Floor Time Help

[stacey1234]

Hello All!

I have two sows, Lola and Lottie. They are around 9 months old. They have the biggest cage i can fit in my home, they seem to have a rare old time in there, its not as big as id like them to have but its all i can fit in. They also have an outdoor run which is now been put away as the weather has changed.
I have the piggies out for laptime and i feel they need a run about. My last piggie had the run of my home and loved it. Lola and Lottie just sit, they don't move or make to investigate, they squeak away to each other. I put down a tube, food and toys,they don't entertain them. I have done this a good few times now, leaving them to their own devices for some time. I thought maybe they were scared of me being in the room so let them run in the kitchen (the floor is gentle heated) with the door closed and nothing. they just sat there.

I just wondered if theres anything i can do to encourage them to have a play, i feel it a shame for them to not feel confident to stretch their little legs. Maybe perseverance is the key.

 

[MerryPip]

I think you are right to persevere.

If you have put out somewhere for them to hide if they want then that's ideal and spreading around some tasty treats to encourage them to explore can help too. But some piggies just aren't too keen on it and others love it. I also think cold, hard floors like laminate or lino are less appealing so try putting down a picnic blanket or mat for them.

One pair of my boys (F & H) adore floor time and like nothing better than rampaging around the rooms they are allowed in, and sometimes the ones they aren't..... but Angus & Mish aren't as keen and are often hiding in the house or under the radiator. They do prefer it when we are not watching them, you can hear them squeaking and bobbing about when we are in the room next door but F & H will be happy to toddle around when we are cooking in the kitchen, even standing on your feet, begging for fuss, whilst you are trying to do things!

Keep going, they will get used to the idea they can explore eventually...

 

[stacey1234]

Thank you, ill keep trying. They are on the floor just now and are making lots of noise! its nice Lots of different personalities! thanks for the tip on the blanket, i'll try that too!