In this article, we will learn some of the reasons why some guinea pigs can be lazy.
Typically, guinea pigs are highly active pets. So you’ll see them always playing and running around in their cage.
However, they may take little naps every now and then or just lie down because of many reasons such as relaxation or boredom.
Sometimes guinea pigs can also act lazy because of internal problems.
Let’s take deep dive into each of these reasons why and discuss the possible solution!
Table of Contents
Reason #1: Relaxation
Guinea pigs enjoy being lazy for a variety of reasons, one of which is that it allows them to relax.
When guinea pigs feel at ease, they will lie down for a long period of time. If you look at their feet while they’re lying, you’ll see if they’re fully extended.
Since they trust you and their surroundings, they’re happy to lay down and relax quietly.
Also, they are so active during the day. Hence, guinea pigs have a tendency to laze around at night.
However, this laziness can also be due to tiredness.
Reason #2: Tiredness
In good spirits, the guinea pigs run around their cages. You may notice him circling around and around, continuously changing its path.
This makes your guinea pig sometimes tired. And due to that tiredness, it may become lazy.
However, being lazy due to this reason should not stay much longer. But what about your guinea pig getting bored?
Reason #3: Boredom
It is not uncommon for a guinea pig to be lazy when it is getting boring.
If they don’t experience something new in a while they get bored. They may simply lie down until they feel like doing something else.
In this case, you can give them new toys to play with or take them to walk with you.
If you want your guinea pigs to enjoy their natural instincts of exploring, chewing on, hiding, and playing without getting bored, you should provide them with exciting toys or challenges.
Reason #4: Stress
Your guinea pig’s behavior will show signs of stress or depression.
There are many symptoms that indicate stress in the guinea pig, such as head tossing, fidgety behavior, and laziness.
A guinea pig that is depressed will become slow-moving and lack enthusiasm.
If your guinea pig is behaving in either of these ways, you may wish to see a veterinarian.
However, being stressed for a long time can lead to obesity as well.
Reason #5: Obesity
In obese guinea pigs, fatty pads can be found all over their bodies. Their internal organs, including the heart, can develop fat deposits, which can lead to laziness.
This can cause them to grow unfit and decrease their exercise tolerance.
If your male or female guinea pig weighs more than 900 and 1,200 grams, they can be lazy.
Reason #6: Insufficient dietary intake
Guinea pigs are known for their uncontrollable appetites. Another reason for being lazy can be insufficient nutrition in their body.
If your guinea pigs aren’t getting the correct nutrients and you notice them laying down a lot, it could be a sign of a more serious health issue.
Weight loss due to lack of nutrition makes them weak and they become lazy.
Lack of sufficient nutrients makes it difficult for your pet to carry out their daily routines.
As a result, they’ll simply lie down and rest.
Insufficient dietary intake can also cause vitamin deficiency in your pet’s body.
Reason #7: Vitamin C Deficiency
Lack of vitamin C in your guinea pig may make it weak and therefore lazy.
To diagnose vitamin C deficiency, you should take your guinea pig to the vet as soon as you discover that they are lethargic or sleepy most of the time.
Your pet guinea pig’s excessive fatigue or lethargy could also be caused by the food they’re eating.
Make sure your guinea pig gets food rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C.
Due to insufficient vitamin intake, your pet may build some internal disease as well.
Reason #8: Internal Disease
Guinea pigs can suffer from the following:
- Respiratory infections
- Diarrhea
- Scurvy (vitamin C deficiency)
- Tumors
- Abscesses related to infection
- Urinary issues
- And infestations by lice, mites, or fungus parasites.
When your guinea pig fights these diseases, it becomes weak and therefore seems lazy.
So, visit a vet to check if your guinea pig is going through some of these diseases.
Reason #9: Genes
Guinea pigs’ personalities are usually dictated by their DNA.
If a guinea pig carries a lazy gene, it will be lazy no matter what.
In addition, the environment in which the pet guinea pig is raised has an impact on its personality.
A small environment that lacks stimulation can lead to the development of laziness, even in animals with hyperactive genes.
Reason #10: Serotonin
Low levels of serotonin in guinea pigs may be the cause of their laziness.
It is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, and hunger.
Depression and lethargy can happen when serotonin levels are too low.
This can happen if guinea pigs lack activity or aren’t provided enough to play with.
Reason #11: Lack of Playmate
Educative and challenging toys are a favorite pastime for guinea pigs. Among their favorite things to play with is a variety of chew toys, balls, tubes, mirrors, and so on.
So, if you don’t provide the toys and playtime it requires, your pet may get bored and therefore lazy.
Also, as a pet owner, if you don’t play with your guinea pig, your pet may get bored.
Make sure you give it your time and toys to keep occupied for hours at a time.
Reason #12: Peaceful Environment
Guinea pigs are known to relax when they feel safe enough, as already mentioned in this article.
If they’re comfortable enough to sleep, it signifies that you’re offering a quiet environment.
How to Exercise a Lazy Guinea Pig?
There are so many reasons for your guinea pig being lazy. However, there are lots of solutions to this as well.
Let’s look at 7 possible actions to make your guinea pig active.
Visit A Veterinarian
Take a lazy guinea pig to the vet before starting an activity program.
Your pig may have a low metabolism, obesity, and other internal diseases.
Your vet may also suggest a change in its diet to increase your pig’s physical activity.
Change in Diet
Consult your vet about a change in diet that can boost your guinea pig’s energy and nutrition.
Guinea pigs can have vitamin deficiencies and low metabolism.
Hence, a proper diet can give them the required stamina to be more active.
Toys
Interactive toys may inspire your guinea pig to exercise more. Consider upgrading your guinea pig’s housing with exciting toys.
They will remain active if they have enough toys to play with.
However, only toys will not work. As a pet owner, you have to play with them as well.
Play With Them
Your guinea pig will benefit greatly from some time of interactive play.
Play hide-and-seek with him by hiding treats about the house or set up an obstacle course that they must cross safely.
Tie a vegetable to a string and let your guinea pig chase it. This is entertaining and healthy cardio for your guinea pig.
Walking
Your guinea pig loves to walk like a dog. This helps your pet get rid of laziness.
Use a harness when walking your pet. They’re easy to leash-train if you start slowly.
Try walking your pet at the same time every day. Thus, they will have more freedom to move about and discover new places.
Exploring
Guinea pigs love exploring.
Your guinea pig isn’t seeking food when he roams around your house; he’s exploring.
Allow him to explore your house and things under your supervision. This will keep him curious.
Have you ever thought of teaching your guinea pigs tricks?
Tricks
Smart pigs may easily learn basic commands like dogs.
Teach him tricks like ‘turn over’ and ‘roll over‘.
When he behaves, give him low-calorie treats. This will keep your guinea pig more enthusiastic and curious.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, your guinea pig can be lazy due to tiredness and boredom or it can have serious health issues.
So, first and foremost, if you notice your guinea pig being lazy, you should visit a vet to diagnose its body if it has some serious disease.
If everything seems all right, then you should focus on keeping it more enthusiastic and curious.
As a pet owner, it is your job to keep your pet entertained and active. It will help your guinea pig to stay healthy for the long run.
It will help build knowledge and awareness in people regarding pets.
Also, if you want to know more about the activity levels of guinea pigs, don’t forget to read Can Guinea Pigs Jump From High Places?
