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

Small rodents with charming eyes and delicate wool have been very popular with Russian and foreign breeders for many years. It's about wonderful 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 by yourself.

Unlike decorative rats, the guinea pig has short legs and cannot get over all kinds of obstacles. Therefore, the hammock is the ideal place for her. 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 spine of the animal are rather weak. In this regard, a highly suspended hammock will give the pet only inconvenience.

The animal can make an unsuccessful jump and get a serious fracture. The "bed" for fluffy "piglets" must have excellent tension and be fixed between the two walls of the "dwelling". The most comfortable height is 6-8 cm from the floor.

First of all, you need to decide on the choice of material for the future hammock. Dense material is best suited for these purposes, which does not spread and does not absorb odors. The fact is that furry animals love to mark 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 animal hair forms static electricity. In this case, the hairs “stand on end”, and the guinea pig is uncomfortable. You will also need strong ropes to secure the hammock. They will be able to craft from the remnants of fabric or braid.

To sew a hammock you will need the following set of tools:

• sharpened scissors;
• set of needles, threads;
• sewing machine (optional);
• felt-tip pen or pencil (bright colors);
• cardboard (for a hammock house);
• buttons and ribbons for decoration;
• fabric for the filler (cotton, synthetic winterizer or fleece);
• roulette or ruler.

Hammocks for guinea pigs come in three forms:

• direct;
• angular;
• hammock house.

The type of accessory will depend on personal preferences and the size of the home of a furry animal. If the cage has only one lateral exit, then it is better to choose an angular hammock. The direct "bed" is suitable for almost all cells, and the "house" implies the presence of a large space inside the structure.

The process of making the accessory necessary for a fluffy pet does not require professional skills and knowledge. Having decided on the type of hammock, you can begin to work.

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

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

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

• we take a piece of cotton and cut out two isosceles triangles from it;
• between the halves we put a segment of synthetic winterizer and sew the sides of the product;
• on the edges of the corner hammock we make the same holes and insert a dense rope (or braid) into them;
• place the hammock in the corner of the cage.

This option is the most difficult. To create it, you need free time and patience. The hammock house is intended not only for the rest of a furry pet, but also serves as a kind of shelter. He will gladly hide in him a treat or a toy. So, let's get started.

• From denim we make patterns of different sizes - the roof, the base and the back wall.
• First of all, we cut out two rectangles from the fabric and sew them from the wrong side.
• Next, we turn the hammock roof to the outside, insert a piece of cardboard into it and sew it.
• We take the largest piece of fabric, put a synthetic winterizer in it and sew it again.
• Next, we fix the base to the roof on both sides.
• Then we proceed to create the back wall of the house. Cut two circles from the fabric (we focus on 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 ropes or braid to the top of the cage.

Sometimes, despite the appearance of an interesting little thing, the animal may not show due interest in the hammock. In this case, put your favorite treat or toy in it. Note that in order for the guinea pig to get used to the new accessory, a certain period of time is required. 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 washed regularly.Once a week will be enough. If the fluffy "pig" smokes a hammock more often, then it is better to refuse an accessory.

Note that guinea pigs will surely taste the new accessory, so carefully monitor the product. A hammock that has fallen into disrepair should immediately be thrown away. Also note that the threads do not stick out of the "bed" of the animal, and the decor elements are large. For example, a poorly sewn small button on a hammock can cause the death of a furry pet.

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