How to stop burrowing under fleece?
How can I stop my piggies from crawling under the fleece bedding? Is there some way to anchor it? I have a "normal" cage (a plastic "tray" and wire top part), not a C&C cage, so I can't exactly tie it to the sides. Thank you for suggestions!
Binder clips won't really work, but I could see about putting some coroplast in. I actually sewed the pads a couple inches too long, so that would work perfectly!
If it's a "normal" guinea pig cage from a pet store it's probably too small for your pig and doesn't provide the proper living space. Your pig could be burrowing out of frustration of not being able to run and popcorn. Consider building or buying a C&C cage and the problem may go away.
I don't think space is the issue. My cage is 8 square feet (2 x 4), so even though it's not the biggest, from what I've read it should be okay. My piggies do run around a lot in it. I also am trying to give them floor time, but last time they just stayed in their hidey for 20 minutes scared to death. I haven't tried floor time since then because it's fairly difficult to set up (by the way, any easy suggestions for blocking off doorways?) but I want to.
I wish I had room for a C&C cage, but unfortunately, this is the largest I really have room for for now.
Knowing the pig that does the burrowing, she probably is just curious (or wants to make my life a pain!). This is like her. She also is the adventurous one when it comes to trying new food, meeting new people, and reminding me it's dinner time.
I wish I had room for a C&C cage, but unfortunately, this is the largest I really have room for for now.
Knowing the pig that does the burrowing, she probably is just curious (or wants to make my life a pain!). This is like her. She also is the adventurous one when it comes to trying new food, meeting new people, and reminding me it's dinner time.
Ah, so yes that cage does not sound like the typical too-small ones from a pet store.
It can be difficult to stop a pig that's a burrower. If you had a typical C&C, you could use strips of extra coroplast to hold down the edges. That's not an option with this type of cage. If your fleece is larger than the cage bottom, you might be able to roll the edge under with a long, narrow piece of wood inside (like a thin piece of trim) and then hold it down in the corners with something heavy (some people use a small brick). Another option is to actually give the pig a different option for burrowing. Put down extra squares of fleece so the pig can burrow under them and not under the main fleece. There's someone on here that sells some really nice fleece blankets with a built-in pocket for burrowers.
I know with a few foster pigs that were burrowers, I eventually just gave up and went back to a loose bedding. I got tired of fighting it, lol.
It can be difficult to stop a pig that's a burrower. If you had a typical C&C, you could use strips of extra coroplast to hold down the edges. That's not an option with this type of cage. If your fleece is larger than the cage bottom, you might be able to roll the edge under with a long, narrow piece of wood inside (like a thin piece of trim) and then hold it down in the corners with something heavy (some people use a small brick). Another option is to actually give the pig a different option for burrowing. Put down extra squares of fleece so the pig can burrow under them and not under the main fleece. There's someone on here that sells some really nice fleece blankets with a built-in pocket for burrowers.
I know with a few foster pigs that were burrowers, I eventually just gave up and went back to a loose bedding. I got tired of fighting it, lol.
I put bricks on my fleece to stop burrowing. It also helps them cool off when it’s hot since the bricks stay cool. I keep one in each corner, except for the corners with litter trays
- PooksiedAnimals
- Supporting my GL Habit
I sewed my fleece together - either the whole things or made sleeves on the edges and slid 1/2" PVC tubing through it. Weight of the pig standing on the fleece keeps them from being able to lift the PVC edge.