Two storey hutch

[Ryli]

Disney and Paris have a two storey hutch, we got the piggies back in feb and haven't opened the bottom up to them yet as they are still in the shed due to cold nights.

When should I open this up to them ? they are now about 15/16 weeks old.

We move the hutch out of the shed when its a nice day like today and they also have a play pen for the grass (which they are out in today).

 

[gracie]

i have a two storey hutch in my house and keep the bottom open all the time, idk why you'd keep it shut if they're in a shed? if they're sheltered from wind and cold there's no reason to keep them in one section of it.
if they're babies they'll most like appreciate the space to popcorn and explore, i'd be more careful about taking them outside so early in the year if they're babies; not sure where you live but here it's still relatively windy and i don't intend on letting my pigs out until at least end of may/june to make sure the weather's warm enough for them, especially as one of mine is only around a month old atm.

 

[Ryli]

i have a two storey hutch in my house and keep the bottom open all the time, idk why you'd keep it shut if they're in a shed? if they're sheltered from wind and cold there's no reason to keep them in one section of it.
if they're babies they'll most like appreciate the space to popcorn and explore, i'd be more careful about taking them outside so early in the year if they're babies; not sure where you live but here it's still relatively windy and i don't intend on letting my pigs out until at least end of may/june to make sure the weather's warm enough for them, especially as one of mine is only around a month old atm.

Thanks, I kept the bottom shut as recommended until the weather was better as when we got them they were only 8 weeks old, they are still in the shed but on nice days we bring the hutch out and they have also been on the grass in a play pen, I wasn't sure if it was warm enough yet, we are in suffolk not far from the coast and its still chilly.

 

[gracie]

^ yeah, i'd say that if they're happy being outside they'll be fine opening the bottom as well =] maybe make a nest of hay or put a box in the bottom area so they can shelter in it if they need to, but if i was you i'd open it up and let them enjoy all that extra space =]

 

[Ryli]

^ yeah, i'd say that if they're happy being outside they'll be fine opening the bottom as well =] maybe make a nest of hay or put a box in the bottom area so they can shelter in it if they need to, but if i was you i'd open it up and let them enjoy all that extra space =]

Do you think they will be ok with the ramp, how long did your piggies take to get used to it?

 

[gracie]

my two girls were fine, ruby absolutely loved it and muffin was happy with it as long as she was following her
baxter did take a while to get used to it. at first he point blank refused it and i began to get worried he'd never take to it. however i put hay/water upstairs and food/water downstairs, so wherever he was he'd have something to eat but he'd have to use the ramp to get anything else he wanted.
it did take a while (a few hours i think) but suddenly he was pinging up and down it with ease =]
he's fine with it now; don't worry if it takes them a while, pigs don't like height and it may take a while for them to "find their feet." as they're babies, you might find they don't even notice the height and take to it like ducks to water =D good luck!

 

[Ryli]

thanks

sorry another question ................ should I leave it open all the time or close it up at night?

I am so new to piggies and want to do whats best |)

 

[gracie]

i leave it open all the time
mine get quite boisterous and tbh i'd feel cruel keeping them in just the upstairs part; as there's three of them they'd have hardly any space
but yours are babies and there's only two of them; i'd say if you feel happy securing them in one part overnight then go for it, but i'd keep the bottom half available at night when they get bigger and will need more space.
so right now it's up to you =] see how they go with it open for a while, they may love it and sleep in both parts like mine do.

 

[Ryli]

I've closed it for tonight but only because they wouldn't use the ramp! I left it open for about two hours and they kept looking up and sniffing but haven't used it yet ...... I will open it up again tomorrow and try again rolleyes

Thanks so much for all your help.

 

[gracie]

i'm sure they'll get used to it, like i said height is a new thing for pigs and it may take them a little while
i'm sure at some point you'll turn around and they'll be running up and down it like mad =]
you're welcome <3 any time