Guinea Pigs Burrowing Under Fleece: Causes, How To Stop

Sometimes, you may find your guinea pig burrowing under fleece or digging in bedding. They find the fabric soft and comfortable, and it seems to provide them with a sense of security.

Unfortunately, this can often lead to problems for both the guinea pig and its owner.

In this article, we will explore why guinea pigs like to burrow under fleece and offer some solutions on how to stop them from doing so.

Do guinea pigs like to burrow?

Guinea pigs like to burrow. They find the fabric soft and comfortable, and it seems to provide them with a sense of security.

You can also check out my other article on the best fleece bedding for guinea pigs.

Why does your guinea pig burrow?

Here are the reasons for which your guinea pigs can burrow:

Natural behavior

Guinea pigs burrowing is a natural behavior for them. In the wild, guinea pigs live in underground burrows where they are protected from predators and the elements.

When guinea pigs feel unsafe or exposed, they will often try to recreate this sense of security by burrowing into their bedding.

Some guinea pigs also enjoy digging for their own sake and will happily burrow through any type of material, including fleece, blankets, hay, and cardboard.

Protection from hot or cold weather

They will also build burrows to escape from the hot sun or cold weather. They can also burrow to get food and water or shelter.

Hiding from humans or animals

Guinea pigs may also burrow to hide from people or other animals.

Having a lack of space in the cage

Guinea pigs usually do not burrow out of boredom because they are active animals that need to be able to explore and play. guinea pigs may start to burrow if they are not given enough space to run and play.

Not having enough hiding space

Guinea pigs may also start to burrow if they are not given enough hiding places.

Building a nest

They will also build a nest to have their babies in.

What do guinea pigs like to burrow under the most?

Guinea pigs like to burrow under fleece the most because it is soft and comfortable. Additionally, guinea pigs feel more secure when they are under something.

Why does your guinea pig burrow under the fleece?

There could be several reasons why your guinea pig is burrowing under the fleece.

Preferring to borrow or hide

As guinea pigs are animals that love to burrow and it’s their natural behavior, they will go for it if they see something that looks like a good place to hide. And, fleece is a material that guinea pigs can easily burrow into.

Soft and comfortable

Guinea pigs love soft and comfortable stuff like fleece. So, when they want to hide or burrow, fleece can be perfect for them.

Staying warm

Your guinea pig could simply be trying to stay warm in winter or when feel cold with the help of fleece.

Guinea pigs are very sensitive to temperature changes and they need to be kept warm in order to stay healthy.

Feeling safe and secure

Furthermore, guinea pigs will also use fleece to build nests. Nests offer guinea pigs a place to feel safe and secure. They will often build nests in order to have their babies in.

Being frighten

Another reason could be that they are trying to escape from something that is frightening them, such as a loud noise.

A place to sleep

Additionally, guinea pigs are naturally active at night and maybe try to find a place to sleep during the day.

They can fulfill this need with fleece as it is also a material that is soft and comfortable for them to sleep on.

Having a new home

If the guinea pig has a new home or environment becomes unfamiliar to them, they can decide to burrow.

Getting bore

Another reason may be boredom even though it’s unlikely as they are active animals. If your guinea pig is not getting enough stimulation it may start to burrow.

Stress

Guinea pigs may also start to burrow if they are feeling stressed. There are many things that can stress a guinea pig out such as a new person in the home, a change in routine, or even a loud noise.

Lack of trust

Additionally, guinea pigs that do not trust their owner may start to burrow. If your guinea pig does not trust you, it will not want to be around you and may start to burrow in order to get away from you.m

What are the consequences of guinea pigs burrowing under fleece?

There are several consequences of guinea pigs burrowing under fleece.

One of the most serious consequences is that the guinea pig can get caught and stuck. This can happen if the guinea pig burrows too deeply into the fleece or if the fleece is wrapped too tightly around the guinea pig. If this happens, it can be very difficult to get the guinea pig out and they may even suffocate.

Another consequence is that the guinea pig may end up eating the fleece. This can happen if the guinea pig is chewing on the fleece or if the fleece is loose and the guinea pig can pull it into its mouth. If the guinea pig eats too much fleece, it can cause an intestinal blockage.

In addition, guinea pigs can also overheat if they are under the fleece for too long. This is because the fleece can trap body heat and cause the guinea pig to become too warm. If this happens, it can lead to heatstroke, which can be fatal.

Moreover, if poop gets stuck, you have to face trouble cleaning it.

How to stop guinea pigs from burrowing under fleece?

Guinea pigs are burrowing animals by nature and will often dig tunnels in their enclosures. This can be a problem if you’re using fleece bedding, as the guinea pig can easily burrow under the fabric and escape.

There are a few things you can do to prevent them from burrowing.

Fasten the fleece to the enclosure

First, make sure that the fleece is securely fastened to the sides of the enclosure because if there are any gaps, the guinea pig will be able to squeeze through.

You can use clips, velcro, or even tape to keep the fleece in place.

Use a heavier fabric

Another option is to use a heavier fabric, such as denim, instead of fleece. Denim is too heavy for guinea pigs to burrow through, so they will be forced to stay on top of the fabric. This will make it more difficult for the guinea pig to burrow through.

