Won't use 2nd Level Now...

[SoCalCavies]

[FONT=Century Gothic]Hi,

I was wondering if anyone might know why my piggies will no longer use their 2nd levels? They stopped using them once I made their primary levels bigger.
Is it just because they have enough space on the first level now?

I changed the material on the ramps, which I realized they didn't like...so I put the old stuff back on & although when I return them to their houses at night they scurry down the ramps like they used to (unafraid) - they NEVER EVER go up them like they used to. The 2nd levels are literally useless.

Has anyone else experienced this?

I tried to "bait" them up there, but they won't have it. They seem to enjoy being on the 1st level instead, where they scurry into the one corner they all share in common. I don't get it. Don't they want the extra room anymore?[/FONT]

[Fay]

I think it is because they have the space they need at the bottom level now. You could try putting all their food on the loft, making it like a kitchen (Do make sure they eat though if you notice they don't eat because of that put the food back). Give them a reason to be on the top floor. A favorite toy, Hidey house etc. Keep putting them on the top floor and if nothing works you can best just remove the top floor and use the grids to make the bottom floor larger.

Best of luck!

[SoCalCavies]

Thanks Fay!

I have tried to "bait" them to stay up there, but they just won't do it. They scurry right back down below to the corner they all share where they growl at each other. (ha ha)

I think you're right -- they just plain love being downstairs now! I just wish I had more room to make it even bigger, like you suggested. Currently, they take up almost my entire bedroom. My bed barely even fits...so using the top level to increase the bottom is (unfortunately) not an option.

Thank you for your response!

[this_lil_piggy]

My boars loved their ramp, they thought it was a guinea pig raceway or something...they would run up and down it, exercising.
The sows used theirs, but only because they had to. I put all their food and water on the 2nd level. They were reluctant, especially Chloe, but I just kept placing her up there periodically through the day to show her that she had to go there for hay, pellets, water, and veggies. She caught on and they all used it from then on. I think she is rather relieved that I have since taken the cage back down to one floor with no ramp.
The boars are confused and missing their raceway though. I put one loft in one corner that they can jump up on and they take turns all day long up there. I am going to put a 1x5 loft into their cage, but it is going to be attached low enough for them to jump onto with no ramp. As much as they loved it, I hated trying to maneuver around the ramp to clean, replace fleece etc.

[SoCalCavies]

Originally Posted by this_lil_piggy

As much as they loved it, I hated trying to maneuver around the ramp to clean, replace fleece etc.

[FONT=Century Gothic]I understand. I attached 2 small hooks to the ends of mine, so they can come on & off of the grates very easily. They just hook on the grates anywhere!

How were you securing yours? I assume in some permanent fashion? The hooks really help! Cleanup is so simple that way because I can just remove them...

Thanks for your post. I think for right now, it's ok that they don't use their 2nd level. I might try to get them up there in the future, but it's ok if they don't feel like going up there. I just don't want to ever see them get bored, that's all. I feel badly that they are caged AT ALL! Animals were meant to be free... Do you ever feel guilty like I do about that?


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[this_lil_piggy]

I feel badly that they are caged AT ALL! Animals were meant to be free... Do you ever feel guilty like I do about that?

Honestly, the thought crossed my mind before, but. Then I see my pigs during floor time and I realize that they aren't wild animals, they are domesticated. They don't miss the wild, because they have never known the wild.
When we have floor time, I will often see one or more of the pigs go sit and look at their cage from the outside, and stand on their back legs with their front legs on their grids, pressing their noses to the grids, wanting back into their cage.
They have never known anything but their grid and plastic home, and that IS home to them. I don't feel bad about it, when I realize how comfortable and secure they are in their cages, and how they long to go back when they have space to run free.

I have seen the hook idea, but in the previous cage I just ziptied the ramps to the floor of the 2nd level because I knew the cage was only temporary. They were lift-able, but not removable. I planned on using the hook idea, but by the time I rebuilt, I decided I was just done with ramps, and am doing the lowered loft idea instead.

[SoCalCavies]

[FONT=Century Gothic]Lil Piggy... I liked what you said about the animals being domesticated. I, too, love to watch how my little ones love being returned to their houses at night. When I put them in there they run all over, wheeking. Of course, I'm sure it's because they know they're getting a huge plate of veggies, but I also think it's because they are truly happy and feel safe & content.

Thank you for your response. I'm glad there are so many of us out there that care so much about their wellbeing, both mentally and physically.

Remember, the hooks work great! In case you ever change your mind...
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