In this video, we will discover 12 things guinea pigs love the most.
Hiding spots
Guinea pigs are prey animals and they find the most comfort in small, dark places where they can hide and feel safe.
A hiding spot allows them to shelter when they are spooked or feel threatened.
Chewing
Guinea pig’ teeth grow continuously all their lives. They’re designed to be worn down to the right length by grinding away at food. In the wild, a guinea pig’s buffet menu often includes hard vegetation such as hay, twigs, tree branches, and other material that requires lots of chewing. The extensive chewing keeps their growing teeth under control. Most piggies also love fruit tree sticks such as Kiwi and apple sticks to nibble on.
Exploring
Guinea pigs are curious creatures, and they love having the chance to explore new places.
Make sure to provide your little pet a large enough space to run around and satisfy their explorative nature.
Another way to ensure your guinea pig is happy, busy and stimulated is to make some holes in the side of a cardboard box and stuff the holes with yummy treats so they go in and out in search of their favorite treats.
Fresh hay
It’s important to give your guinea pig high quality hay. It needs to smell nice and be dust free. Fresh and greenish hay is better than brown hay.
Be careful of some bagged hay from pet shops. Many have not had the dust extracted. It is best to find a local hay merchant and buy a bale of soft, fresh hay. Make sure to give your piggy additional hay types like Timothy and orchard hays.
Being clean
Guinea pigs are innately clean animals, and they get very stressed out and frustrated when they are in a dirty, smelly environment.
A habitat with an accumulation of dust, urine, dirt, and poop can also cause respiratory problems in guinea pigs wherein they may have trouble breathing.
Keep your guinea pigs content and healthy by thoroughly cleaning their living space frequently.
Spreading their scent
Like many other animals, guinea pigs are territorial creatures and they love marking their territory by spreading their scent.
In order to mark their territory, a guinea pig will often rub their bottom across the floor or against cage furnishings.
6. Socialization
Guinea pigs are very social animals. In the wild, they live in large colonies that have intricate rules and hierarchies.
As pets, they still have these social instincts, and they love to spend time with other piggies or members of the household.
If you’re considering adopting one, it’s best to bring home two or more at a young age. Guinea pigs are much happier with company around.
Being with you
Guinea pigs might be in just a small part of our lives, but to them, we are their whole life. They appreciate you and try to show their affection in many ways. Spending time with them will make them happy, and will lead to a longer-lasting and trusting relationship. Make sure not to isolate yourself from your piggy. This will make your little friend feel alone and neglected.
A soft massage
If done right, petting can provide your guinea pig with a soothing overall sensation and help improve the bond between you and your pet.
Guinea pigs have personal preferences about being petted, and they often give signals about when you’ve rubbed the right spot or the wrong one.
Most guinea pigs don’t like being touched on their rear end. They prefer to be petted on the nose, under the chin or behind the ears, but try to keep your hands away from their butt.
Keep in mind that a guinea pig will not immediately accept pets from new owners or strangers.
Eating their Cecotropes
Have you ever seen your guinea pig dip its head down between its hind legs, then come up chewing?
Well, your piggy is eating their cecotropes, which are soft feces that are nutrient-rich.
It’s important that you as a loving pet owner, respect your guinea pig’s nature. So, if your piggies spray urine, mount, or eat their own droppings, let them, as preventing them from their own nature can cause anxiety and confusion. Guinea pigs hate constant correction from you and it is important that you love your piggies just as they are.
A little sunshine
Recent research suggests that sunlight is important for a guinea pig’s health. Like many other animals, piggies need sunshine to get their vitamin D, which keeps their bones and teeth healthy, but always make sure your guinea pig can move away to shade when they need to cool off.
Treats
Guinea pigs love to eat so it’s no surprise that feeding treats is something your guinea pigs love. But though piggies will eat just about anything, it is your job as an owner to ensure they remain healthy. Pay attention to your pet’s preferences. They may prefer one vegetable or fruit over another and will love you more when you feed them what they want.
