Do My Guinea Pigs Need Some Boredom Breakers?

MimiCreamie18

MimiCreamie18

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
Aug 4, 2019
Messages
266
Reaction score
270
Points
350
Location
Australia
Hi,
Lately I have been wondering if my guinea pigs get bored during the day while I am away. At my local pet store they don’t really have many small pet toys, and if they do it is really expensive. For example one hay tree with some chews attached to the top is $50 AUD! (I live in Australia). So my questions are...1. should I give my guinea pigs some boredom breakers? 2. If so, where can I buy them online, or how can I make some?
Thank you,
Leena
 
A paper bag stuffed with hay is great fun for piggies (make sure you cut the handles off) or a toilet roll cut down the long side and filled with hay. You can pop some veg in a cardboard egg box. Poke holes in the top of the egg box and put some veg through the holes, close the box and let your piggies work out how to get to the veg inside. Hang some applewood branches from the top of the cage and let your piggies have fun trying to eat them. Make them a fleece forest to run into and out of.
 
MimiCreamie18 said:
Hi,
Lately I have been wondering if my guinea pigs get bored during the day while I am away. At my local pet store they don’t really have many small pet toys, and if they do it is really expensive. For example one hay tree with some chews attached to the top is $50 AUD! (I live in Australia). So my questions are...1. should I give my guinea pigs some boredom breakers? 2. If so, where can I buy them online, or how can I make some?
Thank you,
Leena
Click to expand...

Hi!

Have a look at this guide here with lots of ideas for enrichment; enrichment doesn't have to be expensive or complicated - it is anything that appeals to any of the senses; with smell and hearing being the strongest guinea pig senses.
Enrichment Ideas for Guinea Pigs

Please keep in mind that guinea pigs are crepuscular; i.e. most active at dawn and dusk and that they spend a good deal of the middle of the day sleeping and browsing quietly. They usually pick up again from about 4 pm onward.
 
We cut holes in a cardboard box and fill with hay and few pieces of herbs or dried forage. Or the cardboard from the middle of a kitchen roll or toilet roll full of hay with a few bits of veggies hidden it. Willow branches are also popular.

You don't need to buy toys for your piggies as they are just as happy with homemade things.
 
Wiebke said:
Hi!

Have a look at this guide here with lots of ideas for enrichment; enrichment doesn't have to be expensive or complicated - it is anything that appeal to any of the senses; with smell and hearing being the strongest guinea pig senses.
Enrichment Ideas for Guinea Pigs

Please keep in mind that guinea pigs are crepuscular; i.e. most active at dawn and dusk and that they spend a good deal of the middle of the day sleeping and browsing quietly. They usually pick up again from about 4 pm onward.
Click to expand...
Thank you so much for that info Wiebke!
 
YvonneBlue said:
We cut holes in a cardboard box and fill with hay and few pieces of herbs or dried forage. Or the cardboard from the middle of a kitchen roll or toilet roll full of hay with a few bits of veggies hidden it. Willow branches are also popular.

You don't need to buy toys for your piggies as they are just as happy with homemade things.
Click to expand...
Hi, that’s a good idea! Will my guinea pigs chew the cardboard though?
 
Betsy said:
A paper bag stuffed with hay is great fun for piggies (make sure you cut the handles off) or a toilet roll cut down the long side and filled with hay. You can pop some veg in a cardboard egg box. Poke holes in the top of the egg box and put some veg through the holes, close the box and let your piggies work out how to get to the veg inside. Hang some applewood branches from the top of the cage and let your piggies have fun trying to eat them. Make them a fleece forest to run into and out of.
Click to expand...
Those are some great ideas. I will definitely have to try some.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top