Recently I found myself seeking a new home for my 4 ferrets whom unfortunately had been escaping from their previous enclosure – much to my chagrin.
I had a few requirements on my list: it must be fit into my garden in a suitable location, it must be large enough to provide adequate space for the 4 ferrets, be easy to clean out with minimal maintenance required and ideally be attractive to look at!
So I found myself visiting Pets at Home in Otford to find a suitable new home and came across the Birch Hideaway Guinea Pig and Rabbit Hutch which happened to be sitting outside the store. I was immediately attracted to its two-level design and minimal but pretty look.
The Birch Hideaway (£109.00) is described as a luxury, weatherproof, two storey hutch that features four doors for easy access (and cleaning out) and is made with a strong mesh wire which offers peace of mind and provides safety for the inhabitants. The hutch has been built to be cosy and warm but also sturdy and secure.
I have to admit that putting the hutch together was a bit of a trial as the instructions were not amazingly clear and I ended up taking it apart several times having discovered that a piece or two were the wrong way round which was very frustrating!
However, once it was built the hutch was sturdy and seemingly up to the task of housing the ferrets. The dimensions are H112.5 x W152 x D61cm which fits nicely into a space on my garden patio. I admit was a little concerned that the wire mesh might not stand up to the ferrets’ teeth and claws however I have found myself happily reassured as so far no-one has escaped.
I really like the four-door design which makes it easy to access all parts of the hutch which is great for cleaning out and refilling water/food bowls as the ferrets to tend to enjoy moving their bowls around. I also find the blueish grey colour and contrasting white detail most attractive.
The main drawback to the Birch Hideaway Hutch is the stairs which connect the bottom and top level. They are posted into the hutch from the top, through the hole in the floor and rest upon a stopper made from a small piece of wood. Unfortunately, my ferrets are able to push the stairs off of this stopper and have made the stairs topple down several times leaving the ferrets on the top level without food and water which is obviously not great.
I have solved the problem by placing a small but weighty kettlebell weight at the bottom of the stairs which has so far stopped them from pushing the stairs over. I do have to say that the hutch was designed for rabbits and guinea pigs which are probably less mischevious than ferrets so perhaps this is a problem unique to me!
The manufacturer does say to treat between seasons with animal safe, a water-based treatment which really is minimal maintenance which makes me happy!
The Birch Hideaway Hutch, which I purchased from Pets At Home, has made a great new home for my ferrets. It has a good amount of space, is sturdy and easy to clean out. My only issue is with the stairs which fall down, so I award it 4 out of 5 stars.
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