Hideouts and Lights

[eldavis76]

Hello, newbie here with a couple questions:

I just came accross a site that seemed to have great info except for a bit about not supplying hideouts (pigloos, boxes, whatever) for the animals- that they will become shy if you do and just hide all the time. This seems a bit strange, if not cruel. Opinions?

Also, I have noticed in pictures that several people have chosen to put some sort of light on the cage- is this for extra warmth? Necessary? My home is about 70 degrees but a bit drafty.

Apologies if these are exhausted topics!

Thanks.

[Treen]

Originally Posted by eldavis76

I just came accross a site that seemed to have great info except for a bit about not supplying hideouts (pigloos, boxes, whatever) for the animals- that they will become shy if you do and just hide all the time. This seems a bit strange, if not cruel. Opinions?

Personally I think that given they are naturally skittish animals, it's far kinder (and more rewarding) to give them hideouts and then earn their trust so they don't feel like they have to peg off whenever they see/ hear anything. They know they *can* run to somewhere they will feel secure if they want to, but usually in time, they realise most things are safe and lose the instinct to scatter. I've always given them and my pigs usually come out to greet me (or the veggies I may be holding!) if they're under a box when I come in to the room. But some people prefer to force them in to being exposed to people by removing all their hiding places. Not the way I'd do it, and I don't really think that just because a pig can't hide away, it means that it's not stressed. It just knows it can't hide anywhere. A cage with nothing in besides bedding is also a bit dull for them!

[lipglossartist]

I definatly belive that they SHOULD have hideaways. Very unnatural and mean not to provide that, its what allows them to relax, just like us.
You dont have to buy the commercialized hidey-houses though (ie. like igloos and wooden shelters etc...) cardboard boxes, tote bins with doors cut out, and small floor step stools are just perfect! I have made all of my hidey houses out of the left over pieces of coroplast from my cages, just just out a shape and a ramp or whatever else you want it to have, cable tie the edges together and voila! custom made home for every pig!

If anyone is interested in the "how-to" of these houses, please contact me and I will send you my pics


Melissa
mcablee756@rogers.com

[mncavylover]

Just thought I'd let you know that no, the lights aren't neccessary. They are most likely there so the viewers can see the piggies at night. You don't need one, though. And also two ideas to keep drafts out: Elevate the cage (cold air sinks), and you can clip on towels or washcloths or some fabric with clothespins onto some of the cage sides. This helps to keep drafts out and keeps a bit of heat in. Hope this helps! =)