Will out pig pigs use the entire hutch/run?

TheThreeCavies

TheThreeCavies

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Hello,

Our pig pigs started off life in the top part of their hutch (after a brief stay downstairs). They've spent the majority of their time in the sleeping area of their hutch and only tended to come out for veg and when we put in fresh hay.

Believing them to be a bit unhappy being confined upstairs I have tonight opened up the bottom part of the run.

They're all down there and in hour I've seen them out more than the entire 8 or 9 days they're been in the top part!

But...now I'm worried they won't go back up the ramp again!

Should I pursuade them to, or should I leave them to it?

Picture of the hutch is attached. The bottom part is 5ft by 4ft and the top part 5ft by 2ft. I want to make the ramp less steep and also raise their little hidey house off the ground a couple of inches.
 

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Mine use both storey now but it does take weeks for them to be comfortable moving around the whole area. It took me a good couple of weeks to teach them to use the ramp, using lots of treats and gentle persuasion. Mine is not too steep but they are still very cautious.
 
That ramp does look very steep so I wouldn't be surprised if they are nervous about using it.
An easy fix in the short term might be to put it up on a brick or block of wood.
Longer term you might want to add carpet and a side rail so they feel more secure using it.
If you aren't sure if they will go back up then please make sure they have a suitable house and food/water on both levels.
 
Hi @Swissgreys. I've already put some carpet tile on the ramp, and it does have sides already so i'll see how they do over the next couple of days, however i do intend to raise it up a bit regardless.

They have hay, water, veg and pellets on both levels plus a wooden house at the back of the run (under cover of the top level) and other hideys too :-)
 
Not sure if this is the right answer but I’d probably put them to bed in the top part then open the run during the daytime xx
 
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