Ramps& weather

[squeaky]

Hi all,
I am new and have taken 2 neglected and unwanted boar piggies on, both are doing well and i have bought them a 5ft hutch/run combi, thing is they are indoor piggies (the hutch is indoors at the mo) and i was wondering when it would be safe to put the set up together and move them both outside?

Also as it is a hutch combi i now feel pretty nervous about them using a ramp, has anyone got any advice as i dont want them getting hurt.

Thanks in advance. xx

 

[Liane]

How old are they?

You should be able to start introducing them to the outside now. If you have a garden lawn, you could put them out in a run with a little house when its warm and introduce them that way. Then you can gradually build them up to spending longer outdoors - putting them out, then bringing them back in at night, that kind of thing. It requires careful monitoring of the weather, though! Do you have a hutch cover?


All my pigs are outside now, including the newest, youngest two girls.

HOWEVER, if they are poorly, it would be better to take your time introducing them to the outside as they may pick up some nasties if their immune system isn't fully up to scratch yet. What kind of condition are they in? Are they eating greens and stuff now? If they are, I recommend parsley (people will be starting to think I have some kind of obsession with parsley, but it really is great for pigs).

 

[squeaky]

They have been taken to the vets and are now in perfect condition thank goodness, both have been going into a run with a cover attatched during the day for a few hours when the weather has been mild, i have them in a hutch but the hutch is indoors (conservatory) and i was wondering when would be best to attatch the run and put the hutch outside?

Both piggies are around 8 months? i cant be sure but both are eating and thriving well and seem very happy and healthy now.

 

[Little Piggles]

As for the ramp, it may take a little getting used to, but I'm sure they'll soon be zooming up and down! My latest little pig sussed the ramp in minutes!

Does the ramp have grips? You may want to add a few extra 'steps' or some old carpet on there to help with grip. Some people, though, have found that their pigs will only use a ramp if it is covered - with a tunnel etc. Although the temptation of parsley got my lot moving!

Like Liane says, you can start to introduce them to outdoors but use your own judgement.

My lot will be moving outdoors again very soon. Out hutch has a clear cover which helps stop rain and draughts on breezy days (like today!)

Good luck with your boys x

 

[Liane]

Does your conservatory have blinds? My pigs were in the conservatory for a bit, but they had to be moved because the temperature started to soar when the weather picked up.

I don't have any experience with ramps, so I can't help with that I'm afraid, but carpet/grips sound like a good idea! Maybe you could build some high sides on the ramp, so they feel safer? Pigs aren't particularly brave, in my experience! (Freddie and Nelson have only just discovered it is safe to leave the cat bed without harm from falling such a 'distance' i.e. really not high at all!)

 

[Doeylicious]

I put carpet on my ramps (bought carpet tiles from B&Q, only a couple of quid each) and also added a plastic wall on the side so they felt more secure. This was the key - even Noodles my 5 year old granny pig had a go yesterday!