Two Storey Hutch problems

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sophieandhoney

sophieandhoney

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Hello

Not sure if this should go in Behaviour or not but feel free to move if so.

I now have four piggies, 1 neutered boy Henry and 3 girls. I got them a hutch after the two cage system became difficult and the C and C just didn't work - plus too risky with the dogs.

The ramp is covered but although Abby, Lola and Henry can use it only Abby goes upstairs - she spends all day up the top on her own..........Henry, Lola and Honey all stay down stairs.

I am debating

a. take the ramp out, put Lola and Abby upstairs (they are the same age) and keep Honey and Henry downstairs.

b. leave it as it is.

c. leave the ramp in but put Lola up stairs with Abby? to encourage them to live upstairs.

any opinions or experience?

thanks
 
They will soon get used to it. My Rebel wouldn't use the ramp until I started putting fresh nom noms on the upper level and his fat belly got the better of him. :)) :)) :))
 
Maybe you could try adding sides to the ramp or giving the ramp better grip by adding an off cut of carpet. This would maker them feel safer and possibly encourage them to use it more?
 
All my ramp consists of is a length of guttering with carpet glued to the bottom for grip, my 3 whizz up and down it all day long. ;)
 
Thanks guys :)

The ramp already has a side and it turns out all of them - including nervous ninny Honey can use they are just choosing not to. Lead to the hilarious result of Henry coming down the ramp when I had the bottom out and him having a little wander around the floor! Slightly worrying as I had the gerbils out at the same time!

It has been nearly a month and Abby seems to be isolated? although comes down for food and everyone lets her eat.....
 
I'd leave it as is. Abby obviously likes it up there and as she has the freedom to go downstairs whenever she wants and everyone lets her do her thing I wouldn't worry. Equally the others have the option of going upstairs whenever they want. I have a 2 story hutch with attached run for my 2 boys (used indoors) with a covered ramp. During the night Hazelnut spends all his time up there, while Peanut Butter will use both halves. I know from experience with other cages that Hazelnut just likes to be up high and look out at the world. Abby could be the same.
 
I had a 2 storey hutch, Pecan would go up the ramp but down right refused to go down even nudging she's formally protested. And Maple up and down the thing like a yoyo... I say... B & C... Or like others have said... best way to a Piggles heart is by their stomachs ;)
 
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