Guinea Pigs not enjoying floor time

[Piggie Life]

So my Guinea Pigs have never had floor time before, but recently I have wanted to introduce it to them. They didn't like it really, I laid out a fleece blanket in the living room (it was quiet) I put some hidey houses on the fleece and scattered bits of vegetables around. The first thing they did was just run into there hideys and they only ate the vegetables in there. They occasionally stuck their heads out but didn't leave the hideys. After about ten minutes I picked them up and sat them on my lap with some vegetables, they did what they always do when on my lap; just squeek away and eat and overall seem very happy. Then I removed some of their hideys to see if it would make a difference but all they did was just run over to me and hide near me. What do you think I should do because I like the idea of them playing outside their cage.

 

[Whispa5]

Mine are never relaxed if I'm there. I have to spy on them secretly to make sure they are ok

 

[piggyfan]

I would keep putting them there everyday. It is only because they are not used to the area. Mine were the same at first too. They will soon enjoy the extra floor space and run and popcorn.

 

[Piggie Life]

Ok I will try again tomorrow!

 

[bessiehen]

Yes you just have to persevere! One of mine (Clive) just used to freeze during floor time and sit tottaly still for up to half an hour no matter what I put out. Now ( a year later) he will explore, scamper and run loop the loops round the living room really fast. It is really worth it. You are doing all the right things, it just takes time. Catching them is fun though, I have managed to train one of mine (Burt) to come out and jump into a little pig bed so I can pop him back in the cage super fast, but the other is far too clever for that and my husband has to lift the couch whilst I gently bop Clive on the butt to get him to come out

 

[MummyAndEthan]

So my Guinea Pigs have never had floor time before, but recently I have wanted to introduce it to them. They didn't like it really, I laid out a fleece blanket in the living room (it was quiet) I put some hidey houses on the fleece and scattered bits of vegetables around. The first thing they did was just run into there hideys and they only ate the vegetables in there. They occasionally stuck their heads out but didn't leave the hideys. After about ten minutes I picked them up and sat them on my lap with some vegetables, they did what they always do when on my lap; just squeek away and eat and overall seem very happy. Then I removed some of their hideys to see if it would make a difference but all they did was just run over to me and hide near me. What do you think I should do because I like the idea of them playing outside their cage.

If its something you have only just started to do, maybe they are just a little unsure. The first time my boys went in the outside run, they spent the whole time in their hidies. Now they love it! Maybe continue it on a daily basis? x

 

[Piggie Life]

If its something you have only just started to do, maybe they are just a little unsure. The first time my boys went in the outside run, they spent the whole time in their hidies. Now they love it! Maybe continue it on a daily basis? x

Well since I posted this the girls have been enjoying floor time more. I give them about an hour or two every evening and merge it with feeding time so they have their veggies at the same time as floor time. Mainly they've just been sniffing around and nibbling away of their veggies which is a big step up from their first time. I might get some toilet rolls and stuff them with hay and veg as well tomorrow so I think they'd enjoy that.

 

[Silly]

Hi,

Ours wouldn't move either. We left them on their fleece, made it safe in the room and peeped through the door. Once they knew we weren't there they ran around. Once they heard us, they hid behind the bin. Good luck.

 

[Wiebke]

Make sure that you either dot hideys (cardboard boxes or cheap short pieces of drainpipe from a DIY shop) around fairly close to each other, so they can explore any new territory by slinking from one safe basis to another at first. Or cover the run with a beach towel.

Guinea pigs are prey animals and most vulnerable in open spaces. Birds of prey are one of their biggest predators; those instincts run deep. Give your piggies time to get their bearing and build up their courage. that is not a quick process, but worth doing!