I'm back - ANOTHER guinea pig question

[NotInMyDay]

Hi all

So my DD's guinea pigs have been with us a month or so now. The have a hutch outside - not massive but has a run attached. They come in for cuddles and a leg stretch in the paddling pool (no water) most days. It's getting pretty cold at night now so I've convinced DH to let them come in at night til it gets crazy cold then they'll be in all the time.
Again, it's not massive but space is at a premium and see previous bit about lots of floor time.

So... my question is this: they don't 'do' much Why?
They only ever come out of hiding to eat and very rarely to explore or run about.

What am I doing wrong? L xxx

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

You're not doing anything wrong NotInMyDay.
When you cionsider GPs are prey animals and constantly aware that they could be someones lunch.Even if they are safe and domesticated, this never leaves them.
They are more active at dawn and dusk, and they can't afford to go into a really deep sleep, so they'll nap.
I watch our little GP2 sleeping in the garden run, but GP1 is always standing nearby, watching.

Do your GPs have a mad half hour when you let them in the pool? Chasing, trying to bulldoze each other out of the way?

I move our pigs houses round, we always give one house per pig plus spare.

At the moment ours are in the garage, their Pighouse had a leak on Sunday night, so DH and I moved their rabbit run into the garage. The run is 7'x4' so they have plenty room, boxes,bedding.But I can't get round the run easily.
I know they move about because the food goes and their respective houses have the pooh nests.

They are lazy little beasts IRL/. But that's their charm really

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

Our GP1 will be standing judgily waiting for breakfast and supper.
GP2 hides in his housie. I like to check them before I go to work, but had to be content with just seeing his whiskery little face this morning (I could've poked him with a stick, but that's mean )

[guineapiglet]

Hi there, I wonder how old your guineas are? If they are still a bit young and inexperienced, they may be a bit nervous about a change in routine, and would prefer to stay hidden and safe - it does take time for them to get confident and trusting, and lots of safe handling will ensure that they start responding to you . I used to make 'play areas' where they had lots of interesting bits of food, lots of igloos and hidey areas and just used to let them roam about and build up their confidence, then one would leg it back and the other 3 would blindly follow at speed, making that lovely sound when they are being nosey.

70 - I know exactly what you mean about a judgey look - 'has she put enough food in, why isnt it on time, she knows I dont like that 'etc, we had a blind guinea, she was cappuccino coloured with red eyes, ( Dora!) and she used to look that way even though she couldnt see!

[PostBellumBugsy]

NotInMyDay, your regime for your pigs sounds fine. GPs are timid, particularly when they are young. As they get older they get a bit less nervous & in a familiar environment can get quite confident & brave (judgey too!!!!). Also, they all have different characters and you often get one that is always hiding, whereas the other might be braver.
Your indoor paddling pool is great - I hadn't thought of that for an indoor run. We have a mat & a very annoying extendable pen thing for indoor running about, but a cheapo paddling pool would be much better.

[fortifiedwithtea]

NotInMyDay indoor paddling pool is inspired . My girl pigs pee and poop non-stop. Will try that idea myself, thanks.

[NotInMyDay]

Aw thanks guys.

I got a pop up paddling pool from ELC for £6. They do chew the bottom so I put newspaper in too.