Me Again With Questions!

[VJ&Flower]

Hi all,

So my boys are settling in well but are still quite shy and definitely don't want to come out of hiding to be handled. We ended up taking the plastic part with stairs off the platform in the cage as they were hiding behind it and we wanted to make sure they were ok. But it seems like they are vulnerable now even with a (homemade) hut and a new fleece bag.

My questions are:
Should I return the plastic bit? It's not easily moveable so can't check their bed behind it or get them out easily?

Is that shoebox big enough for two pigs or do I need something bigger? So far one has been in but the other has hidden behind it!

Is it bad for them to eat cardboard?

Is it better they are handled
Daily even though they are obviously scared to be 'caught'? I am using a tunnel to catch them.

Thanks very much. Will introduce my boys in a new thread.

 

[DM030819]

I think I'd leave the plastic bit out as it gives them more space to run around. And they have other places to hide.

A shoebox will be a good size for two littler pigs. My two chunks wouldn't be happy to squeeze in there together.

Eating cardboard is fine. When I have a box that's coloured or glossy I try to peel some of that bit off. Just because you never know what's in the ink. But I've never had a pig with any problems caused by eating cardboard. It can even help if their tums are a bit off!

You need to handle them when doing a health check, so they do need to be handled. Many people like to get them out and give them lap time every day. I tend to do things a bit more on their terms (except for the mandatory health checks).

 

[sport_billy]

Hey, never feel bad for asking questions. That is what good piggy owners do and what we all have done. I still do!

Right, first of all - I think you are doing a great job with your boys. I personally would leave the plastic off we binned ours in a day, it takes up space in a ferplast and gets in way. Eventually two houses or actually what I think is better and you already have one is two sticks as they have two exits.

handle them a little for a few mins at a time together if possible on someones lap next to each other then pop them home offer them a sprig of coriander eventually they will eat it on lap this may take a while though... Carry on using thre tunnel to catch it is a great technique and takes the stress out for both you and them

Cardboard is fine for piggies to eat they love kitchen roll chubes and the tunnels from pet stores.

 

[Swissgreys]

You have already had lots of good advice but I would be tempted to remove the box and stick a piece of fleece cut into strips across the front of the shelf (I hope that makes sense). Just get a cheap piece of fleece or use a strip off an old fleece blanket and stick it so it hangs down almost to the floor of the cage like a curtain.

This will give them lots of space to hide in, but still be easy to lift up and clean.
Their cage looks great and you are clearly doing a wonderful job.

 

[jayne]

I agree take the tunnels out !, that's what I did. And make sure you pick them up as well for laptime !

 

[VJ&Flower]

Thanks all so much, I really appreciate it! Xx

 

[Skittypigs]

View attachment 60200 Hi all,

So my boys are settling in well but are still quite shy and definitely don't want to come out of hiding to be handled. We ended up taking the plastic part with stairs off the platform in the cage as they were hiding behind it and we wanted to make sure they were ok. But it seems like they are vulnerable now even with a (homemade) hut and a new fleece bag.

My questions are:
Should I return the plastic bit? It's not easily moveable so can't check their bed behind it or get them out easily?

Is that shoebox big enough for two pigs or do I need something bigger? So far one has been in but the other has hidden behind it!

Is it bad for them to eat cardboard?

Is it better they are handled
Daily even though they are obviously scared to be 'caught'? I am using a tunnel to catch them.

Thanks very much. Will introduce my boys in a new thread.

Leave plastic of but you could make a fleece curtain to hang down. Cut strips in it and you,ll be able to see them ish and they,ll feel hidden.

 

[VJ&Flower]

I'm definitely going to do the fleece curtain thing. Thanks so much everyone.

 

[Kylie80]

You have already had lots of good advice but I would be tempted to remove the box and stick a piece of fleece cut into strips across the front of the shelf

That's what I did with mine although have sinced removed the platform because it's a bit of a pain.