Out in the run

[lizzie_71]

I have put my boys outside today for only the 2nd time so far this year. They have a lovely big run (probably about 6 feet by 4) and attached to the side is a small wooden house which I have filled up with hay.

Unfortunately they won't do anything except stay in the house. They aren't even tempted by the lovely long grass. They are very lazy and quite portly and I would love them to get some exercise, so how do I persuade them?

One idea is maybe to block off the house and not give them anywhere to hide, so they will have to move around. But would that be unkind?

Any advice much appreciated. I am beginning to think I wasted my money on the run and might as well just leave them in their cage all day rolleyes

 

[lovelygirl]

To begin with they are going to be nervous of this new experience and space so will he happiest hiding in the hay - less chance to be eaten, remember they are prey animals! You could try putting a sheet over the top of the run to give them some confidence and when you put them in put them at the end furthest from the house

 

[Claire W]

I wouldn't suggest blocking off the house and not providing them with any hidey holes as this will just make them even more nervous. When my girls are in their run, I cover half of it with a towel so that they have an area to feel more sheltered and secure.

A good idea mentioned above too. If you put them in at the end away from the house, they will have to explore in able to find it Just give them time x

 

[prettypigs]

I have a big run like yours, I put lots of upturned boxes with doors, wooden house and tunnels in it; today as its warm I haven't put the attatched house out and they trot around from time to time. They are boys aged 3months and 1year. When I put the 4year old girls in the big run they don't move much; though they used to when they were younger and there were 4 of them; but it took a while for them to feel confident. They all come out to eat grass though, but again it took a few weeks for them to get confident enough when they were new ! Patience and persistence !

 

[lizzie_71]

Thanks everyone! They did eventually wander out for a short while, but only when I sprinkled some bagged salad on the lawn