Can Piggies Climb Ramps Easily?

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I have to buy a hutch to go outside as I've realised that my daughter is allergic to our new piggies.
A lot of the hutches have ramps up to a second level or out to a run, which makes sense as it gives our two girls more space for exercise etc.
I tried them up a small ramp a while back but they didn't use it. Should all piggies be able to do this?

And is it safe to keep them outside?

Any advice much appreciated!
 
Not all piggies will use ramps. I removed the loft from my c and a when none of mine would use even a shallow ramp with sides and lined with a purpose built ramp tunnel. But I've seen other people's piggies happily using ramps. I'd agree that sides are important.
 
It depends on where you live as to whether it's safe outside as there are many different weather conditions and predators to take into account.

You need to be aware of what predators are in your area and make sure you prepare the hutch for this.

For example in the UK we have foxes, birds of prey, neighbours cats and dogs, even other people can be problems. Foxes can dig and are known to open hutches so they need to be locked preferably with something that needs a key.

Have you thought of investing in a shed?

Also, there's the weather. It's too cold at winter for them to be in an open hutch. They need a cover for the rain too.
 
My piggies have always lived outside, and I think you'll find they love it particularly with access to fresh grass. With netting and a pegged run, I've never had problems with foxes or any other predators, so I think its fair to say you're safe on that front if you aim for a similar setup though your area could be different. My pigs definitely prefer being outside to inside. We used to take them in for the winter, but now that we have three we're just going to go all-out in terms of hay and the occasional heat pad, and see how they cope. I imagine if its not a particularly cold winter as it has been recently, and the cage is insulated well with hay ect, then you would be fine. I've never had a rain cover either, but how this effects your hutch may depend on its make and quality. When it comes to ramps I've barely tried, though I have found my piggies to be quite athletic, and that the younger ones take to it quite eagerly.
 
I also have a double decker hutch (more space is always better!) And mine definatley took a lot of persuading! But noe they are running up and down very happily and loving the extra space!
How did I do it - bribes and lots of them!
If you get the most adventurous pig to try it the others might follow his/her example. And (i know it's kind of mean) I picked them up and put them in the very top and bribes them down as it was always the first steps they find the most difficult.
Also putting no places to hide on the bottom floor persuades them to have a look upstairs.
But obviously don't force them too much and if they really aren't enjoying it, wait until tomorrow
Hope I helped :)
 
Ours have a C and C cage with a ramp and happily zoom up and down the ramp. It took about 2 weeks before they would brave it. We put tasty treats up the ramp to tempt them. The less brave pig definitely followed her sister's lead.
 
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