Why won't my guinea pigs go downstairs in their hutch?

Question

Hi, we just got two male guinea pigs yesterday and they are still adjusting to their hutch. It is a two storey hutch with stairs connecting the levels. Our guinea pigs won't go down the stairs. We have tried picking them up to place them downstairs (where the food is) but although they are moving around as normal and are not completely scared of us, they wont let us pick them up yet...

So far we've moved the food and water upstairs but we do want them to go downstairs for exercise and so on...

If anyone has any suggestions on how to get the pair downstairs without picking them up just yet they would be gladly appreciated..

Thankyou.

Answer 1

The stairs might be too big, that's definitely possible, but try and make a food trail going down the stairs.

Put a piece of carrot, or whatever food you observe your guinea pig likes a lot, one a piece on each stair, and maybe they'll realize that it's safe downstairs!

Give them some time.

Answer 2

if the have any thing they really like just put it where you want them to go and give them time.thats what i had to with rats.

Answer 3

They might be a little uncomfortable with the setup. Most guinea pigs enjoy being on one level. Did you purchase the hut just for them or did you have it lying around? Check out this site and look into building something like it. They'll have more room and be happier.

http://www.guineapigcages.com

Answer 4

guinea pigs' backsare very fragile and they aren't meant for climbing because it hurts them. they can  only use stairs if the incline isn't too steep.