Can I let my guinea pig run around the house?

Jenine Cluxton asked, updated on August 8th, 2021; Topic: guinea pig
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Guinea pigs love having a big area to roam around in In the case of small children, it's fine for them to go in as long as they're properly supervised, and don't chase the animals around.

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In every case, do guinea pigs need an exercise wheel?

Never Use Exercise Balls and Wheels Exercise balls and wheels are deadly for guinea pigs. These activities may be appropriate for some pocket pets like rats, mice, gerbils, and hamsters, but they should never be used for guinea pigs. ... Lap time is also an important part of a guinea pig's day.

Other than that, what time of day are guinea pigs most active? They are crepuscular, which means they are most active during dusk and dawn. When they are awake, Guinea pigs spend their time feeding, grooming or investigating their cage, according to the ADW.

Right, how do I exercise my guinea pig in the winter?

If your guinea pigs live outdoors, don't let them exercise in bad weather. Their bodies are very low to the ground and they can get cold and dirty on their bellies. Consider keeping them in a warm shed or outbuilding where they can exercise indoors during winter.

Do guinea pigs try to escape?

Guinea pigs are not climbers or jumpers or escape artists. It is not in their nature. However, there are always exceptions. ... When you need to protect your guinea pigs from CHILDREN, especially small children, OR if there will be rambunctious play in the room with the guinea pigs.

19 Related Questions Answered

How long do guinea pigs live indoors?


How often should I bathe my guinea pig?

Guinea pigs only need to be bathed once a month in the summer, and every two months in the winter. This is unless your pet needs of an anti-parasite bath, or if you've been told by a vet to bathe them more frequently. In general, too much bathing puts the animals at risk of skin infections and chills.

Do guinea pigs bite?

Guinea pigs are docile animals, and rarely bite without cause. They tend to 'mouth' their owners while being held, just to see if you're edible! These are not hard bites, though, and don't hurt. ... Guinea pigs only use their teeth aggressively if they feel under threat - they are their only means of defence.

How much time should you spend with your guinea pig?

Guinea pigs are easy to care for when compared to other popular pets, but they do still need some daily, weekly and monthly care. Depending on your equipment, you can expect to spend about an average of ten to fifteen minutes a day on guinea pig maintenance.

Will guinea pigs kill each other?

Will guinea pigs kill each other in a fight? ... It isn't typical for a guinea pig to kill another one, especially if you intervene and separate them. But, if a fight breaks out when you aren't there, a larger guinea pig could attack, and kill one that is smaller or younger.

How do guinea pigs show affection?

Guinea pigs do a good bit of licking. ... A guinea pig might also lick their person's fingers/hand, which can be a sign of affection — after all, that's how guinea pigs show affection to one another. Or the guinea pig might just like the taste of a person's skin.

What does a scared guinea pig do?


How cold is too cold for guinea pigs?

15 degrees

Can I take my guinea pig on a walk?

You can "walk" a guinea pig on a leash, but don't try to get your guinea pig to go for outdoor walks. Unlike dogs and cats, cavies cannot successfully learn to go for leashed walks. ... While some people indeed train their small captive pets to walk around on leashes, it isn't suitable for guinea pigs.

Do guinea pigs like to be held?

Your Guinea Pig Likes Being Held You can interpret that confidence as affection. To reach this stage you need to hand-tame your pet with care and patience. Once they've built the trust, they'll bond with you. They won't approach everyone in this way – it's just you they love!

Does a guinea pig cage need a lid?

Generally, NO. Guinea pigs aren't jumpers or climbers. ... Generally speaking, you only need to cover a guinea pig cage that has high enough walls if you need to keep kids, cats or dogs out.

Where does a guinea pig like to be petted?

Pet in the direction the fur grows. Start by petting the head or under the chin. The feet and underside are usually areas to avoid, and the back might even be an area to avoid. Observe your guinea pig's body language and listen to vocalizations for clues about how he or she feels.

Does a guinea pig cage need a roof?

Although they are small, guinea pigs require plenty of space to exercise, the more the better. ... All outdoor enclosures should be completely enclosed (eye have a roof or wire so they are fully covered) and strong enough to keep the guinea pigs safe from other animals, particularly predators such as dogs, cats, and foxes.

Can you keep guinea pigs in a flat?

They must be provided with plenty of space – which means conventional indoor cages won't be suitable. Guinea pigs get along just fine indoors with no enclosure at all, so if you have enough space in your home, you should give them an entire room to themselves.

Can guinea pigs live alone after one dies?

If one of your guinea pigs sadly dies, leaving a single guinea pig left alone then yes, your remaining guinea pig will be very lonely and needs a companion. ... Guinea pigs are herd animals and don't wish to be kept on their own, even if they don't get on particularly well with others.

What is the best bedding for guinea pigs?

The best bedding for guinea pigs
  • Fleece cage liner. Originally, I was using fleece liners for Muffy and Lilly's cage. ...
  • Aspen bedding. ...
  • Unscented, large granule/strand paper pellets. ...
  • Natural paper bedding. ...
  • White, unbleached paper bedding. ...
  • Crumble paper bedding. ...
  • Soft paper granules. ...
  • Confetti paper bedding.
  • Why does my guinea pig squeak when I pet him?


    Can guinea pigs take a bath?

    Guinea pigs clean themselves, so baths are rare. Certain ailments make a bath necessary; otherwise you might bathe a guinea pig if its long coat is particularly soiled or if you're showing the pet for conformation. Bathing a rodent can pose health risks.

    How often should you cut guinea pig's nails?

    Guinea pigs require regular nail trimming. The frequency can vary among animals but should occur once a month at a minimum. Clipping nails more often will help to create a routine and prevent the quick, or blood supply at the center of the nail, from growing closer to the tip.