Hamish & Dougal Have A New Habitat.

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MargaretB

MargaretB

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Well, I've finally managed to get the cages sorted out. My piggies now have a total of 220cm long cage, well two joined.

I have the cages end to end and joined by those bendy logs. I have their heatpad and snuggle oo in the smaller cage and then the corner house at the furthest end of the bigger cage.

I put the boys in the new cage with some of their old toys and hay etc and they settled nicely in and after having a cursory look at the log ramp, retired to the corner house. Later I balanced some bits of carrot on top of the ramp to encourage them to explore it and Hamish did well. Almost managed to reach the carrot before it rolled off into the other side. I felt sorry for him and retrieved it for him. After a while I put them back into the old section, as I was worried about Hamish getting chilled, and after a little wander and Dougal managed to get a bit of carrot off the top of the ramp successfully, by stretching up, they settled down to sleep in their customary places.

I really want them to get the hang of the ramp so they realise the space they have. I wonder how long it will take?
 
Sounds good :)

You could try putting their food and stuff on the other side of the ramp, food always encourages pigs to explore. If not you could try a different material for the ramp, something they might prefer to clamber over
 
:)how about a Hansel & Grettle? style grass trail - or cucumber cut into cubes over the bridge? I'm sure when one discovers their extra space the other will be sure to follow soon after... clever piggies :)
 
Thanks :) I bought them some Burns dandelion today & I've sprinkled some on top of the ramp to encourage them. They have both stretched up to get it, so I think it will just take a little time. If it doesn't work, I'll have to do some adjustments.
 
MargaretB said:
Well, I've finally managed to get the cages sorted out. My piggies now have a total of 220cm long cage, well two joined.

I have the cages end to end and joined by those bendy logs. I have their heatpad and snuggle oo in the smaller cage and then the corner house at the furthest end of the bigger cage.

I put the boys in the new cage with some of their old toys and hay etc and they settled nicely in and after having a cursory look at the log ramp, retired to the corner house. Later I balanced some bits of carrot on top of the ramp to encourage them to explore it and Hamish did well. Almost managed to reach the carrot before it rolled off into the other side. I felt sorry for him and retrieved it for him. After a while I put them back into the old section, as I was worried about Hamish getting chilled, and after a little wander and Dougal managed to get a bit of carrot off the top of the ramp successfully, by stretching up, they settled down to sleep in their customary places.

I really want them to get the hang of the ramp so they realise the space they have. I wonder how long it will take?
Click to expand...


I assume you have done your cage just like mine, i found it took a bit of adjusting the log bridge so it wasn't as steep, and food is the key. If your boys love something with a strong smell try putting it near the top so they can't reach up and get it. My gingers soon got the hang of it and half the time just jump
over the side. Rosie still hasn't got the hang of it, she will go over if you put her part way up and she can get over herself but she doesn't bother most of the time. That is also something you can do pop them part way up one side with food at the top and just over one side and i'm sure they will soon work it out ;)
 
They soon learn, piggies tend to be cautious with new things and if one goes the other will follow eventually. Smelly tasty food is the key so when they wiggle their little noses and they get a whiff they can't refuse :)
 
klee said:
I assume you have done your cage just like mine, i found it took a bit of adjusting the log bridge so it wasn't as steep, and food is the key. If your boys love something with a strong smell try putting it near the top so they can't reach up and get it. My gingers soon got the hang of it and half the time just jump
over the side. Rosie still hasn't got the hang of it, she will go over if you put her part way up and she can get over herself but she doesn't bother most of the time. That is also something you can do pop them part way up one side with food at the top and just over one side and i'm sure they will soon work it out ;)
Click to expand...

Ahh yes. I couldn't remember who it was, but knew I'd stolen the idea from someone on here, so thanks for that. :)

Dougal has become more adept at taking food off the top but so far they haven't ventured over yet.
 
How about hanging one of these ball things that holds food right above the bridge so they have to climb onto it to get the the treats in the ball? mwhahaha!

xx
 
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