Ramps and young chins?

Kaiya · Jun 6, 2010

Hello, everyone! I'm sorry I haven't introduced myself properly yet. i shall get to that. This is more important!

Ok, so i currently have a 4-level cage with ramps that have horizontal bars in them. I was worried about the design of the ramps since day one, but hadn't had any problems so far. My adult chins shoot up and down them all the time with ease. Not long ago i bought a baby chin from a breeder, and it appears he has no idea how to use the ramps. At first i thought he was just shy, staying on the level I put him on (yes it was the one with food and water), but as he started peeking out and moving around he just sat by the ramps as the other chins raced around him. I assumed he would learn how to use the ramps on his own, which he did. He is very slow, but he managed to climb up and down one of the ramps. Not even an hour ago I looked into the cage and the poor baby was hanging UPSIDE DOWN by his back leg, which had slipped between the horizontal bars on the ramp. I came to his rescue and he was fine, shaken and scared, but fine. His back leg is okay, too. But it was very scary! I hate to think what would have happened to him if I hadn't been around. I talked to my friend, who told me it was something he would learn from and to leave it alone. I'm really paranoid now, and was hoping for some advice. Should I leave the ramps in? If I remove them what can I do to give the baby chin access to the different levels? Any information you can give me is welcome from me and the baby! Thanks guys!

ruoc · Jun 6, 2010

Hi there, you will find that most of the members here suggest taking ramps out, especially for young chins. Another alternative is to use solid wooden ramps or to cover existing ramps with fleece. There are tons of pics of different cage set ups for some great ideas too. There is really nothing for the chin to learn from this experience, their little legs fit through the bars, it's not something they can change. The ramps are just dangerous. Glad your little guy is alright and enjoy your furry babies!

kimbt622 · Jun 6, 2010

Remove the ramps. Chins do not need ramps in their cages, they're jumpers and can do that to get to the various levels. In fact, they'll probably be happier jumping than walking

Also, the little boy will not learn from getting his leg stuck... he probably just got caught by accident and it wasn't something he could help. I would take the ramps out and see how they do, i'm sure they'll learn to jump fairly quickly. If they don't, you can get something to cover the ramps so there's not holes in them where they can get their little feeties stuck. Enjoy your new babies!

3CsMommy · Jun 6, 2010

Welcome aboard.

Hanging by a leg is exactly why I was told ramps are a bad idea while I was getting ready for chins. They're generally found to be more trouble than they're worth. Glad the little guy's okay! That could have ended very badly for both of you.

Rickman · Jun 6, 2010

I agree, taking out the ramps is the safest way, but before I joined this forum, I didn't know better, and did something else.
I went to Ace Hardware [since found Home Depot is MUCH cheaper] and bought some 1/4 x 1/4 hardware screen.
This cage has 2 full floors and a 1/2 floor on the top, with cut-outs for the ramps.
I covered all floors and ramps with the hardware screen, bending double thicknesses around the edges to attatch.
I also cut wood the depth of the cage, 8" wide, so they had a solid place to rest, along with a 2-sided 'hidey-house' open at the side, for air circulation.
Everything falls through except hay, and I even mounted a wheel next to the 1/2 shelf.
Replaced the bottom wire once in 5 yrs, wood more often, but it's been good for me.

Bostongirl'sChin75 · Jun 6, 2010

Removing the shelves would be best, or if you don't want to do that, I have seen where people have covered them with fleece covers. I recommend removing them and getting lots of wood ledges to put in there! You can buy them or make them yourself, if you're so inclined. There is a link on here on how to do that!