Guinea Pigs are very active and curious little creatures. Therefore it is important that they have access to a play pen on a daily basis. This should be for an absolute minimum of 5 hours a day. My own guinea pigs are actually free range all day. 

 

It is very cruel to keep you guinea pigs locked in a cage/hutch all day, every day. Imagine how you would feel, if you were locked in your bedroom all the time, and never got out.

 

Ideally a guinea pigs their hutch or cage should allow them to exercise freely at any time, whether it be a hutch attached to a run, or an indoor play pen. This way they can choose when they want to explore, rather than having to fit to your routine.

Guinea pigs also love to graze, it is their favourite past time, so if you do have a lawn coming out in the run is a great treat to them. It is a good way to gain a guinea pigs trust and to help them tame down. They soon learn that when you pick them up you are putting them somewhere nice.

When you do have your piggies outside make sure that they have shade as they can quickly dehydrate. It is also important for them to have access to fresh water and food. They also need somewhere to hide in the run as they scare scare easily. Carboard boxes and iglos are great for this.

Guinea pigs don't really play with toys, but they do enjoy running in and out of tunnels and playing in boxes.

You could also give them tree branches for added interest. They love chewing these and it also helps to keep their teeth short. Most tree branches are safe, but check that they are disease free before giving them to your piggies.

 

Many people do not have gardens or just have yards. Yards are fine for guinea pigs to exercise in and explore. If you do not have an outdoor space you will need to have some facility for your guinea pig to exercise in and explore. This can be an indoor play pen or free run of a safe room in the house.

 

In any case, all homes will need somewhere that their guinea pigs can use as a run in the winter months.