My guinea pig pees and poops in the area I put her food?

Question

so every time she eats she pees and poops and wets her paws and hair, what can a do about this? I clean that area several times a day but sometimes I don't have the time to clean it more than twice a day. should I change the plate to another area? I've heard that it is not good to change the area where they eat. (She's my first guinea pig, so I will appreciate all the ideas) Thank you very much.

Answer 1

I also have my 2 first guinea pigs. I got them on Sunday. I believe that young piggies don't have particularly sophisticated table manners or toileting routines... Pigs will poo anywhere. They eat their poo in order to re-absorb the protein and nutrients missed the 1st time round. Mine wee at the opposite end of the cage to their sleeping quarters, so if this is the case with you, then yep - move the food somewhere in between.
Also, I don't wish to be condescending but are you using suitable material to line the cage? If your wood shavings/fleece what-have-you is not absorbing the wee you pig could get rather poorly quite quickly. Another point - is the cage sufficiently large enough for the pig to designate a toileting area?
I have learned so, so much from the following websites:
www.cavycages.com
www.guinealynx.com
www.diddly-di.fsnet.co.uk

Have a look. I hope I've helped, if not I hope you find what you're looking for at the above sites.
Good luck cavy cager!
x

Answer 2

as long as she isn't going to the loo in her food, there's nothing to worry about. my guineas just go wherever they want. as long as you clean her out at least once a week and remove uneaten food from her hutch, she will be a very happy little guinea!