Introducing the pigs to floor time

[2280CLAIRE]

Hi everyone,

I brought back my two piggies 10days ago, and have been trying to introduce them to floor time, but they don't seem to enjoy it. I have tried twice with toys and a tunnel for them to hide in incase they feel anxious in the big space, but they seem to hate it. Edward ran into the tunnel and would not come out, whilst Jeff would not let go of me and nuzzled into my shoulder. I have a ferplast 100, which isn't exactly huge for two piggies, but I do see them run about in it and play hide and seek with each other. How do I introduce them to a bigger area to play in? Whilst they are still young (8 weeks), they seem to be ok in their cage, but they do need the exercise ofcourse, and I'm a bit worried they will never take to floor time! They have lap time each day and love it...

Thanks
Claire

 

[Wiebke]

New guinea pigs are naturally wary of open foreign spaces. Be patient - guinea pigs take some time to settle. You can help by draping a beach towel over the run, so your boys feel much more protected. Once they have established a safe base, they will start to explore. You can help with scattering little treats around.

For more ideas for toys have a look in our reference section which is full of useful information:
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=43520

Soon, you will need to get your little boys a bigger cage in order to help prevent fallouts caused by lack of space when they hit puberty from 3-4 months onwards. Have a look in housing section and the cage/hutch gallery (best from the end) for ideas for cheap, but creative solutions. Sadly, most shops still sell far too small cages.

 

[zombieprincess]

Do they have an entire room when you give them floor time? I agree that to two baby's being plonked into the middle of the lounge floor may be scary. I would maybe reccomend putting them into a little room, do you have a small bedroom/box room or even the bathroom, when you can still sit with them. Kepp putting the toys in for them as thats a really good idea. I also have found in experience they seem more timid if they know youre watching them. I let mine out in the bathroom, so i know theres nothing they can get under or destroy and just close the door. If you let them out in a bedroom or the lounge sit up on the bed or sofa to remove you from them a bit.

 

[2280CLAIRE]

Hi-thank you for your replies.

The first time I tried them in the garden (sectioned off a very small area-1mx1m), the second time I tried them in the bathroom (it seemed sensible as it's lino flooring, and the only place where I would not need to remove wires or put things infront of gaps between appliances etc). I did put down their tunnel, and other toys, but they were scared stiff. I'll try again at the weekend-maybe with a fleece on the floor, so it atleast feels familar on their feet...

 

[Wiebke]

You can always just put the cage down and take the top off or construct a little ramp so the can get in and out of the cage and therefore have a safe base to explore from.