So I'm trying to get prepared before I go out and adopt.... And I would like to avoid expensive mistakes that get pointed out at the home visit!
First, location: these will be indoor pigs and I've identified an alcove next to the fireplace in our family/doing room. It is away from direct sunlight from windows (although there is plenty of natural light available) and at least 9' from the radiator. It is a room which we frequent so the pigs would have regular interaction with us.
Question: is this too much interaction with us? My 7-year old son will play nearby (sometimes loudly) and although I'm perfectly confident he will not harm the pigs, might his noise or running frighten them? The tele is also in that room, and radio.
Second, cage: the alcove is 125cm wide only. I'm quite tempted by a two-tier indoor hutch (I can provide link to website if that's helpful and allowed) to maximise the space for my eventual pair (I'd love to get three to let them be more social, but I fear I can't eke out a large enough space). But from what I read nothing 'counts' except the ground floor and that's only 101x54 on this model (with another 82x54 up top).
So, I'm leaning towards a 3x2 C&C (can't quite squeeze a 4x2) - my concern is the openness in an area we will walk (and run) by regularly - will our passage scare the pigs? The hutch at least had the advantage of being more enclosed to make the pigs feel more secure.
Third (and last for this 'housing-themed' thread), lining: I'm leaning toward fleece with puppy pads underneath for ease of cleaning and to minimise odours. Any thoughts, tips, strong advocates for loose bedding?
Although this is all about housing, I thought it best placed in the wannabe section, but I'm happy for the moderators to relocate it if I've erred.
Cheers for you time and wisdom!
First, location: these will be indoor pigs and I've identified an alcove next to the fireplace in our family/doing room. It is away from direct sunlight from windows (although there is plenty of natural light available) and at least 9' from the radiator. It is a room which we frequent so the pigs would have regular interaction with us.
Question: is this too much interaction with us? My 7-year old son will play nearby (sometimes loudly) and although I'm perfectly confident he will not harm the pigs, might his noise or running frighten them? The tele is also in that room, and radio.
Second, cage: the alcove is 125cm wide only. I'm quite tempted by a two-tier indoor hutch (I can provide link to website if that's helpful and allowed) to maximise the space for my eventual pair (I'd love to get three to let them be more social, but I fear I can't eke out a large enough space). But from what I read nothing 'counts' except the ground floor and that's only 101x54 on this model (with another 82x54 up top).
So, I'm leaning towards a 3x2 C&C (can't quite squeeze a 4x2) - my concern is the openness in an area we will walk (and run) by regularly - will our passage scare the pigs? The hutch at least had the advantage of being more enclosed to make the pigs feel more secure.
Third (and last for this 'housing-themed' thread), lining: I'm leaning toward fleece with puppy pads underneath for ease of cleaning and to minimise odours. Any thoughts, tips, strong advocates for loose bedding?
Although this is all about housing, I thought it best placed in the wannabe section, but I'm happy for the moderators to relocate it if I've erred.
Cheers for you time and wisdom!