how to get a piggy to use a ramp?

[Spishkey]

I'm having to temporarily house my gp's in cages due to an unwanted intruder in the house attacking them (they usually live in 'open' enclosures with no bars)
now the boys have a nice lengthy cage, but the girls ive had to house in a tiered cage, it has three levels all connected by ramps, but they will only use the lower level (thus giving them not so much room!) how can i encourage them to go up? tried putting there food on the mid level but that didnt work

 

[Wiebke]

Cover the ramps and floors in fabric with some firmer underlay (mesh is not good for their feet and they won't like it!) and then try to lure them up with little treats on the ramps and floor above. Have litte hides on each level. You can also put one on another level after a cuddle, so they have to find each each other.

 

[Spishkey]

i thought the mesh may be the problem and covered the second level with clear perspex, shall stick some fleece or carpet off cuts over the ramps too and give that a try

 

[Archie]

Hello!
My pig wouldn't use there ramp either until i put down and old towel and now they are always up and down it so maybe try that but secure it well,as mine was a wooden ramp i put velcro on it to keep it in place maybe you could put some ties on an old towel and tie it to keep it in place.
hope this helps good luck

 

[lovelygirl]

I would make sure all flooring that is mesh is covered in something soft with something soild underneath like thick cardboard as a temporary measure.

 

[Furries]

They need something on the ramp that will give their feet traction. We trained our girls to use the ramp - we just put them part-way down the ramp, prevented them from going back up it (as they were already happy going up it, just not down), and then gradually increased the height at which we put them on the ramp. It only took them a few attempts to get the hang of it. It's even easier if one of the other guinea-pigs already knows how to climb the ramp, as the others will learn from him/her.

I'd put a barrier either side of the ramp, so they can't fall off it and hurt themselves.