How To Help Settle In New Enclosure

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ZiggyStarPig

ZiggyStarPig

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My outdoor hut & run is due to be delivered today. I've been reading how a change in environment can sometimes cause problems with the dominance hierarchy. I'm a bit worried as my trio get on so well & I'd hate to be the cause of that changing.

They will be going out in the run during the day when the weather is too warm for them to be in the conservatory. I want to bring them indoors overnight, every night.

Teddy is definitely top pig. Should I put used bedding & not wash food bowls etc for their 1st visit to the run? Should I put Teddy in first then Ziggy & Duke or should I herd them into their carry box and put them all in at the one time? There's a hut area in the run but I'm planning on putting another sleep box. Is this the right thing to do?

The weather has turned a wee bit chilly so I don't think they'll be out for an other couple of weeks at least. I wish they didn't need to go out at all as they've settled so well where they are but I've got no other option:no:
 
:D I do not think you need to worry about upsetting the hierarchy if they are only going out on the grass during the day. They will be too busy eating! You say that they will be coming inside into their normal cage at night, so they will know that every thing is okay and they are home again. I should always put the top pig in the run first as he is the boss. I would not bother with a sleep box unless they need something to shelter in. If there is enough space, I would put at least two shelters in there.
 
Thank you for your advice:) the run has a built in hut type area but I'll put in another couple of shelter boxes and their hay box they love to sit & eat in. Unfortunately I don't have a grass area in my garden so they'll be on stone with their blankets & fleeces scattered about. Think I'll start growing a tray of grass, I'm sure they'd love that!
 
It sounds like your piggies will be having quite the luxurious life.

I think if they are already bonded, then as long as there is plenty of space and multiple shelters and water bottles they will be fine.

For the first few times 9at least) when you put them in the new run you could try scattering their fresh food everywhere. We always do this when our go in their indoor run and they spend the first 20 minutes going around and eating all of it - no time for bickering.
Food is usually the answer when it comes to guinea pig happiness ;)
 
That's really reassuring, thank you:) I'll definitely do the scattering the food about, great idea. I'll use their favourite veg. The run is 6ft by 4ft so it's not quite as big as their inside enclosure but there will still be space to get away from each other if they need to.

I'm not sure if their life is luxurious, it's pretty shabby chic! Lots of cardboard boxes & old towels! My husband says it's the 'Derelick' look from Zoolander!
 
Swissgreys said:
My husband walked into the living room the other night and said it looked like a cardboard ghetto - it was a proud housekeeping moment I can tell you!
Click to expand...

:)) brilliant
 
Swissgreys said:
My husband walked into the living room the other night and said it looked like a cardboard ghetto - it was a proud housekeeping moment I can tell you!
Click to expand...
Super! :) Add to that a sprinkling of 'magic beans' :))
 
I am expecting a call from Good Housekeeping any time now to arrange an interview so I can share my unique house keeping tips with a larger audience :D
 
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