Exercise and Play

Exercise and Play

Guinea pigs like to play, so make sure there are plenty of toys for them. Play makes them exercise, which is good for their physical health, and keeps them contented, which is good for them emotionally. Foraging and exercising in a run mimic their natural behaviour, keep them occupied and prevent boredom.

Guinea pigs are hunted by predators in the wild, so they're naturally frightened of big, open spaces. Your pets will spend a lot of time around the edges of a room or run, so a few well-placed upside-down cardboard boxes will give them extra space where they can feel safe and exercise.

If the weather is bad, you can arrange all these things indoors. But life can get more interesting in an outside run. Firstly, make sure it's placed out of direct sunlight and that there is a shelter inside. Then fill it with places to hide, things to climb and tunnels to run through - making sure it's not too tight a squeeze and that they can't escape.

Guinea pigs are natural foragers, so hide some food and your pets will enjoy looking for it. For example, try hiding some Excel Nature Snacks around their hutch or within Excel Herbage. In addition to providing nutrition, this echo of natural behaviour avoids boredom and improves your pets' emotional health.