Ramp Traction

[MrWhistles]

I'm not sure if the shelf liner is working out so great for Whistles. He doesn't seem very happy to run up and down it.

What have you used and found best for ramp traction?

TYVM

[Raine59]

What is your ramp made out of? Are you talking about that rubbery, waffle like shelf liner? That's what I use and my ramp is made from coroplast, and it works fine.

[MrWhistles]

What is your ramp made out of? Are you talking about that rubbery, waffle like shelf liner? That's what I use and my ramp is made from coroplast, and it works fine.

This:
Walmart.com: Duck 12" x 10' Select Shelf Liner, Lichen: Household Essentials
Could it also be too steep?
I tried to make it as easy as possible, but I don't have much leftover space to work with :/

Here's a photo: (I've added the grid at the top of the ramp BTW)

[Kristine]

I use the rubbery waffle looking shelf liner too and mine all do well. You could always put towel or fleece over it and try. Perhaps it's the design of the ramp vs the material? How steep is it?

[Raine59]

That's the same stuff I use. I think he'll get used to it

[MrWhistles]

I use the rubbery waffle looking shelf liner too and mine all do well. You could always put towel or fleece over it and try. Perhaps it's the design of the ramp vs the material? How steep is it?

I just added the photo, not sure you saw it.
I had added a towel, but I think the towel maybe too "sleek" for traction. I'll try a more "fluffier" towel.

[Kristine]

The link is similar to what I use and the ramp doesn't look too steep. Perhaps he's just not used to it and wary still. Put water, hay and stuff down below also so he doesn't HAVE to go up and see if he still does. If he goes up anyways to hang out vs needing to, then it'd be safe to assume he doesnt hate it, right? If that made any sence.

[MrWhistles]

So I realized today that I had put the shelf liner upside down.
There is a nubby side and a somewhat smooth side. I think because of this Whistles might of been reluctant to go up the ramp.
Instead of just peeling the whole thing off (possibly cutting a new piece as well) then reglueing it back on. I decided to create some speed bumps xD
But just like momma he still speeds right over them Over the next number of days I'll be putting a lettuce trail up the ramp during Freshie Times. My way of ensuring him the ramp is purely safe.
When I 1st refastened the ramp I had placed him at the base of the ramp(1st floor) and with a little hesitation he ran up the ramp (well more like a hop run o.O)
Anyhow, onto photos: (no thats not Elmer's glue, I just use the container to hold my homemade glue)



Right now, he is still up there eating. I hope he'll come down on his own eventually.

[Raine59]

Nice job! Very professional looking.

[MrWhistles]

Nice job! Very professional looking.

TYVM
My OCD helps a little bit xD

[MrWhistles]

So with 1 extra thing and some lettuce to lure the piggy, Whistles is now comfortable running up n down the ramp.
I added a sheet of the grippy liner under his bedding upstairs. Just in the doorway. With him running up the ramp he's slipped a few times in the doorway.
And I've binder clipped a lettuce leaf to the cage wall halfway up the ramp. Today he showed great progress in using his ramp. He was upstairs when adding the leaf. He walked down. Ripped half the leaf. Ran completely down into his pig-loo and ate the leaf. Then he ran completely up the ramp. Came back half way down and perched there to eat the rest of his leaf.
I'm very happy that he is becoming more comfy with his ramp

[MrWhistles]

Just wanted to include a photo of my ingenious idea

[Zuidy]

Just wanted to include a photo of my ingenious idea

What fun!

But...... How is he going to get the Lettuce inside the clip?

[MrWhistles]

What fun!

But...... How is he going to get the Lettuce inside the clip?

I gave him what he couldn't reach or gave up on.

[Zuidy]

Oh. Haha!

Either way, it looks great!

I have a question: Have you had any mushed Poos yet? Is the ramp easy to clean?

[MrWhistles]

Oh. Haha!

Either way, it looks great!

I have a question: Have you had any mushed Poos yet? Is the ramp easy to clean?

I haven't had any mushed poos just yet. I'm regularly "sweeping" off the shavings. I haven't had anything get onto it that needed more cleaning than just sweeping. But the materials I've used shouldn't make it hard to clean.

[Zuidy]

I haven't had any mushed poos just yet. I'm regularly "sweeping" off the shavings. I haven't had anything get onto it that needed more cleaning than just sweeping. But the materials I've used shouldn't make it hard to clean.

Good to know. I needed to make my ramp closed off on top, as it connects 2 cages. It was hard to clean because of this, but I added Velcro zip ties so it is removable.

[jowasaurus]

I've been looking for something to put on the ramps for traction other than the carpet remnants and this looks really well done!
Bocefus and Waylon used to have a ramp from the Guinea Pig Zone store but Bo liked to pee ALL over it. Constantly. I think because it was absorbent.
This rubber mat idea is great though! And it's good to hear Mr. Whistles is liking it more, or at least tolerating it =] Good idea you guys

[MrWhistles]

I've been looking for something to put on the ramps for traction other than the carpet remnants and this looks really well done!
Bocefus and Waylon used to have a ramp from the Guinea Pig Zone store but Bo liked to pee ALL over it. Constantly. I think because it was absorbent.
This rubber mat idea is great though! And it's good to hear Mr. Whistles is liking it more, or at least tolerating it =] Good idea you guys

TYVM
Whistles is actually fully enjoying it now. He runs up and down it quite a bit.
Now....to get him to use his other hidy....he loves this pig-loo too much xD

[Kimberly713]

I bought a $5 rug from the dollar store and cut it to size for my ramp. They bounded up and down no problem.