Getting my piggy to exercise

[Looler]

I got my first ever guinea pig yesterday. I know they have to exercise so I gave her floor time today. She sniffed around but didn't start running. She just moved around a little bit. How do I get her to start exercising?

 

[piggyfan]

You have only just got her. She needs to get used to her home first. Please get her a friend or she will be so lonely living on her own. She will exercise on her own time. Be patient with her.

 

[Member W]

give her time till she gets her confidence up. but also getting lots of toys to play with, like tunnels to run through and things like that might help. there's some good ideas on this site http://www.guineapigfun.com/playtime.html x

 

[Lucy&Anton]

My piggy, Darwin, will only run about popcorning if he has something to run under. So, most floor times take place under the table for him, as the overhead cover seems to be conforting and he loves diving about between table legs.

I hope, with time and patience (and maybe a playmate), your piggy starts to enjoy her floortime.

 

[Wiebke]

Please let your piggy settle in first. The best thing for exercise, health and happiness is a companion of the same sex. Guinea pigs live in groups and are not wired to be on their own. Especially at first, they tend to be even more timid.

Two guinea pigs need 2x4 ft space - that is not much more than a single piggy should have (ideally 7ft).

Here are tips on how to settle a nervous piggy: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=36239
About companionship: http://www.guinealynx.info/companionship.html