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Many animals are nocturnal or active at night. Raccoons, owls, bats and foxes are just a few examples of nocturnal wildlife. Many types of pets are also nocturnal. Domestic cats run, play and explore at night. House mice and hamsters actively rummage in shavings and run around on wheels at night. But what about guinea pigs? Are guinea pigs nocturnal?
Keep reading to find the answer and find out how long these cute animals sleep, why two or more sleep in a bunch, and where these creatures can catch multiple Zs.
Are guinea pigs nocturnal?
The answer to the above question is yes and no. The behavior of the guinea pig is partly nocturnal and partly daytime. They do not sleep long, both at night and during the day. This is typical of many small mammals. Think about it for a second. A small wild mammal that falls asleep long and deep sleep at night or during the day is vulnerable to predators. But naps during the day and night mean they can get the rest they need without putting themselves at risk.
Keeping a guinea pig as a pet does not mean that it will give up the habits of its wild guinea pig relatives. So the owner of a guinea pig should not be surprised if this pet digs, eats and plays with toys in the cage at night.
Where do guinea pigs sleep?
Wild guinea pigs sleep in burrows. Therefore, guinea pig owners should keep this in mind when planning a sleeping area for their pet. Most guinea pig cages do not hold enough shavings for a guinea pig to make a deep burrow. So, it is best to arrange a place where this pet can take shelter and rest.
A small cardboard box is something a guinea pig can chew on and also a hiding place when it’s time to take a nap. This is an inexpensive option, and the pet owner can easily replace it when the guinea pig has chewed it to bits. An old shoebox or tissue box, cut in half, is a cozy hideout for your guinea pig.
Fleece fabric pouches are available at most pet stores. These sacs are soft, colorful and large enough to hold a sleeping guinea pig. One of the benefits of a sleeping bag is that it can be washed as needed. Some pet stores have small tunnels or huts made of twigs or straw. A guinea pig can crawl into such a structure to sleep. In addition, these structures are made of non-toxic material, so the guinea pig can chew them safely.
Of course, a guinea pig can simply dig a shallow hole in the shavings to get comfortable sleeping. Each guinea pig has its own sleep preferences.
How do you know when a guinea pig is sleeping?
Guinea pigs are very expressive animals. They squeal, whistle, chatter, purr and chirp. These small pets make these sounds for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, when the guinea pig is sleepy, it makes a low chirping sound.
The sleepy guinea pig can twist and turn in one corner of its cage to create a comfortable resting place. He can even kick or move the shavings to make the bed right. When the guinea pig yawns, it shows off its long teeth. Sometimes yawning is just a way to stretch the muscles in your jaw. Other times, yawning is a sign of fatigue in guinea pigs, just like in humans.
When are guinea pigs most active?
Guinea pigs are most active in the early morning and early evening. Not surprisingly, it is during this time that most wild guinea pigs are active. Why? Because daylight only begins at dawn and fades at dusk. This means that it is more difficult for predators to see the wild guinea pig. The wild guinea pig has so many predators that it has to do everything it can to avoid being eaten.
Alternatively, the domestic guinea pig should not fight wild predators. So he can sleep more than his wild relatives. Even if the guinea pig takes a nap during the day, it will most likely wake up whenever possible to play with its owner.
As the owner gets to know his guinea pig, he becomes familiar with the animal’s sleeping habits. So, if a pet guinea pig usually sleeps around three o’clock in the afternoon, the owner knows to leave her alone for a while so she can rest properly.
How long do guinea pigs sleep?
Of course, there is no hard and fast rule for how long guinea pigs sleep. They usually sleep 10 to 30 minutes at a time. This is enough time to restore their energy so that they can continue to carry the shavings in their cage or play with other guinea pigs in their habitat.
Like many small animals, the guinea pig goes through a sleep-wake cycle. Specifically, this animal can sleep six or seven in 24 hours. An owner who is trying to track when their guinea pig is sleeping will be able to determine if their pet is getting enough sleep to stay healthy.
Anyone who keeps two guinea pigs in a cage is likely to see them sleeping on the same schedule. This is so that one does not disturb the other when he tries to rest. Two or more guinea pigs are likely to cuddle together to sleep. Guinea pigs in the wild do this to keep warm and keep out predators. If a predator enters this area, one of the wild guinea pigs in the group can alert the others.
What kind of shavings does a guinea pig need?
Some guinea pigs prefer to sleep on the floor of the cage. But even if the guinea pig sleeps in the box, it is important that the correct shavings are in the habitat.
Non-toxic shavings are suitable for covering the floor of the guinea pig cage. These shavings are excellent at absorbing urine and feces. When it’s time to clean the cage, the used shavings can be thrown into the trash. After the cage has been washed, new shavings can be placed on the floor.
Aspen shavings are another favorite type of bedding for this pet. These shavings are free of dust, so they do not worsen respiratory problems or cause allergies in this small mammal.
Sawdust shavings are not recommended for guinea pigs or other small pets due to the large amount of dust they contain. Imagine how most guinea pigs kick and dig during the day and night! Quality, non-toxic shavings will not create dust clouds when the owner throws them out while cleaning the cage.
The pet owner might see shavings advertising a scent that hides any odor in a guinea pig cage. However, it is best to avoid shavings with a strong odor. The respiratory system of a guinea pig can be impaired by the strong artificial odor contained in its shavings. If the owner changes the litter once or twice a week, the odor from the cage will not be heard.
How to tell if your guinea pig is getting enough sleep?
Sleep is as important to guinea pigs as it is to us humans. Getting enough sleep promotes the health of your guinea pig. But how do you know if your guinea pig is getting enough sleep?
Good appetite is one way to know that your guinea pig is getting the rest it needs. Along with regular food, the guinea pig can eat vegetables such as celery, carrots, and zucchini. When the guinea pig stops eating, it’s time to take it to the vet for treatment.
Regular activity is another sign that your guinea pig is
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etting enough sleep. Healthy guinea pigs love to run, jump and play games. Of course, an older guinea pig will not be as active as a younger one. Lethargic guinea pigs should be examined by a veterinarian.
The noisy guinea pig is a well-rested pet. These animals have several vocalizations with different meanings. They communicate with each other and also with the people who care about them. A very quiet guinea pig may not get enough rest.
Next: Guinea pig as a pet: how to care for a guinea pig
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