Chewing

[peppererwin]

My guinea pig often chews on the bars of his cage. People have told me its because hes thirsty or bored, but he always has water, and has toys, including chew blocks. Also I give him as much floor time as I can, but he just hides in a corner, and wont move. Hes recently been to the vet, so nothing medically wrong with him. I just dont know what to do.

[clotho]

Does he have a friend or is he alone? If he is alone, he could very well be bored. Getting him a friend would do wonders for him. You can try changing his cage around once in a while to stimulate him, and maybe give him some toys. Perhaps some tunnels or a bag or cardboard tube with hay in it (slit the tube so he can't get stuck in it).

[peppererwin]

I want to get him a friend, but my mom wont let me. He has lots of toys and i change them around whenever I change his cage. Maybe hes just a weird pig.

[clotho]

Perhaps you could try printing out some of the information about how guinea pigs need to be kept in pairs at least Guinea Lynx :: Companionship

Do a little research, and approach your mother by telling her your piggie is bored and perhaps depressed without a friend and you want him to be healthy and happy. Guinea pigs are herd animals and they need companionship. Perhaps if you put enough info together and show it to her, she might agree to let you adopt (NOT buy) a friend for your piggie.

Good luck convincing her!

Oh, how big is your cage? Is it at least a 2x3 grid cage? If he's in a small cage, that could account for his boredom.

[aaronmeister]

Guinea pigs are naturally going to chew on whatever they can get their teeth on to ware down their ever-growing teeth.

[clotho]

Oh I just thought of one more thing. Do you give your piggie unlimited grass hay? That is very important for keeping their teeth worn down and if a piggie doesn't have it, they will chew on other things.