2X2 for 1 pig

[Squint96]

In my efforts to get a new cage set up I am considering putting Ocho aka Benjamin in a 2x2. Here are my thoughts:

1.) Benj stays on his bent grid house 90% of the time. The rest he is eating and hiding behind his hay rack.

2.) Since getting him Benj has been shy- very shy- and I'm hoping that with a smaller cage he can live in the "play room" (don't worry no kids) on the main level where he will get more attention.

3.) I think that he will be happier with a smaller cage- he will feel safer ect.

4.) I will watch his weight and behavior and if he seems unhappy or is gaining weight I will expand his cage.

What do y'all think?

[PigPandemonium]

I would think no. 2x3 on this site is the very bare minimum for pigs, though bigger is always better. I had a pig like that, but after a while they get used to the cage and start moving around. You can also get them to move by hiding and spreading veggies around the cage, or setting up the cage so that they have to walk around a lot. Such as putting the hay rack on one side of the cage, and the water bottle on the opposite side. I agree with some people in trying to make the biggest cage you possibly can in the house you have, and using the minimums on this site as the bare minimum possible.

[jacqueline]

sorry, but i don't remember how long you've had benj now. honestly, it has taken 5-6 months for my pigs to be comfortable enough to hang out in the cage outside of their hideys. i would NOT go to a smaller cage - i know it's hard to be patient, but give benj a little more time. like PigPandemonium wrote - give him a reason to walk around the cage - spread veggies, hay, water, pellets around the cage.

are you giving him lots of floor time?

for the sake of his physical health -he really needs to exercise and get around - just like a kid that would rather sit in front of the TV all day, even tho it's not good for him. you're benj's mom - he needs exercise to be healthy and needs your to help encourage him to do that!

good luck! keep us posted!

[Squint96]

I've had Benj for almost a year now. I thought maybe he would be more comfy in a 2x2 but I'll do a 2x3 instead

[Dee_E]

I have Poppy in a 2X4 with a loft, he loves it, lots of room to move around in. Plus lots of floor time!

[madelineelaine]

Even my shy pigs runs laps around his 2x7.

[PigPandemonium]

Also thought I would mention that he may just be running around when you're not in there since he is shy, it might be that when you are in the room since he is scared of you he hides.

[madelineelaine]

I second what pigpandemonium says. More often then not my pigs run laps at night too, while I'm sleeping.

[CavyMama]

Ditto what others have said, a 2X2 is too small. The bigger, the better. Having a small cage won't help him feel more secure but perhaps having a smaller hidey or cozy would help.