HELP! Floor Time Trouble!

[Baubler]

Okay, everyone, I really need your help.

Here's the deal.

When I first got Charlie (my cavy) I didn't know much about floor time and I basically gave him free range in my apartment, which I think he really liked.

This caused a bit of a problem - "catching" him when it was time for bed. When he was "new" it was a little easier because he hadn't figured everything out yet, but as he got older he got smarter. Then I figured out that I could sort of "herd" him into his cage (I had a large store bought cage which he really loved.)

Now, however, we have a C&C cage (which means he can't get in or out on his own) and a slightly larger
apartment with lots more hiding places. I'm also going to be bringing home a "little brother" for Charlie in about 2 weeks

So I don't know what to do about floor time now.

There are too many hiding places to simply be able to block them all off everytime we have floor time. Chasing him is making me nuts and I can't imagine having to chase two!

If I build "pen" how is that any different than his cage? Also, how much space does he need for floor time?

Any ideas on how to address this problem?

Charlie loves that he can run all over the place, but he mostly just finds a hiding place and stays there, so I'm beginning to wonder about how to provide optimal "floor time" for him and his soon to be little brother.

Please help if you can!

 

[guineagurl]

I have no idea's for you, but I think it would be funny watching someone catch 2 escape artist's that don't wanna be caught!
I think floortime is mostly so they get a change of scenery, I don't think it has to be all that big, just equipped with all the basic's they need.

Here piggy piggy hehe

 

[mom to cujo]

(broken link removed) sells playpens - I bought 3 of them and lock them together and this gives the boys quite a bit of floor space without getting into anything that they shouldn't. I'd love to give them free-range, but it would be too risky.

 

[cavy-cool-crazy]

How about just blocking off areas which he tends to go under and giving him some pigloos and stuff to hide in? Like using cushions or mesh leaning up against furniture so he can't go under them. It could be easier to pick him up then, especially if he had a little box or something which he goes in - you could then pick him up out of that.

 

[ginnymommy]

hehehehehehe here piggy piggy lol
that would be funny
I have two boys myself and rite now they just sit on the floor in one space in the corner
I dont know if they like being on the floor to much they scamper from one corner to the other while squealling