Guinea pig run in Exeter
Professional guinea pig run services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£85-£160
Typical Duration
1.5-3 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Guinea pig run assembled and secured, giving your pets safe outdoor space to exercise. I connect it to hutches if needed and make sure there are no gaps for predators or escape artists.
Happy Guinea Pigs Need Space to Run
Stuck in a hutch 24/7? Your guinea pigs are bored out of their minds. They need room to popcorn, zoom around, and nibble fresh grass. A proper run gives them that space safely - no escapes, no predators, no stress.
💡 Pro tip: Guinea pigs are prey animals with surprisingly strong survival instincts. Even tiny gaps will tempt escape attempts, and foxes can exploit the smallest weaknesses. A properly secured run is essential.
Why DIY Runs Often Fail
Here's what goes wrong with rushed assembly: gaps in mesh joints, insecure roofs, and wobbly frames.
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| All mesh seams tight with no gaps | Gaps at corners where mesh meets |
| Roof secured to prevent fox access | Roof just resting on top |
| Ground-level runs pegged or skirted | Can be lifted or dug under |
| Hutch connection secure and aligned | Wonky gap between hutch and run |
What You Get
🔧 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Build | Run assembled correctly, mesh checked thoroughly |
| Secure | Pegged, weighted, or secured depending on location |
| Connect | Attached to hutch if needed with safe access |
📦 You're Left With
- Secure outdoor run, predator-proof
- Happy guinea pigs with room to exercise
- Hutch connection if required
- Weather cover fitted properly
Pricing Guide
| Run Size | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Small flatpack run | 1.5-2 hrs | £85-£110 |
| Large/multi-section run | 2-3 hrs | £110-£160 |
| Custom simple frame build | 3-4 hrs | £160-£210 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Custom builds require materials quoted separately.
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ New guinea pigs - give them proper outdoor space from day one
✅ Flatpack frustration - those instructions make no sense
✅ Predator concerns - foxes, cats, or birds of prey in your area
✅ Hutch connection - want piggies to access run safely
Why Choose Us for Guinea pig run in Exeter?
Secure mesh with no gaps for predators
Connected to hutch if required
Ground-level or with sturdy legs
Weather cover fitted properly
What to Expect
Step 1: Plan the Setup
I'll check where the run's going - grass, paving, or decking - and plan the best way to secure it. If it needs connecting to a hutch, I'll measure the alignment and plan the connection.
Step 2: Assemble & Check
The run gets built following instructions, with extra attention to mesh joints and frame strength. I check every seam and corner - guinea pigs are escape artists and predators are opportunists.
Step 3: Secure & Test
Depending on location, I'll peg it to grass, weight it on paving, or secure it another way. If there's a hutch connection, I make sure it aligns properly and the door/ramp works smoothly.
🔧 DIY Tips
Fancy building the run yourself? Here's how to do it safely:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Screwdriver or cordless drill
- Wire cutters (if trimming mesh)
- Rubber mallet (for ground pegs)
- Cable ties or mesh clips
- Tape measure
- Work gloves (wire mesh has sharp edges)
🔒 Making it predator-proof
- Check EVERY mesh joint - foxes find the weak spots
- Secure the roof properly - it must not lift off
- For ground-level runs, add mesh skirting pegged into the ground
- Test stability - give it a good shake, it shouldn't shift
- Check again after a week - ground pegs can work loose
🏗️ Assembly tips
- Lay out all parts first and check instructions
- Build on flat ground - wonky assembly causes gaps
- Don't overtighten wire mesh panels (can distort the frame)
- Cable-tie any loose mesh edges for extra security
- Position away from fence bases (foxes dig)
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Assuming the roof is secure when it just sits on top
- Not checking mesh gauge (too large = guinea pigs squeeze through)
- Forgetting ground-level runs can be lifted or tunnelled under
- Positioning where there's no shade (guinea pigs overheat easily)
💡 Pro trick: When connecting to a hutch, build the run first, then position it against the hutch while it's still light enough to adjust. Once you're happy with alignment, mark positions before securing everything permanently.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🌧️ Weather protection: Guinea pigs hate rain but need ventilation. If your run doesn't have a cover, I can fit a tarp or clear corrugated roof section to one end - gives them a dry zone without making it stuffy.
On grass or paving? Grass runs need pegging down and moving regularly (to fresh grass). Paving runs need securing against wind - I usually use heavy paving slabs around the base or ground anchors if you're not keen on slabs.
Multiple guinea pigs? Make sure the run is big enough. Two guinea pigs need at least 2m² of floor space to exercise properly - cramped runs defeat the purpose. I'll advise on whether your chosen run is adequate.
Older runs need checking: If you're getting me to move or reassemble an existing run, I'll check the mesh and frame for rust, rot, or damage. Sometimes it's safer to replace it than risk predator breaches. I'll be honest about what I find.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will you assemble a flatpack guinea pig run?
Yes - I've built loads of them. The popular ones from Pets at Home, Amazon, and specialist brands all get put together regularly. Most take 1.5-2 hours depending on size and complexity. I'll make sure all mesh is secure and there are no gaps.
Can you connect the run to our existing hutch?
Usually yes - most modern hutches have compatible run attachments. I can make a simple connecting door if yours doesn't. The key is making it secure so the piggies can go back and forth safely without escape routes.
How do you make it predator-proof?
I check every joint and mesh seam for gaps, ensure the roof is secure (foxes climb!), and make sure it can't be lifted or tipped easily. If it's ground-level, I can add mesh skirting pegged into the grass to stop digging underneath.
Can you build a custom run for our awkward space?
For simple wooden frames with wire mesh, yes. If you need something more elaborate with multiple levels or complex features, I'd recommend a specialist hutch builder. I'll be honest about what I can do well.
Will it stay secure in Devon weather?
Good quality runs do fine, but I'll advise on securing them properly. If it's on grass, I use long ground pegs. If it's on paving, we might need to secure it to prevent wind lift. I'll also make sure any covers or roofs are properly attached.
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