safe materials
- Offers two floors and numerous compartments
- Multiple openings for easy access
- Removable trays to make maintenance easy
Cons
- Material can be a bit flimsy
- Can be fiddly to assemble
Best Value
Prevue Hendryx Guinea Pig Hutch
This small animal hutch from Prevue Hendryx is another decent choice, featuring a cozy indoor compartment for your guinea pigs.
Prevue Hendryx Guinea Pig Hutch
Comfy and Safe
The structure is made from weather-resistant fir wood and strong galvanized wire that provides both ventilation and insulation for your guinea pig.
It also keeps them safe from predators.
To ensure your pets stay dry, the roof is constructed out of waterproof asphalt.
Optimizable Space
The dividers inside the cage can be removed to give your pet more space.
There are two doors on the front of the house for easy access.
One of the doors doubles up as a ramp so your guinea pig can easily enter and leave the cage, which is useful.
I really like the security of this cage as it has strong locks, as well as a lid latch on one of the doors.
Easy To Clean
The hutch is fairly easy to clean as it’s quite compact.
A wire bottom grille is included for simple removal of waste, but I’d recommend taking it out as it could hurt your guinea pig’s delicate feet.
Assembly wise, the hutch isn’t overly hard to put together.
Easy to Move
It’s not too heavy in weight, so it should be quite easy to move if you need to relocate it.
However, the hutch isn’t as well constructed as some of the other guinea pig cages I’ve reviewed.
Additionally, the durability of the hutch can falter over time.
The divider that separates the interior compartments can also be a little difficult to keep in place.
Specs
- Dimensions: 36” x 24” x 35.5”
- Weight: 40 lbs
- Materials: Wood, Metal, and Asphalt
- Includes Run: No
Pros
- Secure
- Removable divider
- Relatively easy assembly
- Compact
Cons
- Durability is not the best
- Not as well constructed as some other cages
Editor’s Choice
Homestead Solid Spruce Wood Small Animal Hutch
Made from durable wood and sports an asphalt roof to protect your guinea pigs from all weather conditions.
Homestead Solid Spruce Wood Small Animal Hutch
One of my personal favorite hutches is this one from Homestead.
It features a two-story design that lets your guinea pigs roam inside and outside.
A ramp connects the house to the run to allow your guinea pig easy access to both sections.
Safe and Sturdy
The hutch is made from durable wood and sports an tilt asphalt roof to protect your guinea pigs from all weather conditions.
The run is made from heavy-duty wire and has two large doors so you can interact with your pets.
There’s also a large door on the house, which is made extra secure thanks to its sturdy lock. To make cleaning the hutch simple, you can use the removable tray to quickly dispose of any soiled bedding.
Design
I think the appearance of this hutch from Homestead is definitely one of its strongest highlights.
It has a simple but cozy design and even sports a small window your guinea pigs can look through.
Unfortunately, the hutch can suffer from some durability issues and can be a bit difficult to put together as it doesn’t come with any assembly instructions.
Specs
- Dimensions: 24.4” x 48” x 36.6”
- Weight: 44.1 lbs
- Materials: Wood, Metal, and Asphalt
- Includes Run: Yes
Pros
- Includes a large run
- Multiple doors for easy access
- Simple to clean
- Attractive design
Cons
- Can suffer from some durability issues
- Doesn’t include assembly instructions
Purlove Pet Small Animal Cage with Tray and Small Platform
Features a wooden build combined with wire, as well as a waterproof asphalt roof. Two doors are located on the front of the cage for when you want to interact with your small animals or clean the hutch.
Purlove Pet Small Animal Cage with Tray and Small Platform
Purlove’s small animal cage, which provides enough space for at least two guinea pigs.
Accessible Areas
It includes an enclosed outdoor area connected to the house via a ramp, making it easy for your pets to access all areas.
The cage features a wooden build combined with wire, as well as a waterproof asphalt roof. Two doors are located on the front of the cage for when you want to interact with your small animals or clean the hutch.
Easy To Clean
There are removable trays on each floor so you can easily take out soiled bedding and waste when you need to clean the cage.
There are two doors located on the front of the run, as well as one on the house.
Elegant Design
One of the features I particularly love about Purlove’s hutch for small animals is the design. The cage is visually appealing and has an attractive finish, which makes it look a lot more expensive than it is.
Assembly wise, the hutch isn’t overly hard to get up and running. However, the wood can chip or splinter easily when drilled as it’s not the best quality.
