Pigloos/Hidey's: Pigloo Problems

[Shadow1]

I have two Problems with my pigloo and I need some help.
One, my pig won't stop chewing in the little dents in the top(the ones to make it look like an igloo.
And two, she hardly comes out! Shes no fun when she does this and I really need some advice on how to get her out...
Thank you!

[SFailed186]

To prevent her chewing on the pigloo, make sure she has an unlimited supply of Timothy Hay. As for her not coming out of the pigloo, don't worry about it. If she's still young/new then she is just shy. She needs to get used to her surroundings on her own time. Simply, just wait it out.

[Shadow1]

Thanks
I guess shes not used to the new house.
But she does need more hay now but,
where she used to live she had a full hay rack and still chewed.
Is this a habit?
Can she get sick?

[PiggieMom]

I'm not sure if she'll get sick from chewing on the pigloo, I guess it would depend on how much plastic she's eating. I can tell you with certainty that she will get sick if she doesn't have an unlimited supply of grass hay. Now.

[Shadow1]

I just refilled her hay now
shes chewed ALOT of that plastic.

[TwilightStar]

I think it's fine if it's a little bit, maybe you'll need to take that out and give her a alternative house.

[PiggieMom]

If she's chewing that much, it might be a sign she's in pain. Is she scratching herself a lot? She could also be bored. What size cage do you have? Do you give her floor time every day?

As far as alternative housing: a bent grid (the grids are what we use to build the C&C cages) covered in some type of cloth is a good hidey house that is difficult to eat since it is made of metal. Even a cardboard box would be better to eat than a plastic house.

[Shadow1]

Some times she scratches alot some times she doesn't
We are buying mite be gone guinea pig shampoo. Just in case.

[TwilightStar]

I agree with Piggiemom.

Sadly, before I learned about CC cages, my pigs would chew on their wooden house because they were bored and depressed. So your cage plays a big role in their happiness.

Also, the bent grid houses are very easy to make. In the hot tip section, there is a person who says that you can put book covers over the grid, which does work. It's very cheap to do and I assume it works great.

You can also give them a cardboard house (Like Piggiemom said) and cut two or three entrances into it. It's a big hit with them. =)

[Shadow1]

I only have 1 pig (Getting 2) and she has 2 cages and 1's the size for pigs so I dont think its because she stressed.

[PiggieMom]

What kind of cage is it? If it is a pet store cage it is not big enough. What are the exact measurements on the cage?

Also I've never heard of 'mite be gone' shampoo. Please read about mange mites and their proper treatment with ivermectin.

[TwilightStar]

Also, guinea pigs do not live for your amusement. I'm sorry if you think they are boring.
But I'm slightly tired of hearing people say that they are no fun.

Their happiness completely depends upon you. You are the one who has to give them the things they need, like a cage where they can actually move around and run laps in. You're the one who will need to supply them with toys like tunnels to play in and run through. You have to change the cage around now and again because like humans they get bored if everything is the same.

And I think your guinea pig is just bored.

Does she have enough space to run?

[blackarrow]

You shouldn't be thinking of it as "getting her out." It's a matter of making her (1) feel comfortable enough to WANT to come out and/or (2) having a good reason TO come out. Having a piggie playmate would help immensely with both of those things, as would reducing anything which might be frightening her (loud noises, people milling about). My boys are very food-oriented and will always come out if there's a good enough snack outside.

[Ly&Pigs]

Originally Posted by Shadow1

Some times she scratches alot some times she doesn't
We are buying mite be gone guinea pig shampoo. Just in case.

Do not use mite shampoo as it doesn't cure the mites. The only safe course of treatment is ivermectin, advantage or revolution.

[Piggie Nation]

There are good edible huts out there here a link to one I used. Cut out the bottom or they will pee in it on the bottom and ruin it!
Oxbow Hay Company Timothy Club Cage Accessories at Drs. Foster and Smith
Ifyou dont like that one do a search for "Timotht hay hut" and you will find one you like.I did find one that was made bottomless at my local feed store!Plastic is bad especially if its from foriegn countries it may contain lead!