he thinks that we are punishing him. We put him in there and he just sits there. We try to coax him by sitting near and clapping and giving him a little push to notice that if he moves the ball moves with him. I am just wondering if there are any suggestions on how to get him more used to the ball. Also what is the views on play pens for them? And to answer something from before, I have actually already switched him over to timothy hay and he seems to love that.
2007-03-11 15:07:21 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
These balls are not meant for guinea pigs, He thinks you are punishing him because he is put in an enclosed space, and it probably hurts him. and as for clapping-I do that when I want my guinea pigs to understand they are doing something wrong, not to encourage.
Play pens are a good idea for guinea pigs though, this gives them free range space, but keeps them safely away from wires and things they could get into mischief with! (a good idea is to use a childs paddling pool, and put a few old towels down so they can run about in that.)
2007-03-11 21:46:16 · answer #1 · answered by Katie C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure you didn't know better when you bought that exercise ball, but they are NOT meant for guinea pigs. Please do not use it! Guinea pigs do not have the ability to bend their backs enough to use it and it can cause serious damage. I wish the makers of those balls would put a warning or disclaimer on the box to this effect, but hey, they don't care about the animals---its all about money to them.
2007-03-11 16:04:01 · answer #2 · answered by Justified 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Guinea pigs are not built for exercise balls. Their backs are not meant to bend like other rodent's can, and exercise balls can possibly cause crippling back and foot injuries. Please get rid of your exercise ball!
Your guinea pig would be better off with having floor time for exercise. You can use a guinea pig proof room (no wires in reach and no heavy furniture to crawl under) or you can buy a pen for him to run around inside of.
2007-03-11 15:39:23 · answer #3 · answered by Citrine Dream 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it depends on what they are used t. If he is used to running about while not in the ball, that is why.
Playpens are awesome for guniea pigs, as they really don't need to run too far. It gives them a sense of freedom and you can set them up anywhere. They love the grass, for example, so you can set them up outside etc.
2007-03-11 15:16:28 · answer #4 · answered by The Canadian 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually guinea pig backs are not meant to bend like that. You could hurt him if you put him in the ball. Look at guineapigcages.com for more info.
2007-03-11 15:16:31 · answer #5 · answered by Kelly S 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
throw the ball out. their spines aren't built to handle the position that they have to be in to use a ball or a wheel.
2007-03-12 06:23:34 · answer #6 · answered by MommyCaleb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I had mine I just let him run around when I was with him.... it isn't like he's going to run away and hide somewhere if you keep an eye on him.
2007-03-11 15:12:12 · answer #7 · answered by Ecofreako 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