I'm new and need help with my pigs!!

[jedimindpig]

I have 2 sows, Ella and Radley, and after looking on this site I rtealised I needed to improve floor time for them. My problem is: they chew up the carpets, even when I put blankets down they get under them, and it's a rented house so I can't have the carpets chewing up! How do I give them adequate floor time without them eating the landlady's carpets?

Any help would be great!! xx

 

[grace&piggies]

I would try making sure they have plenty grass hay around, all of the time. It might be that they are needing something to grind their teeth with.

 

[Hhbean]

When the boys have "free range" time, we make sure to secure all the ends of the blankets/pads. We create boarders using the couch on one side and couch cushions, chairs and chairs on other sides.

 

[kirsty91]

Hmmm that's odd, I haven't heard of that. It might mean they are bored though because they will chew on cage bars if they are too. Try putting toys out for them, cardboard boxes, a veggie trail, hay, etc. I agree with securing down the blanket, shoes work great too haha.

 

[bpatters]

You don't put them on the carpet. What's worse than the carpets being chewed and peed on is the possibility of their getting intestinal blockages from ingesting the carpet.

You can get a piece of lineoleum, or a woven rug, or towels, or an old blanket and put down, and fence it in with grids.

 

[Petlovr]

I went to The Salvation Army, and got a queen size comforter for $5. Plenty big enough, and with the edges secured they won't get under it. This time of year it's cold where I am, and the floor is colder than the rest of the room, so a little extra insulation is good.