melpig
Active Member
Cavy Slave
- Joined
- Feb 7, 2009
- Messages
- 32
Hello,
I've been looking through the photos to get ideas for my cage and noticed some people mentioning that some piggies are reluctant to use their ramps. I thought I'd list this tip in case it helps someone else.
My two piggies are quite young (two months old) and while quite curious, they were reluctant to try the ramp I added to their cage/home. I made it by scoring a 18" x 28" piece of corrupaged plastic, forming two 6" sides and a 6" wide base/floor. It's 28" from the ground level to the loft. They would stand at the bottom but not climb up. After a few days I had an idea.
Because they really like covered hiding spots, I then tried putting a piece of corrugated plastic over the open ramp to make it a tunnel. Sure enough, one immediately ventured up the ramp, popcorned around the loft and then ran down to report to the other one. They then both ventured upstairs and have enjoyed the ramp every since. It seems they just needed to feel more secure/hidden when going up and down.
So, if your guinea pigs seem afraid of the ramp, try adding a roof so it forms a tunnel, and see if that helps. I made mine easy to remove so I can clean the ramp as needed.
Thanks to everyone who contributes to this site. I've learned so much and have found a lot of inspiration.
Mel
I've been looking through the photos to get ideas for my cage and noticed some people mentioning that some piggies are reluctant to use their ramps. I thought I'd list this tip in case it helps someone else.
My two piggies are quite young (two months old) and while quite curious, they were reluctant to try the ramp I added to their cage/home. I made it by scoring a 18" x 28" piece of corrupaged plastic, forming two 6" sides and a 6" wide base/floor. It's 28" from the ground level to the loft. They would stand at the bottom but not climb up. After a few days I had an idea.
Because they really like covered hiding spots, I then tried putting a piece of corrugated plastic over the open ramp to make it a tunnel. Sure enough, one immediately ventured up the ramp, popcorned around the loft and then ran down to report to the other one. They then both ventured upstairs and have enjoyed the ramp every since. It seems they just needed to feel more secure/hidden when going up and down.
So, if your guinea pigs seem afraid of the ramp, try adding a roof so it forms a tunnel, and see if that helps. I made mine easy to remove so I can clean the ramp as needed.
Thanks to everyone who contributes to this site. I've learned so much and have found a lot of inspiration.
Mel
