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The guinea pig was first described in the West in 1554 [source]

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Easy Guinea Pig Hanging Treat Exerciser (or DIY Cavy Boredom Buster)

Published: 6/19/2013 | Author: HappyCavy | Updated: 8/17/2013

Get guinea pigs to exercise with a guinea pig hanging treat exerciser

Guinea pigs are natural foragers, meaning they are born with a pre-programmed instinct to hunt and figure out new and more clever ways to get their food.

But, as many guinea pig keepers know, some cavies prefer naps over foraging. It’s like, “Why search for food when it’s sitting right there in my bowl just waiting for me?”

And while we would never discourage anyone’s desire — Human or guinea pig alike — to rest and relax for as long as possible, exercise and exploration are an important component of a guinea pig’s happiness and longevity.

A Curious Cavy is a Happy Cavy

So, in an effort to keep the HappyCavies fit and healthy, The Humans will sometimes hang up pieces of vegetables using some nylon string and clothespins. By creating this “Grab ‘N Go” Treat Exerciser, if you will, even the laziest guinea pig can be enticed to get up and get some exercise.

Exercise is good for guinea pigs because it promotes a healthy heart, a more resilient cardiovascular system, and stronger, leaner muscles. Plus, exploration and interaction with other guinea pigs helps to stimulate and excite the cavies, giving them something really worth popcorning about.

DIY Guinea Pig Hanging Treat Exerciser

To assemble this “Grab N Go” Treat Exerciser (or, more appropriately, the “Cavy Boredom Blaster“), The Humans use just three simple items:

  • A piece of thin nylon string
  • A few worn-out clothespins that provide a loose grip
  • Thin vegetable slices

Cut vegetables like cucumber and carrot into super-thin long slices, along with small sprigs of parsley and cilantro. Cutting the veggie treats thin and length-wise, along with using worn-out clothespins, makes it easier for your cavy to grab the treats: you don’t need it to get any neck injuries!

Guinea Pig Hanging Treat Feeder Video

Get ready for a blast from the past!

The Humans shot this video several years ago. It depicts Bitsy, Piglet, and Hammy sniffing out and grabbing yummy pieces of cucumber and carrot from inside the HappyCavy Forever Home.

It’s really special for us to get to see Bitsy and Piglet in a video again!

We hope you enjoy! 🙂

How Do You Encourage Your Guinea Pig To Exercise?

Share your ideas in the comments!

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About HappyCavy

HappyCavy is the Internet's only three-webcam broadcast from inside the home of three female guinea pigs in Portland, Oregon.

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About This Guinea Pig Website

HappyCavy has been online since June 2009 with Hammy and Piglet. In October of 2009, a sweet, fuzzy cavy named Bitsy joined the webcam broadcasts.

Feebee and Buttercup were welcomed to the HappyCavy Forever Home as friends and co-conspirators in January 2011. Dot joined us on July 2012. Winnie and Rosie joined on February 8, 2015 and June 6, 2015, respectively. Sisters JuneBug and Baby Roo joined August 16, 2019, and Dollie came to us on February 15, 2023. Annie was the last pig to arrive on December 17, 2023. Find out more about the HappyCavy guinea pigs.

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