Getting them back in the cage

[ylbremik]

Do you have any tips for getting them back in the cage after playtime besides just grabbing them? They neverrr want to go back. I try to trick them and have them go into something that I can pick up, but was wondering if there was a better way?

[❤Raych❤]

Lilo is a beast for getting her back in the cage. I have a solid ramp (no spaces) and she goes in when she feels she is done. If your guys are dust monsters like mine you can always put a bit of new dust in the dustbath, and when they go in put your hand over the hole and voila!!

[Mrs. Peeperz]

I have boxes that lead up to the cages and they all go back when the feel like they are done. If I need them to go back before that I use the playpen to corral them in. Normally I throw a rose hip or a hay cube in right before so they happily go to find their treat.

I do have 1 pair on the top level of a FN. I generally use an empty dust bath container to transport them. If they are being brats I get a fleece blanket and scoop them up like you do for wild birds.

[mistywaterwoman]

I know you have a Critter Nation, if you go to your nearest Walgreens they sell doggy steps for about $15 and they fit perfectly under the doors at the bottom, that is great for letting the chins get in and out of the cage on their own.
My personal tip is to have a treat jar with some rolled oats and crushed rose hips in it, and I give them a tiny pinch in their cages after playtime each night. After a few days of this, you will only have to shake the treat jar and they will run right into the cage and wait for the treat.

[obcsed]

Most of mine have access to their cages during playtime. I use step stools for them. Shaking the treat bag usually gets them back in their cages when I need to cut their playtime short. The one guy in the top of a 142 is my only problem child. I use a piece of fleece to corner him but it still is a job. Wish I could figure out a way to give him direct access. It makes life so much easier.

[karijo8]

When I have problems getting my girls to WANT to go back into their cage I lay down their blankets. They always scoot right on top of those and then I scoop them up. They sit on my lap for a few scritches then I put them back in. A lot of the time they want their blankies to go in their cages with them, so i hang them outside and pull a corner in for them. I spoil my babies.

[mistywaterwoman]

Peggy, I use a Critter Castle and a temporary shelf to get Patty in and out of her top level! I will have to get a photo for you...

[Carol~Anne]

I put boxes up at the cages that need a bit of lift and other than that, I shake the oats container and they zoom right in and wait for their treat. Got those rascals trained I do. ;D

[tinam]

Like Kara said, I use doggie steps. Mine actually go in and out quite a few times during playtime. When I feel like I'm done watching them, I just get up and close the door. I always clean their cages and put in fresh stuff and sticks for treats so when they are done and get locked in, they have something to enjoy.

[obcsed]

Dec 21, 2011 19:34:25 GMT -5 mistywaterwoman said:

Peggy, I use a Critter Castle and a temporary shelf to get Patty in and out of her top level! I will have to get a photo for you...

A pic would be great. Casey and I would both be greatful for any solution. Thanks!

[saras]

Mine are crate trained... I recommend icing that a try because it is helpful when I have to take them to the get and such too!

[mistywaterwoman]

There's that danged autocorrect again, lol. I believe she probably typed "giving" instead of "icing"...

[ylbremik]

I went out and bought some steps today and gave it a try. They loved it, and crawled in and out just fine. However, they never really went in there when they were done. And if one went in, the other stayed out. An hour and a half later, I had to leave, so I had to resort to old measures and get them myself.

How long do your little chins usually play until they've had enough?

[obcsed]

Start getting them used to the sound of the treat container. Then you can rattle it when they need to go home. Works like a charm when more than one is in the same cage.

My chins are all different about how long they stay out. The young triplets would stay out all night if I let them. I always have to coax them home with a treat. My old man is only interested in out time for 15 min or so. The rest range in between. I give them each at least a half hour. Longer if they are having fun.

[mistywaterwoman]

For Peggy:



and a close up:



She goes in and out on her own the whole time! Smart girl, didn't take her long to figure that out.

The solid back part of the castle is up close to Phoebe's compartment so that no one can nip any toes, lol. And I use a small wooden hutch on top to give her the extra few inches needed to reach her little shelf.

[obcsed]

Thank you so much. After your suggestion, I think I came up with a similar solution last night. I'll try to get a picture. Casey figured it right out and had a ball. He is much happier.

[mistywaterwoman]

That measure of independence and security can make ALL the difference!!!
Glad to be of assistance.

[saras]

Dec 22, 2011 15:47:50 GMT -5 mistywaterwoman said:

There's that danged autocorrect again, lol. I believe she probably typed "giving" instead of "icing"...

I totally meant icing... Er giving... Lol... How silly was that one!

I guess I should have elaborated on that... To crate train just associate the sound of the latch on the crate with a treat. Eventually they will just hop right in for a treat. It's a wonderful way to get the stubborn little ones in and out of the cage!

[ylbremik]

They are only 3 months, and haven't had a treat yet. They have to be 6 months to get a treat, right? We're going to give the stairs another shot tonight and see how it goes.

[Tara]

Yep, 6 months old before treats.