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Speedy the guinea pig sits in his favourite place and observes the world from up high. After a few strenuous hours he is pretty exhausted. First a round of jogging, then a good climb up and down and finally a delicious salad. That is how a guinea pig gets really tired.
There is a stereotype among animal lovers that guinea pigs are sluggish and ungainly animals, but this isn’t so. Unfortunately, many guinea pigs don’t have the possibility to behave as their species normally would. Many guinea pig cages have only a hay rack and sleeping den and so don’t offer the possibility to climb and play. That said, you can create a guinea pig adventure playground out of a “pigsty” with just a little imagination and skill.
A spacious cage and enough room to run around is a must for an agile guinea pig. Contrary to popular opinion, guinea pigs can climb and jump. They may not be as clever as hamsters or rats, but they are very active. They like to climb up ramps and steps and find themselves a place to sit high up in order to observe their surroundings. With a little practice, guinea pigs can jump about 10 to 20 cm which is high enough to hop on top of a sleeping den.
When you buy a den for your guinea pig, be sure to choose one with a flat roof so that your pet can also use it as a place to sit. If your guinea pig’s cage is tall enough, you can add extra levels by inserting wooden boards.
Guinea pigs less adept at jumping can also reach high up places using ramps and steps. It can be a good idea to build steps out of stone slabs or bricks. This not only helps the guinea pig when climbing up but also saves you from having to cut your pet’s nails as it wears them down when running over the rough surfaces.
Pieces of bark and drain pipes made of clay lend themselves to scuttling through and hiding in. Guinea pigs are friendly creatures who can make the most of their social side with a game of hide and seek. A cage with a variety of equipment is not only more fun for your guinea pig, but you will probably also get more enjoyment from watching your pet be active.
