Run/pen Time

[Flamestriker]

I have had my two girls two weeks now, and they have calmed down a lot.

Smudge still does the occasional dominant behaviour, but things are relatively peaceful.

I have cuddle time with them every night, but when can I start putting them in the pen? Is it for several minutes leading up to an hour or two over time?

They went in the pen on Saturday whilst I cleaned their cage, and they seemed quite stressed. They quickly calmed down when they were back in their cage, munching on hay though.

 

[GPcrazy]

Are there any hideys in the pen?
I put mine in the bathroom (on a thick blanket on the floor) when I need to do a full cage clean etc (keeps them safely away from the cats and allows for a nice run space). I find sometimes they really enjoy it, other times they stay hidden the whole time.
Having tunnels in (not just hideys) definitely seems to encourage exploring and relaxation though, as it allows them to move around without being too exposed. Also, the time of day makes a huge impact - early morning or evening, when they get veg, they are most active and seem to enjoy it most.
The number of tunnels definitely is a big part of how relaxed they feel in there though.

I would say about an hour at a time is a good amount of time.

 

[Swissgreys]

I always make sure there is lots for them to do during run time.
Paper bags stuffed with hay and veg, tunnels, hideys, willow balls, plus a good scattering of fresh all around the pen.

I find they explore, run and eat for a while and then all settle down to nap after about 30 minutes. They nap for a bit, and then come out to play again.
Depending on the day and our time constraints they can be in their indoor pen anywhere from 30 minutes to 5 hours!