They won't use their hides, is this normal?

[RinT]

Hello everyone. I have an adult neutered boar and an adult female sow living together in a C&C cage. Up until now they have used their hides without any problems. Due to it being winter I have put a blanket over the edge of the cage to provide some cover on the side as well as overhead, which they seem to enjoy a lot. The other day when I was cleaning their cage I did not put their hides back in as I was cleaning them, so for about an hour they just slept/hung out under the dark the blanket covers (blanket is not in the cage so they are not able to chew it at all.)

I put the hides back in, however, for the rest of the day they had no interest in them. They did not go into them once, and they kept sleeping/laying down outside of the hides. I took the hides out to see if they prefer just using the dark from the blanket and they seem to prefer it? They are happily laying, sleeping and hanging out under it. I have tried multiple different hides but again, no interest.

I'm happy to leave it as it is if they prefer it, but is this normal?

Thank you

 

[Bradshaw Piggies]

I would say perfectly normal. Mine didn't always use their hides. Sometimes they were on top of the hides, or flat out in the middle of their cages. Your piggies must feel safe and comfortable under the blanket in that area
Leave the hides in for them to use if/when they feel like it

 

[piggieminder]

I agree just give them the option. Mine have a mixture of tunnels, hides and open beds. A favourite sleeping spot will change from time to time, however the mood takes them. I have one boy who won't use any type of hide I have tried him with, he prefers the open, lying in his hay pile.

 

[fluffysal]

My boys also are just as likely to sleep out in the open. I see it as them feeling safe and comfortable.

 

[AidaB]

Maybe the clean hides, just don't smell quite right at the moment, after you cleaned them.
I am sure in a few days your piggies will have made them smell just right again!


I love when our boys sleep in the open, you know they feel safe and trusting, of their surroundings.

 

[Merab]

Mine sometimes use their hide to sleep in, or on top, but Moses prefers to be under the hay while Miriam loves being in the carrot cottage.