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Should You Allow Your Guinea Pig To Run Free In Your Home?
Author : John Welsh
Submitted : 2011-04-16 06:40:45 Word Count : 540 Popularity: 8
Tags: pets
While it is true that guinea pigs kept in smaller cages need plenty of exercise - allowing them free roam of your home could pose some potential issues for you and for them. Obviously, one of the first concerns is whether or not you have potty trained your piggy. If you haven't, then you can expect that they will use the bathroom wherever they see fit inside your home. Luckily, since they respond well to positive reinforcement, that involves food; potty training your furry little friend might not be as hard as you think.
There are other considerations as well. A guinea pig is very inquisitive and will like to explore your home. If they are out and about, there is a good chance that their second favorite habit... chewing... may come into play. Unfortunately, they may choose things to chew on that are not desirable, such as electrical cords, furniture and even pillows or toys.
Still, your little friend needs exercise. As you and your new pet get acquainted with another, they will probably come to you easily, especially if you offer them food. In the early stages of your relationship however, when they are slightly skittish and timid, they may run and hide. Like many animals this size, they can squeeze themselves into unusual places and leave you in an awful predicament.
Perhaps the best way to allow your guinea pig to roam free is to do it with supervision in a room that you have prepared. Make sure that all small entryways, holes and hard to reach places are blocked off. Choose a room that doesn't have carpeting in case they do decide to use the bathroom and most importantly, make sure that you are with them at all times. When its time to go back in the cage, offer them a treat and give them a nice petting and you will be able to put them back in your cage.
There are plenty of guinea pig owners that allow their pets to roam free in their homes unsupervised. Not exactly the best idea! You could come home to a missing pig that found a way inside the walls, to chewed furniture or to a pet that is sick because of something that they ate or chewed while being unsupervised. Also, no matter how much you trust your dog or house cat - they shouldn't be coupled with a free roaming guinea pig inside or out. Guinea pigs that roam free in your garden or outdoors are definitely fair game for animals of prey.
The point of allowing your little furry friend to roam free is exercise. Yes, your little guy does need exercise. If you have a small cage, then you should make sure it is outfitted with a wheel or purchase an attached hutch that has a run. Guinea pigs prefer runs that they can see through which makes them feel as though they have more freedom. Try to allot at least 15 minutes per day of free running time outside of the cage. This will keep their digestion well as well as give them time to strengthen muscles. You also may find that allowing them to expel some of that energy pent up from being in a cage, makes them friendlier and more excited to see you.
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Pet Love Infos And Tips