Floor time for new piggies

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Aga

New Born Pup
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I have two young piggies for about a week. They are constantly running and playing in cage. When can I let them out of the cage so that they would not run away frightened? And could you give me the ideas for some kind of platform or stairs so that they could go out of the cage themselves? Thank you
 
Aga said:
I have two young piggies for about a week. They are constantly running and playing in cage. When can I let them out of the cage so that they would not run away frightened? And could you give me the ideas for some kind of platform or stairs so that they could go out of the cage themselves? Thank you
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Hi!

A log tunnel which you can bend into shape makes a good temporary bridge. Before you let your piggies out, please remove or cover up any cables, make sure that your piggies can't get under or behind any furniture they can't get out.

Dot the floor with hideys/tunnels/cardboard boxes/stools that they have become familiar with and scent marked in the cage first so; about 1 foot apart at first to use them as safe bases for exploration. Open spaces in unknown territory scream danger for a prey animal species like guinea pigs where they are most exposed to predators; this instinct runs deep. Hideys that scent mark this new area as theirs will give them both the encouragement and a message of safety at once in the early stages. the exploration radius should enlarge as they become more confident. ;)

Make sure that your floor is wipeable or if not that you have puppy carpet cleaner handy. Also get some plastic cupboard liners for their toilet/resting corners. Place them where they like to hang out and cover them with an washable old towel, fleece or some vetbed. Piggies like a covered area and any nooks and crannies - and, like a toddler, they will find any dodgy areas long before you!

You may be able to get some ideas from this guide here, which has lots of pictures and some videos. Don't look at the action but the use of materials and furniture: Enrichment Ideas for Guinea Pigs
 
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