Specs
- Dimensions: 57” x 30” x 32”
- Weight: 48.4 lbs
- Materials: Wood, Metal, and Asphalt
- Includes Run: Yes
Pros
- Includes a spacious run
- Removable trays for easy cleaning
- Attractive design
Cons
- Prone to durability issues
Tangkula 60″ Large Wooden Hutch
Made from high-quality fir wood, wire, and asphalt. The roof is durable and ensures no water gets through to the interior during rainy weather.
Tangkula 60″ Large Wooden Hutch
Next up is the Tangkula guinea pig cage…
Weatherproof and Spacious
It features a house and a run, so it’s plenty big enough for multiple small animals.
The hutch is made from high-quality solid fir wood, wire, and asphalt. Aside from the solid wood build, the roof is durable and ensures no water gets through to the interior during rainy weather.
Easy Cleaning
This cage for small animals is very easy to clean as it has multiple doors for easy access. The nesting and resting areas on the hutch have a removable tray that also helps you keep the cage clean.
Safe and Secure
Secure locks are attached to each door on the hutch to ensure your pet’s safety and prevent them from escaping.
As the enclosure is very secure, it makes it difficult for predators to reach your guinea pigs.
Design and Assembly
I really like the design of this habitat as it has a lovely white and red finish, which is a little different than most hutches.
In terms of assembly, the habitat can be a little time consuming and fiddly to get up and running.
Unfortunately, the wooden construction of the enclosure is a bit thin, which makes it more likely to splinter or break.
Specs
- Dimensions: 60” x 25” x 37”
- Weight: 50.7 lbs
- Materials: Wood, Metal, and Asphalt
- Includes Run: Yes
Pros
- Comes with a run, resting area, and nesting area
- Removable tray for easy cleaning
- Attractive and unique design
- Secure locks on doors
Cons
- Wood is a little thin
- Can be difficult to put together
Ware Manufacturing’s Premium Plus Rabbit Hutch
Made from fir wood and galvanized wire that’s rustproof to make sure your pet has a comfortable and durable home.
Ware Manufacturing’s Premium Plus Rabbit Hutch
If you want a good-quality cage for one guinea pig, then Ware Manfufacturing’s enclosure is worth considering.
Despite being one of the smallest hutches I’ve looked at, it’s a lovely and practical enclosure for one guinea pig.
Cozy and Safe
It’s made from fir wood and galvanized wire that’s rustproof to make sure your pet has a comfortable and durable home.
The wood is treated with a non-toxic and waterproof stain, which further increases the cage’s longevity.
Easy To Clean
As the cage is small in size, this means it’s very simple and quick to clean.
While the habitat does have a removable tray, it isn’t the best for guinea pigs as it has a wire top.
Wire floors or ramps can cause bumblefoot, so you might want to consider covering the tray with a more comfortable material.
The cage provides two compartments for your guinea pig, one of which is enclosed to provide your pet with a secure and safe area to retreat to.
Each section has a door to make it easy to access your animal.
Accessible
One of the doors can be lifted down to be used as a ramp, which allows your pet to go freely inside and outside the cage.
This would be particularly convenient during free roam play as your pet can choose to return to their cage on their own accord.
Assembly
The cage is very simple to assemble, especially as it isn’t overly complicated in design. However, some of the components don’t fit together as well as they should as the materials are a bit flimsy.
The biggest downside of this cage is its tendency to stain. As the wood is not treated with a protective coat, waste or soiled bedding can leave behind an unsightly mark.
In addition, the cage can decrease in durability over time, particularly when exposed to the elements.
Specs
- Dimensions: 24” x 36” x 34.5”
- Weight: 41 lb
- Materials: Wood, Metal, and Asphalt
- Includes Run: No
Pros
- Provides enough space for a single pet
- Rustproof and waterproof
- Door can also be used as a ramp
- Easy to clean and assemble
Cons
- Wood is prone to staining
- Can decrease in durability over time
Petsfit Bunny Cages Small Animal Cage
Visually appealing and relatively large, so it should be spacious enough for a couple of pets. Made from natural cedar that is sturdy, as well as wire to provide ample ventilation.
Petsfit Bunny Cages Small Animal Cage
Petsfit small animal cage is visually appealing and relatively large, so it should be spacious enough for a couple of pets.
It’s made from natural cedar that is sturdy, as well as wire to provide ample ventilation.
The habitat has two floors that are connected via a ramp, allowing your pet to easily move between each level.
