Some questions, and info about myself

[TheKayler]

I was not sure what to put this under, so I put guinea pig chat. Basically I’m going to ask a few questions in one thread to save time. If you put the number to the question your answering, it would really help. I might also put some pig pics and some more info about myself.

1. Catgrass (or wheatgrass)- I have read online that pigs like grass. I don’t want them grazing outside since we have several animals who hang around our yard and do some business. I’m thinking of getting them catgrass as a little snack/treat. Can I just buy any catgrass at the pet store? ( yes I know to give them small amounts at first)
2. Ramps- there is a ramp in the pigs new cage. The pigs are around 4. Any suggestions on how I ramp train them? The ramp is not very steep.
3. Floor time- so I know that people give pigs floor time. When I tried both pigs froze and were terrified. They seem more comfortable in the small play pen, but they still don’t get much exercise. Any suggestions on different ways to get exercise? I don’t want them to be terrified.

Now for some more info on myself.
I happen to be a young guinea pig owner. My mom helps me whenever I need it, since she had piggies when she was a child as well. She takes care of them when I’m sick as well. I mostly take care of them myself. She and my dad looks after them when I clean the cage. I really love Clifford and Farley.
Now for some pictures.
This is a pic of them during a snow storm. I had no school and I was bored so I decided to take a bunch of pics of them. They ended up both peeing on the couch twice. There were 4 pee stains on my couch.This is there new cage they moved into Saturday. I added another hay rack and a hay ball on the bottom.
This is a picture I painted of them when they munch on salad.

Sorry this is long. I didn’t wanna make a bunch of threads.

EDITED BY MODERATOR

 

[Siikibam]

I’m not sure what catgrass is, never heard of it so can’t help you there. But you could grow wheatgrass and feed them that. If you search there’s a link to a YouTube video.

The ramp does look a little steep I’m afraid to say, as it looks quite short. This thread is a good indicator of ramp length - 16cm across for every 5cm up. Something you could try is to put a tunnel of some sort on it. Does it have sides to it?

How long have you had them for? When I put my boys in their pen, they don’t run around much. But they will come out to eat then go back in their hideys (boxes). They may be running around when you’re not there to see. Ours just turned 1 last week and they don’t run around as much as they used to when younger

Clifford and Farley are GORGEOUS Bigger is better for boys and two of everything. I don’t know if I’ve missed it (I’m tired) but how old are they?
Welcome to the forum!

 

[TheKayler]

I’m not sure what catgrass is, never heard of it so can’t help you there. But you could grow wheatgrass and feed them that. If you search there’s a link to a YouTube video.

The ramp does look a little steep I’m afraid to say, as it looks quite short. This thread is a good indicator of ramp length - 16cm across for every 5cm up. Something you could try is to put a tunnel of some sort on it. Does it have sides to it?

How long have you had them for? When I put my boys in their pen, they don’t run around much. But they will come out to eat then go back in their hideys (boxes). They may be running around when you’re not there to see. Ours just turned 1 last week and they don’t run around as much as they used to when younger

Clifford and Farley are GORGEOUS Bigger is better for boys and two of everything. I don’t know if I’ve missed it (I’m tired) but how old are they?
Welcome to the forum!

They are about 4 now.We adopted them in October when they were 3. I usually end up adopting older pigs cause it’s harder for them to find homes. My last pig was 4 when we adopted her. The ramp does have sides.

 

[sport_billy]

Great answers from @Siikibam

Unsure on Wheatgrass sorry...

Are they using the ramp? It does look a little steep... some piggies don't like ramps unfortunately

As for floor time we always use a run and make sure there hideys are in it. Piggies tend to dislike open spaces without any cover as it goes against their prey instinct so make sue in run time they have hideys to go in and out of.... As they get more confident you'll see them out more

 

[TheKayler]

UPDATE Clifford went half way up the ramp to get a treat and then came back down.

 

[Betsy]

Piggies follow scent spores. Try sealing off the top of your hutch/run and popping the ramp where they can walk over it for a few days/a week then popping it back again and see if they use it then.

 

[TheKayler]

Piggies follow scent spores. Try sealing off the top of your hutch/run and popping the ramp where they can walk over it for a few days/a week then popping it back again and see if they use it then.

Good idea. The only problem is that the ramp may be stuck to where it is. I’ll try it out though if I can.

 

[Merab]

When I had a cage with a ramp I used a wooden bridge / hidey to balance it on and make it a shallower incline. That helped and the piggies safely went up and down.

 

[Lily & Rose]

Clifford and Farley are gorgeous and I love the painting you did of them!

 

[TheKayler]

Clifford and Farley are gorgeous and I love the painting you did of them!

thank you so much