Hammock for guinea pigs: how to choose and do it yourself?

Small rodents with charming eyes and a delicate hair coat have been very popular with Russian and foreign breeders for many years. We are talking about great guinea pigs. Fluffy "pigs" most of the time prefer to rest in a comfortable position. An excellent solution for owners of guinea pigs will be a hammock made with their own hands.

Unlike ornamental rats, the guinea pig has short legs and cannot move through all sorts of obstacles. Therefore, the ideal place for it is a hammock. It will be an excellent shelter for the animal and a place of relaxation after outdoor games. First of all, the breeder needs to know that the legs and the spine of the animal are rather weak. In this regard, a highly suspended hammock delivers only a pet inconvenience.

The animal can make a bad jump and get a serious break. The “bed” for fluffy “pigs” should have excellent tension and be fixed between the two walls of the “dwelling”. The most comfortable height is 6–8 cm from the floor level.

First of all, it is necessary to decide on the choice of material for the future hammock. Best of all for these purposes suitable dense material that does not spread and does not absorb odors. The fact is that fluffy little animals love to mark the territory.

To make an accessory, take jeans, cotton or fleece. Note that silk and satin fabric is not recommended. Besides, do not use synthetic materials. The fact is that synthetics, in contact with the animal's coat, form static electricity. In this case, the hairs stand on end, and the guinea pig is experiencing discomfort. Also for fixing a hammock you will need strong ropes. They turn out to be made from the remnants of cloth or tape.

For sewing a hammock, you will need the following set of tools:

• sharp sharpened scissors;
• a set of needles, thread;
• sewing machine (optional);
• pen or pencil (bright colors);
• cardboard (for a hammock house);
• Buttons and ribbons for decoration;
• fabric for the filler (cotton, sintepon or fleece);
• Roulette or ruler.

Hammocks for guinea pigs are of three types:

• straight;
• corner;
• hammock house

The type of accessory will depend on the personal preferences and size of the dwelling of the furry animal. If the cage has only one side exit, it is better to choose an angular hammock. Direct “bed” is suitable for almost all cells, and “house” implies the presence of a large space inside the building.

The process of making the accessory necessary for a fluffy pet does not require professional skills and knowledge. Having decided on the look of the hammock, you can start working.

This option is the easiest. So, we begin the process:

• take a piece of thick fabric (jeans) and cut two rectangles (50 cm long, 35 cm wide);
• the fleece fabric will serve as a “lining”; we also cut a rectangular piece from it (5–7 cm less);
• we sew the edges of the denim from the seamy side (manually or using a sewing machine);
• We do not touch one side - we should have a “cover”;
• turn out the product on the front side and fill it with fleece fabric;
• sew the remaining edges of the hammock and decorate the "corners" with a velvet ribbon (optional);
• we create holes in the corners of the product and insert strong ropes or carbines into them;
• fasten a hammock to the bars of the cage.

This option is perfect for the home of the animal, where the door is located on the side. Algorithm of actions:

• take a piece of cotton and cut out two isosceles triangles from it;
• between the halves we put a piece of sintepon and sew the sides of the product;
• along the edges of the corner hammock we make the same holes and insert a tight rope (or braid) into them;
• We have a hammock in the corner of the cell.

This option is the most difficult. To create it will take free time and patience. The hammock house is designed not only for the rest of a fluffy pet, but also serves as a kind of shelter. He will happily hide a treat or toy in it. So, we proceed.

• From denim make patterns of different sizes - the roof, base and rear wall.
• First of all, we cut out two rectangles from the fabric and sew them from the wrong side.
• Next, turn out the roof of the hammock on the outside, insert into it a piece of cardboard and sew.
• We take the largest piece of fabric, put a synthetic winterizer into it and sew it again.
• Next, fasten the base to the roof on both sides.
• Then proceed to the creation of the rear wall of the house. We cut two circles out of the fabric (we are guided by the width of the base) and put cardboard in them. We connect the edges with threads and fasten the back wall to the base.
• By tradition, we hang the product with tight cords or tape to the top of the cage.

Sometimes, despite the appearance of an interesting thing, the animal may not show proper interest in the hammock. In this case, put in his favorite treat or toy. Note that in order for the guinea pig to get used to the new accessory, it takes a certain amount of time. Therefore, do not force the animal to sit in a hammock without his desire. He himself must show interest in him.

Naturally, the product must be regularly washed. Once a week will be enough. If the fluffy “pig” smears the hammock more often, then it is better to refuse the accessory.

Note that the guinea pigs will definitely try to “taste” a new accessory, so carefully watch the product. A worn hammock should be immediately thrown away. Also note that the animal doesn’t have threads sticking out of the bed of the animal, and the decorative elements are large. For example, a badly stitched small button on a hammock can cause the death of a furry pet.

A video on how to make a hammock with your own hands, see below.