What Do Guinea Pigs Like And Hate
Guinea pigs are social animals and it’s not a secret that they like and dislike certain things. If you are planning to own these cute little pets, then getting to know their preferences is important. So, what do guinea pigs like and hate?
Generally, guinea pigs like to play around and explore new things because of their social nature. On the other hand, they hate to be alone and they also don’t appreciate loud noises.
If you want to know more about what your guinea pigs like and dislike, then read this post carefully. It’ll allow you to develop a strong bond with your pets to provide them with the environment they love.
What Do Guinea Pigs Like to Do?
If you're hearing more snoozing and noticing that your piggies seem bored in their cage, then you need to spend more time with them. Here’s a list of the best activities that guinea pigs like to do.
Running in Tunnels
Guinea pigs are burrowing rodents and they love to dig tunnels which, unfortunately, isn’t possible in a cage. However, you can buy some artificial tunnels to add them to their cage, and wrapping paper tubes can also be used for that purpose.
Not only will it make your cavies happy, but it’ll also provide them with a hideout spot for exercise, a nap, or a bite to eat.
Read our review of popular tunnel sacks and hideaways. You might find just the perfect one for your situation.
Playpens like the one above can be found on amazon.
Chew Sticks
It’s impossible to have too much to gnaw, chew, and nibble on when it comes to guinea pigs. Adding Chew sticks to your guinea pig cage is another great idea. Not only will your guinea pigs love it but it’ll also keep their teeth healthy and trim.
The image above is timothy hay. There are other types as well. Here is a link to the above timothy hay chews if you want to check those out.
Moving Around an Obstacle Course
You can use simple cardboard for this purpose and create a one-of-a-kind obstacle course or maze. Better yet, you can also add tunnels, bridges, and cardboard tubes to make the course even more challenging.
Another great idea is to place snacks at different places in the maze and have a treat ready for piggies at the end of it all.
Grass or Hay Chew Balls
These are made from all-natural ingredients and guinea pigs love them. Adding grass or hay chew balls in the cage of your piggies keeps the teeth of your cavies in check and entertains them at the same time.
Stuffed Tubes
Toilet paper or paper towel tubes packed with hay are another great and affordable way to keep your piggies happy. These simple, non-toxic tubes make a terrific chew toy and you can fill the center of these tubes with delicious hay to create a perfect guinea treat.
These cavies have ever-growing teeth, so providing them with wood and hay to chew on is essential.
Where Do Guinea Pigs Like to Be Pet?
Guinea pigs instinctively fear the presence of any predator because they are prey animals. That’s why it’s critical to win their trust and one of the best ways is to pet them where they love.
First, you need to put your hand inside the cage and then slowly start petting them around or on the head and under the chin. Avoid the far back, stomach, or feet and be as gentle as possible.
Rules to Follow While Petting
Consider following the rules listed below to win your guinea pig’s trust.
- Move your hand gently and slowly and use just one or two fingers.
- Avoid chasing your guinea pigs or pet them while they’re sleeping.
- Never sneak up on your guinea pigs and always alert them before approaching.
- Observe the body language of your guinea pigs to understand how they feel.
- Never hold a guinea pig for too long.
- If your guinea pig tries to walk away then never resist.
Do Guinea Pigs Like Their Owners?
Yes, guinea pigs like their owner and they also do care about them as well. However, it only happens when guinea pigs trust their owners and feel comfortable around them. Don’t expect them to approach you on their own if you just brought them to your home. You might need to go through the following stages to develop a more affectionate relationship with your piggies.
Overcoming Instincts
The first challenge for you is to overcome the evolutionarily ingrained instincts of your pets to earn their affection. Keep in mind that the standard response of guinea pigs is a terror to pretty much anything unfamiliar. Teaching your guinea pigs to overcome this natural fear can take a long time but the reward surely makes it a worthwhile journey.
Early Stage of the Relationship
In the early days of your relationship with the guinea pigs, it’s important to resist your urge to pick them up. All you need to do in that period is to make your cavies aware of your presence. Placing vegetables and hay racks and refilling their pellet bowls will help you a great deal but stay gentle all the time. This way, your guinea pigs will start accepting their new environment to become more comfortable.
Food Bribe
You might have already heard that the fastest way to win their heart is through their stomach and luckily it’s also true for your piggies. You can also try hand-feeding leaves to your guinea pigs and they most probably will approach you because only a few of them can resist a mouthwatering and delicious snack.
(For a discussion on appropriate foods, check out our post on What Do Guinea Pigs Eat?)
Growing Affection
Soon, you'll understand that you’re a source of delicious snacks and not a predator. They’ll start appreciating your presence and your bond with them will grow stronger.
What Do Guinea Pigs Hate?
Now that you know what guinea pigs like and how to develop a bond, it’s also important to understand what they don’t like. Here’s a list of the things that guinea pigs hate and that you should be aware of if you’re planning to own these adorable animals.
- They hate to be alone.
- They don’t like loud noises.
- They don’t feel comfortable in a dirty cage.
- They hate extreme temperatures.
- They don’t like a sudden temperature change.
- They hate to be held for a long time.
- They don’t like their butt to be touched.
- They’re afraid of being grabbed and chased.
- They don’t like traveling.
- They don’t appreciate the presence of other pets.
And for a few other things that they hate...
Summary
Guinea pigs are hardwired with survival instincts and it’s not an easy task to win their trust. Consider using the tips and rules mentioned in this guide to help your cavies overcome their fear.
It’s also important to note that each animal has a unique personality so the same process might not necessarily go perfectly for each piggy. Be patient and give your piggies time to develop a positive bond with them.