Guinea Pigs

do guinea pigs run on wheels


Do Guinea Pigs Run on Wheels?

The prospect of watching your guinea pig run on an exercise wheel may bring to mind images of 90’s sci-fi movies. However, it’s a very real possibility that guinea pigs have the capability to run on exercise wheels. But before you go out and get a wheel for your guinea pig, it’s important to understand the benefits and drawbacks.

The Pros of Guinea Pigs Running on Wheels

  • Physical Exercise: For an active pet, running on an exercise wheel is an easy way to get physical activity. Running on a wheel is also an easy way to reduce boredom as wheel running keeps your pet busy and amused.
  • Easier to Make: Exercise wheels for guinea pigs are often easier to make than those designed for other animals. Many guinea pig owners will make a wheel from a cake-pan and a wooden dowel, or from PVC pipe.
  • Monitor Activity: Exercise wheels may also provide astute owners a way to monitor their pet’s activity levels. If wheel running decreases or stops, it can be an indicator that your guinea pig is not feeling well.

The Cons of Guinea Pigs Running on Wheels

  • Spine Injury Risk: Unfortunately, running on exercise wheels can lead to spine problems in guinea pigs. Without proper guidance, they can end up jumping off or running with their spine curved, increasing the risk of spinal injury.
  • Fall Risk: The popularity of flimsy plastic exercise wheels often leads to guinea pigs falling out. The risk can be reduced by using exercise wheels with higher walls.
  • Extra Noise: If your guinea pig is running on a wheel in a small space, the extra noise can become distracting. You may want to consider using an exercise wheel with ball bearings, as these reduce noise significantly.

Conclusion

Like most things, running on exercise wheels comes with benefits and drawbacks. While they may decrease boredom, they can increase the risk of spine injuries if not used correctly. Before buying a wheel, make sure to talk to your vet and study up on proper wheel usage that suits your guinea pig.

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