My GP Henry

Question
I've actually got 2 questions.

1. the passed couple of days I've noticed Henry acting different, he's been hopping while shaking his head like one would do to get something out of the ear.  The apartments I live in has a roach problem so I'm wondering if one could have climbed in his ear and what I could do to get whatever it is out of there.

2. I'm a night owl staying up sometimes to 3 or 4 am, but I read Guinea pigs are morning creatures.  Is my night nature affecting him.  Cause most of the time I can't get him out of his igloo and when I do he just sits there.  I'm afraid his lack of exercise and energy is bad for him. And if so what should I do?

Answer
Hello,
Wet a normal human ear-cleaner or cotton pad and gently wipe it around the inside of his ear, don't push further inside the ear then what you can see as you will risk hurting the guinea or causing a harder infection. Your guineas ears may be dirty or clogged up with wax so that would be the first best thing to check. If your guineas ears seem fairly clean then you can consider other options. Yes, he may have one small roach in his ear, check to see if you can see one and then if the head shaking continues take him to the vet as soon as possible. Your guinea may also have an ear infection, make sure his bedding is mostly free from dust and clean, make sure he has plenty of water and take him to the vet who will probably see what's happening inside there and supply you with ear drops. If you look in your guinea pig's ears and see signs of wax build up or gray black debris, he/she needs to be checked for ear mite and treated if needed.  Redness and signs of infection need to be looked at by your veterinarian.
 
Your second question, as long as you aren't having raving parties then your guineas should be fine. Usually they are on/off sleepers, sleeping when they feel safe. This is usually for no longer then about half an hour then they are up again. They usually rest alot though. Guineas only sleep about 4 hours in a 24 hour period. They take short 10-20 minute naps throughout the day and night. Guinea Pigs like all living animals need plenty of exercise. When you let them run around on the floor you will see how much they really enjoy a good run. He is probably nervous, try taking out his igloo for an hour or so and see how he likes it. Alternatively when you take him out and put him on the floor outside/inside place veggies/tubes and toys around so he can have fun and play. If guineas don't move around they will become fat and lazy which isn't very good for his health. Try to make his house as spacious and fun as possible. Put in boxes, tubes and play toys. Hiding veggies or treats in tubes and under cardboard boxes. Soon your guinea will be having lots of fun.
I hope this helps and please don't hesitate to as another question.
Alex