Should i step in and help - and when?

[tabelmabel]

Mike, mabel and belle have bonded really well. No problem at all so far. So we built up the 2 storey c&c again




The girls have not learned how to use the ramp yet. Belle can go up, but not down. Mabel cant do either direction!

So, they all 3 spent all day yesterday up top and, as you can see, it isnt that big and they all looked a bit fed up.

Yesterday evening, we popped all 3 down at the bottom where they had a lively runabout, then mike and belle went up top, leaving mabel at the bottom.

Mike was up and down several times but belle didnt go down again and mabel didnt go up.

This morning, mabel was still at the bottom on her own. Mike came down when i popped some veg at the bottom, ate it and went back up.

So i popped mabel half way up the ramp and encouraged her up. Now all 3 are back at the top. It is still all harmonious.

So, my question is, will belle and mabel learn how to use the ramp by copying mike or should i step in a bit more?

Also, will it affect the bond if one is seperated from the others because she is stuck on a different level?

 

[5StarPigs]

Not sure. Tagging @VickiA and @Wiebke

 

[Veggies Galore]

@tabelmabel ... I think some modifications to your ramp would help.

I think you would be better with one with sides..... Maybe a piece of guttering lined with carpet for grip.

Here is our advice thread....

Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets

And here is a thread with more pictures

A Ramp For C&c

 

[Lady Kelly]

I agree with veggies galore. In my experience piggies are less keen to use exposed ramps so adding sides or ramp tunnels can help them feel more secure in using it

 

[tabelmabel]

I can easily add an extra c and c grid just so the ramp is enclosed right down. There is one grid which maybe doesnt show clearly on the pic, but it only protects to about a third down.

Mike (and my 2 other pigs, now sadly passed on) have all managed this ramp with not a single accident but, you're right, an adaptation to make it look safer might do the trick. Thanks!

 

[VickiA]

I’ve had a few piggies who, irrespective of the ramp modifications just have not ever got the hang of ramps so lived on one level only. With some modifications she may learn to feel safer or she may not. It just depends on the individual piggies.

 

[tabelmabel]

Mabel has cracked it and i think belle will too. Have added an extra panel so they cannot fall off the side and trailed grass down the ramp. Seemed to work!

 

[Swissgreys]

Well done Mabel and Belle
All of mine have eventually learnt to use enclosed ramps except for Ruby.

 

[PigglePuggle]

Great news they got the idea! My main herd have a ramp and a small loft but only 3 out of 6 will use it, and 2 of my piggies are so very firmly ground based they wont even attempt a 5 inch climb to the top floor of a 2-storey wooden house!