How much floor time?

[JaseChase]

Excuse me posting another question, I’m a nervous new piggie parent

I’ve had my boys three and a half weeks now and I’m worried I’m not giving them enough floor time. They’re very nervous outside the cage still and so I haven’t attempted it very much, and I’m feeling guilty that they’re not getting enough enrichment or exercise. They have a 5x2 C&C cage and they do zoomie in it most evenings, which is lovely to see.

I’ve only attempted floor time twice so far. The first time they were very nervous and hid in a corner until I felt too guilty for scaring them and put them back in the cage. The second time I made the space much smaller and added a lot more hideys and that worked better, they did explore a bit but were still very scared. I’ve had them out for lap time maybe three times now and they seem to be more comfortable there (they’ll eat outside the cage), though again they mostly stay in their hideys.

Is this still normal newly-adopted guinea pig behaviour? How much floor time should I be working up to, considering they’re almost 5 month old boars? Anything I can do to make floor time less scary for them?

Thank you so much, here is piggy tax

Jase, Noodle and Tofu

 

[Piggies&buns]

It takes time! Follow their lead and see how things go. There is no right or wrong. If they are uncomfortable being out, then it isn’t going to be a nice experience for them and you are better off gaining their trust (which can take weeks to months) and letting them settle in before attempting anything more. Their cage is a good size so they’ve got plenty of space of play.

Piggies don’t like open spaces so plenty of hideys and ensuring a playpen is covered can help

 

[JaseChase]

Thank you so much! I feel better about leaving them in the cage for now then, I’d rather not freak them out unnecessarily. I’ll keep hand feeding and stroking in the cage for now and take it at their pace, that’s very reassuring

 

[Maple&Pocky's_Mom]

Excuse me posting another question, I’m a nervous new piggie parent

I’ve had my boys three and a half weeks now and I’m worried I’m not giving them enough floor time. They’re very nervous outside the cage still and so I haven’t attempted it very much, and I’m feeling guilty that they’re not getting enough enrichment or exercise. They have a 5x2 C&C cage and they do zoomie in it most evenings, which is lovely to see.

I’ve only attempted floor time twice so far. The first time they were very nervous and hid in a corner until I felt too guilty for scaring them and put them back in the cage. The second time I made the space much smaller and added a lot more hideys and that worked better, they did explore a bit but were still very scared. I’ve had them out for lap time maybe three times now and they seem to be more comfortable there (they’ll eat outside the cage), though again they mostly stay in their hideys.

Is this still normal newly-adopted guinea pig behaviour? How much floor time should I be working up to, considering they’re almost 5 month old boars? Anything I can do to make floor time less scary for them?

Thank you so much, here is piggy tax

Jase, Noodle and Tofu

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Let them get used to their new environment. Then once they're used to their environment then leave the cage door open so they can freely go in and out as they please, and if they get scared then they can go back to their cozy bed or their safe space. And feed them outside the cage with veg and treats while rewarding them with pets. and add hideys.