Jemima
Junior Guinea Pig
Hello! Me again!
We have had our adopted piggies for a week. And I was about to get them out for floor time, but asI stopped up Pipsqueak in a cuddle sack, my gut told me that perhaps they would not be quite ready for this, having only been in their new home for 7 days... so I put him back - much to my son's disappointment! Also, he is slowly showing gorgeous signs of trusting me, and I don't want to set us all back. Papua is also coming out more and more when I am there. But he still prefers his hides.
So, how long should I wait to introduce floor time? I suppose I am just aware that I have them in a 4x2 with 2x2 loft, and I am acutely aware that this is the minimum space for a boar pair. They do seem really content and happy at the mo... From about 8pm they seem to start zooming around! Is there a better time of day to do floor time I wonder? Should I do it daily?
In the warmer spring months and summer, they can also use an XL run. Do I need to use fly strike treatment? I am really worried about fly strike! My bunny got fly strike when I was a little girl and had to be put down. She was 7.
Anyway, my next question is about weighing. I want to do what I can to minimise stress for them - is weighing weekly essential? I have read that when piggies lose weight, it is a red flag for impending sickness, so if this is vital for their health, I'll do it. I only have small digital scales, so I think I may need to invest in some scales that are bigger - what do you all use?
We have had our adopted piggies for a week. And I was about to get them out for floor time, but asI stopped up Pipsqueak in a cuddle sack, my gut told me that perhaps they would not be quite ready for this, having only been in their new home for 7 days... so I put him back - much to my son's disappointment! Also, he is slowly showing gorgeous signs of trusting me, and I don't want to set us all back. Papua is also coming out more and more when I am there. But he still prefers his hides.
So, how long should I wait to introduce floor time? I suppose I am just aware that I have them in a 4x2 with 2x2 loft, and I am acutely aware that this is the minimum space for a boar pair. They do seem really content and happy at the mo... From about 8pm they seem to start zooming around! Is there a better time of day to do floor time I wonder? Should I do it daily?
In the warmer spring months and summer, they can also use an XL run. Do I need to use fly strike treatment? I am really worried about fly strike! My bunny got fly strike when I was a little girl and had to be put down. She was 7.
Anyway, my next question is about weighing. I want to do what I can to minimise stress for them - is weighing weekly essential? I have read that when piggies lose weight, it is a red flag for impending sickness, so if this is vital for their health, I'll do it. I only have small digital scales, so I think I may need to invest in some scales that are bigger - what do you all use?