It also has a vertical door on the first floor so you can close off the second level.
To make interacting with your pet simple, the habitat features multiple doors that can all be locked securely to prevent your pets from escaping. There’s also a hinged weatherproof roof for convenience.
Easy to Clean
You can clean the cage quickly and easily as both floors have removable trays. This makes removing droppings or soiled bedding a breeze.
Design
In terms of aesthetics, Petsfit cage is stunning.
It has a white and mint green finish, as well as a planter box affixed to the side of the top floor, which is a nice detail. The paint used on the structure is water-based, so it’s completely safe for your pet.
Easy Assembly
The cage is easy to put together as it has pre-drilled holes and each component fits together with ease.
However, the trays included with the cage don’t cover the floors entirely, which creates a small seam where waste can drop through. This causes droppings or bedding to leak through below.
Additionally, the cage can have quite a strong smell initially, so it might be best to air it out for a couple of days before you add your pet to it.
Specs
- Dimensions: 31.5” x 26” x 46”
- Weight: 79.2 lbs
- Materials: Wood, Metal, and Asphalt
- Includes Run: Yes
Pros
- Comes with two floors
- Sturdy material
- Easy to assemble
- Lovely design
Cons
- Removable trays don’t cover the floor entirely
- Can have a strong smell initially
Advantek Stilt House for Animals Farmhouse Red
Made from sturdy cypress fir, galvanized wire, and asphalt. The roof is non-toxic and is waterproof to keep your guinea pig dry and happy
Advantek Stilt House for Animals Farmhouse Red
The last cage for outdoor use that I recommend is this one from Advantek, which comes with a large run to provide your guinea pigs with plenty of exercise.
Easy Maintenance and Cleaning
The nesting area on the enclosure has a pull-out tray for easy maintenance and cleaning, as well as an access door.
The run also has a front lockable door, so you can interact with your pet no matter where they are in the cage.
Your guinea pigs can move to and from the house and run via the ramp, which is ridged to make it easier for them to grip.
The structure is made from sturdy cypress fir, galvanized wire, and asphalt.
Safe For Pets
The roof is non-toxic and is waterproof to keep your guinea pig dry and happy. It also protects them from sunlight and retains heat in the winter.
Design
I really like the appearance of this guinea pig cage from Advantek as it has a vibrant auburn and white finish.
There’s also a window on the front of the enclosure, which is a lovely touch.
As the enclosure is relatively lightweight, it’s easy to move around.
It also doesn’t take a huge amount of time to assemble, which is a plus.
Unfortunately, the pull-out tray included with the cage is a bit on the shallow side, so it can’t hold a lot of bedding. The paint on the structure can be prone to fading over time, too.
Specs
- Dimensions: 25” x 48” x 36”
- Weight: 40 lbs
- Materials: Wood, Metal, and Asphalt
- Includes Run: Yes
Pros
- Includes a spacious run
- Keeps your pet warm in winter and cool in summer
- Pull-out tray for easy cleaning
- Attractive design
Cons
- Pull-out trays are a little shallow
- Paint can fade over time
Conclusion
Let’s take a quick look at all our top picks…
Best All-Rounder
Out of all the outdoor guinea pig hutches I’ve looked at, I think the best to use for your pet is the Be Mindful Bunny Hutch for Rabbits and Other Small Animals.
It’s made using non-toxic and eco-friendly varnish, making it completely safe for your guinea pig.
The structure is UV-resistant, waterproof, and anti-corrosion to keep your furry friends happy and comfortable.
It features multiple entryways and a hinged roof, which makes it easy to clean and access your animal.
I really like how large the cage is as it features two floors, all of which have several compartments to provide your pet with plenty of room.
Both of the levels have removable trays to make maintenance simple, too.
However, the cage can be a bit flimsy in design, which makes some components hard to slot together during assembly. The wood can also warp over time.
Great Alternatives
If the Best All-Rounder doesn’t seem like the right match for your pet, then two other great options are the Best Value and Editor’s Choice.
Best Value
The former is one of the more inexpensive enclosures I’ve reviewed, so it’s a good choice if you’re on a budget. It’s cozy, compact, and a good choice for a single guinea pig.
Unfortunately, the quality of the outdoor hutch isn’t the best.
Editor’s Choice
Homestead’s hutch comes with a run and removable tray for easy cleaning.
It has a relatively sturdy construction but can suffer from some durability and assembly issues.
