Exercise

    Getting Run is what we call floor exercise. We set our cavies on the ground for supervised play and exercise. You must always supervise your cavy when letting them loose on the floor. Homes pose many dangers to cavies such as:
DOORS: Cavies can get closed in doors if you're not careful.
ELECTRIC CORDS: Cavies can chew on these and get electrocuted.
FEET: You or someone else could accidentally step on your cavy.
     If you want, you can create a 'playpen' for your cavies out of boxes, wood, puppy 'fences', etc. You should still supervise them when they're in there just in case. They could still get into trouble (or get out and find trouble).
     It's also fun to exercise their minds while they're out. You can hide food in tubes or tissue boxes and watch them search for it and get it out. Cavy's are social animals and they love to hang out in groups and getting run is a way for them to interact with each other socially. This is especially great if your piggies do not live together. At least this way, they can still interact with each other.

During the warm summer months, cavies like to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. But before you grab your cavy and head out the door, there are some things you need to know. Outside time poses more possible dangers than inside time does!
HEAT: Cavies can die from heatstroke VERY quickly. ALWAYS make sure they have shade and a water source when they're out running. Don't keep them outside for long periods of time either.
PESTICIDES: Do no let your cavy eat treated grass or chemically treated plants (weeds).
OTHER ANIMALS: Cats, dogs, snakes, squirrels, etc. can all pose a threat to your cavy. Supervise your cavy at all times. Even if you have a completely closed-in pen, you should still constantly watch them.
Cavies do like to explore the great outdoors and this can be lots of fun for both of you. Our first two cavies loved going outside to eat grass (sadly, no pictures: those hand-drawn ones will have to do.). Our second two love to get run inside and were a little frightened when they went outside. In fact, neither of them would leave our sides!!