New Pig Owner

[Piglet]

Well, there are other hays that are just as good as timothy, i.e. meadow, but most people tend to use timothy

 

[mncavylover]

Yea - I figured after I read some of the other posts on leashes, I's gonna get blasted by some of you . . thanks for being gentle . . . . .

Are you saying I was harsh, or are you being sincere? I didn't mean to be if you think I was, sorry. =)

Agreed - no more turning her loose . . .

Thanks, Bnuts40!

If you jerk on the leash or accidentally step on it - I'm sure you will cause injury - it ain't a dog ! - I don't walk her like a dog . . Ya just can't treat it like one

That's why you can't really have it on a leash.

While I do understand the concern, the leash allows her more outdoor time and is just more like something to add a little resistance if Piglet decides to go on too far of an adventure. Common sense tells me if she really starts struggling - time to pick her up & put her in her cage - - so far this has not been a real problem - put her in a cool sunny spot with some fresh veggies & fruit - she stays fairly well put. I give her the liberty of about 6 or 8 feet before some gentle resistance to slow her down. This could (As I've read by another poster) be a travel option as well. A run is no doubt the best way to go, but without one, I'm not totally against the use of leashes.

What do you mean about it being a travel option? (Sorry, I didn't get that part.)

I am going to build a run for her, but it ain't gonna happen for a few weeks yet - in the meantime, I can't see leaving her indoors all of the time untill it's built. In keeping many various types of animals over the years - I find they adapt best if you can provide at least as much of their natural environment as possible.

Playtime indoors is just as good as having it outdoors. It also reduces chances of the cavy getting a parasite or illness that is picked up from the grass or dirt.

The hay will have to remain Georgia Hay -

As far as I can see, what we have - is very similar to Timothy hay. I get the freshest cuts & can also get some other blends (clover, alfalfa) if I wish. I live just a couple miles from farm country here so the I have great resources with standard pricing (usually free if I just want a few pounds - the people at the feed store know me !). It really is top quality hay.
I know - the cage is small, as I said - it's temporary. Sorry - I'm not looking to buy a cage - I'm am going to build - a custom size. . As I said, it'll be about 2 X 3 feet. That's my priority right now - I'll have it within a couple of weeks.

That's awesome! I wish all of us had those resources. Hope that the cage comes up soon--good luck!