Question about plastic igloos

[piggywild]

I adopted two three month old guinea pigs about a month ago (Koko and Elvis) and I've recently noticed that Elvis nibbles on the outside of his plastic igloo opening. They have wood to chew on and toys of course, and he uses them along with Koko, but it seems he prefers the igloo. I know plastic is bad for their digestive system, but I've seen plenty of pictures on this website of people having igloos in the cage. I also have cardboard hide-aways and blankets for them to hide under so I was wondering if it would just be safer to remove the igloo? They've learned to poop and pee mostly underneath it (so easy to clean!) so thats a plus, but if you think it would be safer to remove the igloo I will. If anyone has any advice on this please let me know. Thanks!

[rabbitsncavyluv]

Do they have hay at all times?

[Toadies]

My guys have the plastic pigloos, which now have oval openings because of chewing. They've been at it for about three years now and so far, no problems. They don't chew off chunks or shreds, the openings just seem to continue to get larger.

[piggywild]

Thank you both for responding. They have enough hay to eat, they seem to munch on it all day long! I went to the vet today and he said that as long as he isn't chewing massive chunks out, and that I cut off string pieces of plastic when I see them that nothing bad should happen. Thanks for the advice though!

[auburnmare5]

I would not worry too too much about it. Do they o it constantly? If so, take it out and find a hidey that they can chew that is safe such as a cardboard box. Coco did it for a bit but it was just a phase for him. Do thye chew it/ nibble on it, or actually eat it? If they eat it, remove it ASAP! But for the time being, try and find alternatives. Pigloos are not for all pigs! Yo u can use a tube, boxes, etc...!

GOOD LUCK!