Guinea Pig Home

Natasha · 10-06-2008, 02:09 PM

Hi all!

I recently became the proud mother of a 5 month old piggy. His name is Blade. I'm just wondering if any of you can help in with the following: Blade doesn't like to be out of his cage. When I take him out and put him on the floor he always runs straight back into it. How can I get him to relax more outside of his cage. Blade also has hyperactive moments when he'll run in circles in his cage non-stop for 5 minutes! Is he losing his mind from not getting out of his cage enough??

Please send me your suggestions.
Regards
Natasha

guineapiggoddess · 10-06-2008, 02:39 PM

Give Blade smaller spaces to havve floor time, such as a bathroom or walk in closet, you're probably giving him too much space and he is getting overwhelmed.

Blade is doing what is called "zoomies" most piggies do it just for fun. The other night I awoke to all three of my girls doing zoomies, they can be loud when they do!

Foggycreek · 10-06-2008, 02:43 PM

He's probably too scared to move around much during floor time. If he had a buddy he might be more adventurous.

You could make his cage nice and big so that he can get adequate exercise in there--have you checked out www.guineapigcages.com yet?

guineapiggoddess · 10-06-2008, 02:47 PM

Oh, yes. Pigs tend to be more adventurous when htey have a buddy. Like Precious and Goofball. Precious leads the trail into unknown territory and Goofy just follows. Consider a friend for Blade.

CometandMichelangelo · 10-06-2008, 03:38 PM

I've noticed that pigs are A LOT more curious and happier when they have a friend. It seems like it brings out a piggy you never would have known existed. How long have you had Blade? He might still be settling in.

moca138 · 10-06-2008, 03:50 PM

Critter, our six month old pig who is in isolation right now due to treatment for an abscess, had the crazy zoomies last night. She doesn't normally run like that, but something got into her and it was the funniest sight to see! I have been leaving her in floor time for long periods, since our isolation cage is a "large" petstore cage. The floor time is about 12X12, with assorted hidey's. Last night she would run like the wind into her pigloo, turn around quickly and run back out, then run around the other hideys. So entertaining to watch. Usually just our two littlest ones do that.

piggieluver101 · 10-06-2008, 04:06 PM

It called zoomies. They are happy when they run laps in their cage. A buddy will bring out the adventurer in him. Goofy was really shy untill we put her with Precious. Baby's are soposed to be hyper. Get him hand trained. Nugget did the same thing. But I had faith in that pig. Now she will come and LOVE he lap time. Give her time.

BABY'S MOM · 10-06-2008, 06:19 PM

ditto guineapiggoddess!

A buddy would definately help him feel more adventurous, once he's settled in.

Also, he probably is feeling a bit overwhelmed by the big space. Here's something you can try right away. Section off a small piece of floor, (like a closet), set the cage down with him inside it - but leave the cage door open!

When he's feeling safe, and ready to explore, he will slowly poke his nose out. It may take some time, but he will discover that he's safe outside the cage as well. Leave his favorite veggies, or toys OUTSIDE his cage to encourage him to come out of his cage.

Good luck Natasha, and let us know how he's doing. Do you have a pic of blade?

emily111897 · 10-06-2008, 07:25 PM

How long have you had him?

buttercup08 · 10-16-2008, 02:24 PM

MY little 3 month old buttercup likes being in her cage also, however this morning I took her out and closed both of my guest bathroom doors and let her run and she really seemed to enjoy it. I stayed in there with her to see what she would do, and she ran in circles around the bathroom. I think I am going to keep this up, so she will enjoy being out more. I have only had her a week, and she doesnt get jumpy when i pick her up and usually comes to me during floor time.