How big does a run have to be?

[SallyG]

Hi everyone,

I got my girls this week and have gotten myself confused about a run for them. They live inside, I've got a Midwest Habitat and is based upstairs. I bought a 5 foot square run that I had the piggies in in the lounge today, but my sister ended up taking that for her rabbits (not sure how that happened!?) but I do have grids from when I originally was going to make a C&C cage. Tonight I have made a 2 x 4 area for them in the lounge.

My plan is that the piggies will be up in the cage during the night and when I'm at work but will come down to the lounge when I'm home.

So I'm asking:
a) can they happily be swapped between their cage upstairs and the one downstairs. There is food/hay/hideaway house/toys etc. in both cages. Do they need 1 specific home?
b) even though the C&C downstairs is slightly bigger than their cage, is this big enough to class as a suitable sized run for them?

When the weather improves I intend to get an outdoor for them.

Thanks
Sal
x

 

[SpinningNickel]

I think it's fine. My boys' playpen really isn't any bigger than their C&C now, but I still pop them in for a change of scenery. It keeps them from getting bored.

Try not to put too many hideys, toys, etc. in their run, especially if there's lots of stuff in their cage. Anything you do put in, try to keep toward the middle and away from the edges. This gives them plenty of space to zoom around running laps.

You'll probably find that at first they just hide and don't play much in the run. If they're in there daily they'll get more comfortable though and soon start tearing about. Sit on the floor next to them and avoid standing over them as you look enormous and scary that way.

 

[SallyG]

Thanks spinning Nickel, that's a great help. Can't wait till they're all happy and settled!