Guinea pigs get bored like any other animal. Therefore, you should find ways to entertain them, perhaps by giving them some toys and making their cage a more interesting place. Also, if they have the opportunity to get out of the cage every day, they will have more opportunities to exercise and have fun at the same time. Finally, with some delicious morsels they will keep their diet varied.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Making Toys
Step 1. Crumple a piece of paper
Shape into a ball using some paper. Put her in your guinea pig's cage or let her play when she's out. It sounds silly, but guinea pigs love the sound of crumpled paper and your pet will surely enjoy gnawing on it.
Step 2. Create a tunnel of cardboard cylinders
Cut a tube of aluminum foil into small pieces. He will throw him everywhere and have a great time. Just try to cut it sideways so it doesn't run the risk of getting trapped inside.
Step 3. Fill a sock
Find an old sock and fill it with some clean cloth you saved up for your guinea pig. Tie it at the end and shorten the end. She will drag it into the cage and enjoy chewing on it.
Step 4. Use ping-pong or tennis balls
It is clear that you will not have to build these objects, as you will probably find something like this around the house. Just throw the ball into the cage and let your guinea pig have fun.
Part 2 of 4: Making the Guinea Pig Cage More Fun
Step 1. Add tunnels and hiding places
Guinea pigs love to take refuge in burrows and run into tunnels. You can use simple items like cardboard tubes and small paper bags to keep your pet happy. You can also choose to get him an igloo for rodents, made of plastic.
Step 2. Keep the cage in a busy area of the house
When you bring the cage indoors, consider placing it in the busiest room, such as the living room. The guinea pig is a sociable animal and likes to be around people. Therefore, by putting it in a rather busy area, you will avoid it getting bored.
However, be sure not to place it near a continuous source of noise, such as next to a stereo system or television, or you risk hearing damage
Step 3. Give him toys he can chew
Your pet will need to chew on objects in order to wear out his teeth. You can use cardboard boxes or untreated wood, or even just buy some bite-sized toys specially made for guinea pigs or other rodents.
Part 3 of 4: Training it in a fun way
Step 1. Ensure the safety of the environment in which it is located
Before you get the guinea pig out of the cage, you need to secure the room. Make sure there are no chemicals or detergents around that it might come into contact.
- Eliminate or remove electrical cables from his reach. He might gnaw them if he finds them on the floor.
- If you are concerned that your dog will go to the carpet or floor, spread a layer of plastic to catch any excrement.
- Remove houseplants. Many are toxic to guinea pigs.
- Remove the plastic bags, as these animals love them, but they are not safe items to play with.
- Don't forget to provide food and water for him while he is out of the cage.
Step 2. Close the room
Close the doors so he can't escape. Also let other pets, including dogs or cats (if you have them), stay out of the room while the guinea pig enjoys its freedom.
Also, warn family members that you intend to take the guinea pig out of the cage, as they may open the door while it is running around on the floor
Step 3. Create an obstacle course
These pets love challenges, so try making an obstacle course or a cardboard maze. You can use a large piece of cardboard for the base or just stick the walls to the floor with masking tape. Enter a few curves or hairpin bends and place a reward at the end of the route.
Add fun obstacles, such as cardboard tubes or bridges. The galleries are also a blast for them
Step 4. Give him time to explore
The guinea pig must exercise every day so that it does not get bored by being confined in the cage. Take it with two hands and lay it on the floor of the room that you have previously secured. Give him some toys to play with. If you want him to socialize at the same time, put him on the ground so he can come and study you.
Step 5. Avoid using gym balls
Although they say they are suitable for guinea pigs, they are not actually produced specifically for these animals, in fact there is a risk that they are dangerous for your little furry friend's back.
Step 6. Capture your guinea pig
If he runs away for the rest of the house, keep a cool head. Keep other pets away. Close all escape routes, especially those leading outdoors. Try to direct it to a corner where you can catch it. If he takes refuge somewhere, keep in mind that he will eventually go out in search of food. Just be ready to catch it.
Part 4 of 4: Give him delicious snacks
Step 1. Give him fresh fruit
Once in a while, a few portions of fresh fruit will be a panacea for his diet. However, like humans, guinea pigs shouldn't get too much sugar, so give them fruit only two or three times a week.
Among fresh fruit, consider oranges, pears, strawberries, seedless grapes, and blueberries
Step 2. Offer him some vegetables
With plant foods you can be a little more forgiving, as most of them contain less sugar than fruit. Try giving him a small handful once a day.
Some vegetables you can include in his diet are cucumbers, peas, carrots, and corn
Step 3. Give him some leftover food
Plant-based food scraps that you would normally throw away are fine for your furry friend, such as strawberry stalks and celery leaves. However, before giving them any fruits and vegetables, always make sure they are listed as safe for these animals.
Step 4. Learn about prohibited snacks
The guinea pig can eat some foods intended for human consumption, but many are not suitable at all, such as salty, chewy, sugar-rich snacks (including chocolate) and other industrially produced foods. It is also best to avoid lettuce, rhubarb, garlic, onions, raw or dried beans and seeds.
