One lazy piggie!

[MSRix]

The 3 month old piggie we got totally refuses to explore. She's quite docile and friendly during lap time but when released on the floor, immediately heads for the closest hiding spot and will not leave until picked up. We tried treats, leaving the room, dimming the lights - nothing works.

Is anything wrong? Could it be a sign of illness, previous mistreatment, age effect, or just an odd character trait?

[MSRix]

Hoping to entice her into activities we got our piggie a companion, and the strangest thing ensued. In their petstore cage (which is barely 3'x2'), they'll run and play and do assorted movieworthy stuff. However, when given floor time (in a huge 5'x5' back deck corral with all their toys in it), they'll both go into hiding as soon as they find the house, and only leave it to drink or nibble on food. No exploration, no playing at all. Same temperature, no direct sun, plenty of toys, tunnels, hay, food, water. What can be wrong? Could it be daylight that bothers them? Are they *that* nocturnal?

[blackarrow]

It's likely a combo of the unfamiliarity and the feeling of exposure. My pigs would freeze outdoors too until I set up their outdoor arrangement under a table, which I preferred anyhow, because it gave them better protection from hawks, etc. Now they have a great time when outdoors.

I encourage exploration with lots of scattered tunnels, etc. and sprigs of cilantro or other of their favorite treats.