Overly Calm Guinea

Question
Hi,
I have an approximately 7 week old Guinea Pig who constantly lays in a corner until I feed her or play with her.  I play with her daily for hours at a time so I don't think she is lonely.  When I feed her it seems like she gets "bursts" of energy and jumps around her cage.  Later when I will visit her she is in the corner lazing around.  Is she sick?  I am just worried that she is lethargic for a reason.  What can I do to give her more energy?  Also why does she jump around the cage when I feed her?  Thanks!

Answer
Hi there,

I don't think you have anything to worry about. Guinea pigs are quite lazy animals, especially in warm weather. They don't sleep for a long period at night, rather nap for  about ten minutes at a time throughout the day and night. If she lives on her own, she'll probably only move around when she has something to do - like she's hungry, thirsty, she sees you, or you put a toy in for her to play with. Even though you play with her a lot, she would really appreciate a piggy companion, so I would urge you to consider getting a second female (double-check your piggy is a girl, first) for her to live with.

This jumping around the cage is called popping corn (though I prefer to say popcorning), as the piggy appears to jump eratically like a piece of corn that is being turned into pocorn. Guinea pigs do this when they are happy, so it's no surprise that food makes your girl do this, as guinea pigs are ruled by their tummies!

She could be extra lethargic if she's too hot. Stand where her cage is - do you feel a bit too warm? Would you be too warm if you had a sweater on? If so, your guinea pig will appreciate a fan near her cage to create air circulation. Make sure the fan doesn't create a draft into the cage though, just cools the air around it. Ensure her water bottle is changed daily for fresh, cold water. If she's outside it may help to shade the water bottle so it doesn't heat up in the sun - or have a spare one and chill it in the fridge before you give it to her.

Hope this helps and if you have any other questions, just ask.

Jenny.