Plus-Hex CLINICAL
Figure 7 . Scatter-feeding daily vegetable and pellet rations encourages foraging behaviours . Photo : The Potato Patch Guinea Pig Hotel & Sanctuary .
Figure 5 . Dens and hides and thick , fibrous bedding should be provided to allow natural hiding behaviours . Photo : The Potato Patch Guinea Pig Hotel & Sanctuary .
The expression of normal behaviours and mental stimulation can also be encouraged by the provision of environmental enrichment . This can include providing limited access to fresh grass to allow grazing ( Figure 6 ) and scatter-feeding some forage and daily rations of pellets or vegetables ( Figure 7 ) to encourage natural foraging behaviours .
Novel items ( such as toilet roll tubes and untreated cardboard boxes ) stuffed with hay will also encourage chewing and gnawing [ 10 ] . Additionally , commercial items such as hay cubes and cookies serve as a suitable treats ( Figure 8 ).
Figure 8 . Hay cubes and cookies provide gustatory and exploratory enrichment . Photo : The Potato Patch Guinea Pig Hotel & Sanctuary .
Questions to support an evaluation of a guinea pig ' s environment during an owner consultation
• Is the guinea pig ' s enclosure being cleaned regularly enough ?
• Is the environmental temperature being managed sufficiently and appropriately ?
• Does the environment provide adequate space and security to express natural behaviours ?
• Is the substrate suitable to reduce the incidence of associated health issues and allow normal nesting behaviours ?
Figure 6 . Access to fresh grass provides enrichment but must be monitored carefully to avoid bloat . The photo shows a herd comprising multiple sows and a single neutered boar ( right ). Photo : The Potato Patch Guinea Pig Hotel & Sanctuary .
• Is the guinea pig mentally stimulated in its environment ?
Volume 39 ( 5 ) • October 2024
47