How do I keep my guinea pig happy?

Question

My guinea pig is depressed but I have nothing to do with him to have fun. What should I do? please give details.

Answer 1

Your guinea pig is probably depressed because he is alone. Guinea pigs are social animals and should always be kept in SAME SEX pairs (i.e. 2 males together or 2 females together).

Also, a balanced diet is important to keep your guinea pig happy. Guinea pigs should have timothy hay AT ALL TIMES. Pellets containing vitamin C and lots of fresh veggies and fruits should also be readily available.

Make sure you keep your piggie's environment clean and give him lots of time to run around and play.

Answer 2

What a pity that you can not get 2!! Guinea pigs live in herds in the nature and are much better in pairs. Do not worry!! You will have to have him/her out every day; first for floor time (the bigger the area the better and the longer the time the better) and secondly for cuddles (again the longer the time the better). Purchase a big cage and place tunnels and hidy houses throughout it. Tunnels can be made from 4 inch diameter PVC piping, houses can be made out of a plain piece of cardboard with a big arch cut out as an entry point. You can use untreated tree branches - these are good because they help to file down teeth. Keep your cage clean and supply a balanced diet. For a guinea pig under 6 months it should look something like this: Alfalfa hay - high in calcium thus why you only feed to that under 6 months Unlimited Plain Pellets Unlimited dry mix (Where I live it is called chaff) 3-5 different fresh produce twice a day (you can pick these off the third website in the sources box). Every now and then you can treat your guinea pig with a slice of apple or orange, fruit should not be given daily because of its high sugar content.

Answer 3

you should once in a while let him go outside to play and eat. (note: DO NOT DO THIS IF YOU FREQUENTLY SPRAY PESTICIDES ON YOUR LAWN) also, get another guinea pig A.S.A.P. Guinea pigs get lonely very easily and the sooner the better. Do it soon because the more you wait, the more depressed it will get and also the less likely it will except the other pig as a friend. also, you could introduce a rabbit, they get along well. Also make sure you have a roomy cage, plenty of toys, and things to crawl under. ( such as a wooden house you can buy at a pet store) since your pig is a boy, introduce as soon as possible and if possible one that they already know (from the same litter) you could get female or male depending if you want to go through the hassel of giving baby guinea pigs again or get your pig sprayed. either way, get him a companion.

Answer 4

Hi rocker girl, i kept a total of 6 piggies for the past 4 years. I do have some advice for you. Sadly, they passed away. Guinea pigs are very timid creatures. They get lonely very easily you must have some human touch and play with them. If you dont have the time then you need to find him companionship Need not buy any expensive toys for him. Just get those things which are available at home like toilet roll rollers , shoe box or those newspaper ball ( make a ball using newspaper ) My family of pigs are well trained and they actually have an open door concept in my house. They will go in and out of the cage and my room.it makes them feel secured as there`s no barriers for them.Treats is a must for pigs give them those hydroponic lettuce they love it. not forgetting those baby carrots and please dont give them daily they have bad digestion systems. Finally the most important thing that guinea pig owners always forget it to give yr piggie vitamin C. Piggies dont produce vitamin C . Hope this infomation helps you and your piggie. Do hug them for me =)

Answer 5

Here is a site to keep Happy AND healthy Guinea Pigs:

http://teachingtreasures.com.au/guinea-pigs/guinea-pigs.htm

This is a newsletter program by email that tells you good advice on Guinea Pigs:

http://teachingtreasures.com.au/guinea-pigs/guinea-pigs.htm

Hope it helps

Answer 6

I had a guinea pig last year but it died because he was fed tulips. So dont feed him flowers. ok back to your question, take your guinea pig out 3 times a day and clean his cage more. Maybe try a new brand or type of food. if he continues to be depressed, take him to a vet because something could be wrong. Good luck and i hope he starts being more happy!~!

Answer 7

give him some fresh vegetables or fruit, get a guinea pig plastic ball for him to run around in. that might make him a little more happier.

Answer 8

buy one of those hollow plastic balls so he can run around the house and explore. if he doesnt have another guinea living with him, get him one. guinea pigs don't like to live alone. just dint get another boy cause they will fight, and if you dint want to have babies, i got my male guinea pigs neutered.

Answer 9

How do you know he is depressed? His lack of energy may be a sign of a health problem or old age. Lethargy can be caused by many different things, but if he doesn't improve I'd consult the vet.

Answer 10

I would try buying him another guinea pig.He might just need some company.