Guinea pigs are adorable, cuddly, and fun pets to have as a pet. While they are adorable, they can also be quite mischievous and have a tendency to dig under the fleece in their cage. This can be a problem for owners, as it can be difficult to get them out from under the fabric and can lead to them getting stuck or injured. It can also cause a mess. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to help prevent your guinea pig from going under fleece.
How to Stop Guinea Pigs From Going Under Fleece
To stop guinea pigs from going under fleece, make sure they have a big enough cage, have a comfortable bedding, provide toys for stimulation, and have other spots for them to hide.
It is also important to keep your guinea pig’s cage clean.
Big Cage
The first step is to make sure that your guinea pig’s cage is large enough for them to move around comfortably. Guinea pigs need plenty of space to explore and play, and if their cage is too small, they may feel the need to burrow in order to find more space.
Guinea pigs need a cage that is at least 7-8 square feet. If possible, you should always try to keep them in a big cage. It helps improve both their physical and mental health. If your guinea pig’s cage is too small, it can cause them to get stressed out and dig everywhere. Excessive burrowing can cause them to rip off their nail.
Comfortable Bedding
The second step is to provide your guinea pig with a comfortable bedding material. Fleece is a popular choice for guinea pig bedding, as it is soft and absorbent. However, it can also be a bit slippery, which can make it difficult for your guinea pig to stay in one spot. To help prevent your guinea pig from burrowing under the fleece, try using a thicker material such as shredded paper or hay. This will provide your guinea pig with a more secure surface to sleep on.
Toys
The third step is to provide your guinea pig with plenty of toys and activities. Guinea pigs are naturally curious creatures, and they need plenty of stimulation to stay entertained.
Providing your guinea pig with a variety of toys and activities will help keep them occupied and less likely to burrow. Try offering your guinea pig chew toys, tunnels, and even a playpen to explore.
They might be trying to dig under the fleece because they want a place to hideout. They might also be trying to get away from the light. For this reason, I suggest that you add multiple places for your guinea pig to hideout. There are a wide range of hideout products on amazon that you can add to your cage.
Keep the Cage Clean
The fourth step is to make sure that your guinea pig’s cage is kept clean. Guinea pigs are sensitive to odors and can become stressed if their cage is not kept clean. Make sure to clean the cage regularly and replace the bedding material as needed.
This can also help prevent diseases caused by ringworm and mites.
Change fleece with another material
Finally, if your guinea pig is still burrowing under the fleece, you may want to consider using a different type of bedding material. Some guinea pig owners have found success using a combination of fleece and shredded paper or hay. This provides your guinea pig with a more secure surface to sleep on, while still allowing them to enjoy the softness of the fleece.
If your fleece is only in a certain area, you might want to temporarily put up a divider in your guinea pig cage.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can help prevent your guinea pig from burrowing under the fleece. Remember, guinea pigs are curious creatures and need plenty of stimulation to stay entertained. Providing your guinea pig with a large cage, comfortable bedding, and plenty of toys and activities will help keep them happy and less likely to burrow.