Fox-Proof Your Hutches!

Guinea pigs and rabbits in the garden are at risk from attack by predators. Even pets living in a sturdy hutch or run can become very stressed, and timid creatures such as guinea pigs have been known to die of heart failure when frightened by a fox, dog or other animal.

Chicken wire was designed to keep chickens in rather than to keep foxes out. A fox can easily bite through old chicken wire that is going rusty. Change any chicken wire on your hutches or runs for welded steel mesh (preferably 16 gauge). This is available from most garden centres.

Also check the locks on your hutches and runs. A scrabbling animal can turn swivel locks and simple latches. A bolt lock such as the one pictured on the right will be far more difficult for an animal to open.

Foxes can dig under a run. If your run is permanent dig the mesh into the earth to a depth of about 8 inches at an outward angle. Place flagstones round the edge of the run. If the run is moveable, you could move the flagstones with it. An outdoor run will also need a welded mesh roof because foxes and cats can climb over high fencing.

Rabbits and guinea pigs that live entirely in cages and hutches without any place to run and jump can suffer from arthiritus, distorted bones and deep depression. Just imagine how difficult it would be for you to spend every day of your life in one small room!

Thanks to Wood Green Animal Shelter for help in preparing this page.