Guinea pigs are incredibly curious creatures! It's only natural for them to explore their environment, especially if they are in a new cage. That being said, sometimes you may find that they love their new cage a little too much and they end up nibbling the coroplast base.
If this happens, don’t panic, as we have a few tips and tricks to help keep your indoor guinea pig cage in tip top shape!
Is it dangerous for my guinea pig to chew coroplast?
You might be wondering, “is chewing coroplast safe for my pet”? You’ll be relieved to know that coroplast isn't dangerous to chew! In fact, Kavee’s coroplast is non-toxic and indigestible, so even if your piggy takes a nibble, it won't cause any ill-effects.
For years, coroplast has been used within the guinea pig community as a cage base and there have been no reports of adverse effects.
Why do guinea pigs chew coroplast?
If you do find your guinea pig has been chewing their coroplast base, it may be due to a couple of reasons.
Reason #1 : They're curious
Often, a new environment will cause your guinea pig some temporary curiosity as they adjust to their new surroundings. They might just be exploring and getting a taste of their new home!
Reason #2 : They're bored
Guinea pigs can also chew their cage as a way to kill time. If you forgot to add enough entertaining accessories and toys, your piggy might have no other way to pass the time than to chew on anything near them.
Plus, remember that guinea pigs' teeth are constantly growing, so it's important to provide toys & accessories that let piggies grind their teeth down safely!
Reason #3 : They're hungry
Guinea pigs can also chew their cage if they want a tasty treat or can't wait to munch on their dinner! Remember that piggies should have access to an unlimited amount of hay, so if you see your guinea pigs chewing on coroplast, double check that they haven't run out of hay.
Reason #4 : They're trying to get your attention!
Guinea pigs are smarter than you think. They know that if they start nibbling their cage, you're likely to immediately pay attention to them! This could be a sign that your piggies wish for more bonding time with their favourite hooman.
Reason #5: They're trying to get some time out of the cage
As much as a spacious cage allows for plenty of popcorning and zooming, every guinea pig should spend at least one hour a day outside of their cage. This could be somewhere in a piggy-proofed room at home or in a secure playpen in the garden. There's no better way to get your floofs to stretch out their little feet!
What can I do if my guinea pig is chewing their coroplast?
First of all, you may notice that the chewing is targeted in one area. Guinea pigs will often tend to chew the coroplast of their ramp. However, there are always exceptions as no two piggies are alike! Additionally, this behaviour could easily fade away after a few days if it's only triggered by curiosity.
But if you wish to take action immediately to keep your cage in pristine condition, here are some solutions that you may find helpful:
Solution #1 : Cover the coroplast edges with nibble guards
Nibble guards are an effective way to protect your coroplast base from a nibbling guinea pig! Nibble guards are thin pieces of transparent hard plastic that slots over the top edges of your coroplast. As the guard is a tough and thick material, your guinea pig will be discouraged from chewing further.
Kavee includes nibble guards for free in all C&C guinea pig cages with a loft and ramp. They're also available to purchase here if you need extra.
Solution #2: Provide your guinea pig with more floor time
If you find your guinea pig chewing their cage, this may be a sign of boredom. To help prevent low mood and frustration in your guinea pig, provide them with floor time. This gives your piggies a chance to explore and focus their energy in a more productive way. Floor time can help keep your piggies healthy and happy and as a result, make them spend less time chewing their coroplast!
Solution #3: Provide chewable, safe toys for guinea pigs
Unlike humans, guinea pig teeth are constantly growing: that’s why it's important that they have plenty of things to help keep their teeth in check. In addition to providing your piggies with plenty of hay, you should also consider providing your guinea pigs with safe toys to chew on.
Untreated wood sticks or other safe chewable toys will help keep your guinea pigs' teeth not only healthy, but occupied as well. Try willow balls or willow sticks, wooden blocks, or even cardboard boxes!
Solution #3: Socialise and bond with your guinea pigs
Ultimately, a simple and effective tool you already have is yourself! Try increasing the amount of time you spend socialising with your piggies. This can help prevent boredom and will also allow you to better understand their behaviour.
As stated above, stress and boredom can lead to coroplast chewing. By bonding with your guinea pigs, you will gain a better understanding of them and easily monitor their overall health at the same time!
Conclusion
There is no 'one solution fits all' when it comes to your piggies chewing their cage's coroplast base, but we hope this article provides you with some pointers. If you notice your small pet chewing their coroplast base, you should take actions immediately. By using nibble guards, wooden toys, and increased floor time, you will be able to prevent this habit from developing further.
And if you're curious about learning more on guinea pig care, check out our free guide on every topic related to guinea pigs, from finding the right cage size to providing them the best diet and much more!
