Makin it up the Ramp

[PetersonPiggies]

I made a ramp for my piggies and it turned out great, but there's one major problem.... they don't use it!! I made sure it wasn't too steep, that was a concern of mine, so I'm confident that's not the problem. It's probably just because they're still geting used to the cage, but does anyone have any ideas to getting them up to the top level? What did you guys do? And did you even have to do anything?

 

[Piglet]

hi. How long have you had the ramp in the cage? You could try and bribe them with some treat, or put some nice fresh hay on the top level. lol.

 

[cavylover]

put their food up there and water also.If their hunry enough or thristy enough they'll search everywhere.

 

[mncavylover]

Try putting your pigs on the upper level. Then, they will eventually go down the ramp. They will see what's on the top and will probably return because they know what the ramp is for! This worked for my pigs. If you put some of their favorite foods up there, it'll be irresistible! Hope this helps, and good luck. =)

 

[NoVeil]

I found my piggies went down our stairs much faster than up. I would put their food and water up there. Every time you take them out of their cage for a cuddle or floor time, put them on the upper level. I also put food/water up top and pigloo below so they had some motivation to go up and down. You could also try baiting the ramp, put some yummy treats all up the ramp so they want to go up to get the treat. It took Cinnamon about a week before she was comfortable using the steps. Spice took about 10 minutes...she watched Cinnamon do it at a run.

 

[blink1177]

I tried putting my guinea pigs on the top floor. They eventually found their way down but still haven't gone up by themselves. I guess it will just take some time!

 

[supertramp]

I had that trouble with my older guinea pig. I tempted her with tasty things going up the ramp and onto the shelf, and put her on it, but she did not ever use the ramp to go down. Instead, she decided to learn to jump - she jumps up, she jumps down, and I've only ever seen her use the actual ramp once or twice. Ah well - it gives her exercise, and my young pig figured out the ramp straight away, and uses it as well as jumping. Depends on the pigs I suppose, but just give them time and they'll get it eventually, even if it takes weeks.

 

[blink1177]

I built a completely different ramp and as soon as I put it in my pigs were up and down that thing constantly. I think they like it better because it is connected to the wall on one side and the other side is high. Plus I have carpet all the way up so you can't see them while they are on the ramp. (And they can't see you.) It's funny how a little change can make such a difference!!

 

[mncavylover]

YAY!!! That's great to hear... nice work! =)