|
Home • Cavy Hub • Wheeks & Squeaks • Cavy Care • Activities & Exercises • Links
Instincts Cage
If you asked your guinea pig to describe their dream cage, what would they say? To answer this question, we must look at their natural behaviours, instincts and habitat. Modern guinea pigs are believed to be descended from ground-dwelling animals in South America. They occupied burrows created by other animals and went searching for food. As outlined on the Instincts page, guinea pigs may feel exposed and frightened in an open space, so they need lots of places to hide. On top of this, they need to exercise to keep healthy, so the best environment is one that includes things for them to run through, as well as than into.
Environmental factors that will enrich your guinea pig's life and satisfy their instincts:
-
A large cage is very important, as guinea pigs in the wild have extensive territory. Exact sizes vary, but most modern information sources recommend at least 6-7 square feet of space for the first guinea pig and 2 more for each subsequent guinea pig. You can find out how to make a cheap, easy-to-clean indoor cage at Guinea Pig Cages and hutch at Australian Cavy Sanctuary.
-
A cagemate satisfies the guinea pig's instinct to have a friend (see Instincts). Other than in exceptional cases of fighting, most guinea pigs - male and female - will get along with a cagemate of the same gender. Guinea pigs are happier, healthier and more active with a friend of their own species.
-
Pipes and tunnels are great because they are similar to ready-made burrows, the guinea pig's natural environment. Guinea pigs love exploring and running through them. It also breaks up a large, open cage into more sheltered areas where the guinea pigs will feel more secure - although it's important that they have open running space as well. You can also make mazes out of Lego and other building systems, however these may work better as playtime toys that permanent fixtures of the cage. You can use PVC pipe or anything else non-toxic, but make sure all pipes are big enough that the guinea pigs can't get stuck.
-
Something to run through as guinea pigs naturally lived in grass, having loose bedding can be great fun for them. Hay is ideal, however in many places it is too expensive to use as bedding (a constant supply of hay, usually in a hayrack, is essential to the guinea pig diet). A big pile of shredded paper works well - they love running around in it, and it costs next to nothing if you have a paper shredder.
-
Boxes and hideys are fantastic - one for each guinea pig and preferably one extra as well. Guinea pigs need places to hide to feel safe and secure. If you have a hutch, the bedroom area should be large enough that all guinea pigs can fit in at the same time, with space for moving around. Don't clutter the cage with hideys and tunnels - they are interchangeable, so as long as there is one hidey/tunnel for each piggie, that's enough.
Background graphics by Jackie • All photographs by webmaster unless otherwise stated.
All information is unofficial, original experience. |
bravenet.com