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ENTERTAINMENT

Guinea Pigs are not reknowned for needing toys or other forms of entertainment. They spend most of their time eating! However, a length (or several) of tubing or upturned cardboard boxes with "doors" cut in and/or other similar hidey holes provide an element fo 'fun' for them - especially in their run. Indeed, this is really all they need or are likely to show interest in. A few tubes and other hiding places provide sanctuary and are perhaps a little reminiscent of their ancestral habitat.

For tubing you can either buy purpose-designed tubes from pet shops or use lengths of downpipe from a DIY or plumbing store. This must be of a wide enough bore to allow the animals freedom of movement (minimum 10cm diameter). These can be cut into a variety of lengths and can include bends etc if desired. They are easily washable and will last indefinitely. Alternatively, some carpet shops will let you have the cardboard tubes from inside rolls of carpet or vinyl. This can be cut into various lengths and make excellent and very inexpensive 'playgrounds'. Obviously, cardboard is not washable so it will have to be thrown away after a while as the cavies may soil it, or it can become damp and worn from general use, as well as possibly being gnawed! The advantage of this option is that most carpet shops won't charge you for taking away their rubbish so the only expense is a bit of time and effort in cutting it up!

This is just about all that is needed to keep guinea pigs entertained - except of course - plenty of fuss and attention, cuddles and grooming! Some individuals may show some interest in the kind of toys that contain treats - for example, a ball that you fill with dry food or snacks. these are usually sold as dog or rabbit toys but can be filled with guinea pig food and/or treats. The animals push the ball around and 'hoover' up the food that tumbles out as they do so.

Food forms the single most important form of 'entertainment' for a guinea pig so it is absolutely essential that a constant supply is available. They will happily munch on the hay that you provide as part of their entertainment and this is good for them to do. Also, of course, they will devour the lawn. In cooler seasons and in the extremely hot summertime, when the grass is less lush, it is important to provide extra supplies for your piggies when they are in an exercise run. this can be in the form of their usual pelleted dry food and/or a generous supply of fresh vegetables & fruits. Don't forget a supply of fresh clean water must ALWAYS be available too.

Another optional and very popular additon to the diet, whatever the season, but especially in winter and wetter times, is pure dried grass. This is available in good pet shops and some vet's in the form of, for example, Burgess Supa Forage Excel. Large bales can be bought from equine and small-holdings suppliers. Perhaps the two most well-known brands are Graze-On and Redigrass.