Provide hiding places

Another way to stop guinea pigs from burrowing is to provide them with hiding places. Hiding places give guinea pigs a sense of security and can help reduce their stress levels.

You can use hideout, cardboard boxes, paper bags, or even blankets to create hiding places for your guinea pig.

Add a layer of paper towels

Another option is to add a layer of paper towels on top of the fleece. This will make it more difficult for the guinea pig to burrow through and escape.

Place objects in the enclosure

You can try placing objects such as rocks or logs in the guinea pig’s enclosure. These will provide obstacles that the guinea pig will have to tunnel around, making it less likely to burrow under the fleece.

Give your guinea pig more stimulation

If your guinea pig is bored, it may start to burrow in order to find something to do. To prevent this, make sure to provide your guinea pig with plenty of stimulation.

Give them things to chew on, such as hay or wooden chew toys.

Provide them with tunnels to play in. Give them plenty of floor space to run and play.

You should get a playpen to help them exercise.

Try a larger piece of fleece

If you’re using a small piece of fleece, your guinea pig may be able to burrow under it easily. Try using a larger piece of fleece or even multiple pieces of fleece to make it more difficult for them to burrow through.

Make a tent to distract them.

You can make a tent out of fleece by taping the corners to the sides of the cage. After that, secure it with binder clips.

This will give your guinea pigs something to play in and will distract them from trying to burrow under the fleece. You can also make it by draping a towel.

Make a fleece forest

Fleece forests are made by attaching multiple pieces of fleece to the sides of the cage. This will give your guinea pigs more places to hide and play.

You can also add tunnels, cardboard boxes, and other objects to the fleece forest to make it more interesting for your guinea pigs.

Try using a different bedding material

If you’re using fleece, you may want to try using a different bedding material. There are many different types of bedding available, such as aspen wood, pine shavings, or natural paper bedding.

You can also try using a mixture of different bedding materials to find one that your guinea pigs like.

Use a PVC pipe frame.

If you’re using fleece, you can make a PVC pipe frame to help keep the fabric in place.

To do this, cut 4 pieces of PVC pipe to the same length. Connect the pieces together with elbows and T-connectors.

After that, drape the fleece over the frame and use binder clips to secure it in place.

This will help keep the fleece from moving around, making it more difficult for the guinea pigs to burrow under it.

Get a larger cage

If your guinea pig’s cage is too small, it may start to burrow in order to find more space.

Try getting a larger cage or adding more levels to the cage if possible. This will give your guinea pigs more space to explore and will reduce their desire to burrow.

You can check out the best extra large cage for guinea pigs and indoor cage for two piggies.

You can also check out my other articles about fleece bedding odor control.

Do guinea pigs need to burrow?

Guinea pigs do not need to burrow. However, they often do so because it gives them a sense of security and they enjoy those soft and comfy bedding or fleece.

Why does your guinea pig burrow under the blanket?

Guinea pigs are naturally timid creatures that like to feel secure and hidden from potential predators.

Some guinea pig owners may use a normal blanket in a guinea pig cage and their guinea pig can burrow under it quite easily.

This may be due to their trying to create a safe space for themselves where they can relax and feel protected.

Guinea pigs are also partial to darkness and quiet places, so burrowing under a blanket can provide them with the perfect environment to rest and escape any loud noise or bright light.

In addition, guinea pigs have sensitive feet that can benefit from the soft, warm surface of a blanket.

So, if your guinea pig is frequently burrowing under their blanket, it’s likely they’re just trying to find a comfortable place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the outside world.

However, you need to be more cautious about guinea pigs borrowing under a normal blanket than a guinea pig fleece, because a blanket may be more harmful to the guinea pigs.

Check out the best fleece bedding for guinea pigs.

Why do your guinea pigs burrow under hay and what to do?

As guinea pigs are natural burrowers and love to dig, they also burrow under hay. It’s likely because they’re looking for a safe place to nest or feeling insecure.

Guinea pigs feel safest when they’re in a small, enclosed space, so providing them with a hay-lined guinea pig house or tunnel can help alleviate their stress and encourage them to stop burrowing.

You can also try giving them more hay to nest with or placing their food dish inside their guinea pig house so they have to go inside to eat.

If your guinea pig continues to burrow despite these changes, it may be time to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.

Why is your guinea pig digging in bedding and what to do?

Guinea pigs are curious creatures by nature and enjoy exploring their surroundings. Sometimes, this can result in guinea pigs digging in their bedding.

While this may seem like harmless fun, it can actually be harmful to your guinea pig.

Bedding that is dug up and moved around can become matted and wet, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow.

In addition, guinea pigs may ingest bedding fibers when they are digging, which can cause digestive issues.

If you notice your guinea pig is starting to dig in their bedding, there are a few things you can do to discourage this behavior.

First, try providing your guinea pig with more toys and enrichment items to keep them occupied. You can also place a layer of rocks or gravel on top of the bedding to deter digging.

Finally, make sure the bedding is clean and dry, as guinea pigs are less likely to dig in clean, dry bedding.

If your guinea pig continues to dig in its bedding despite these changes, it may be time to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.

Check out my other article about guinea pig fleece wicking.

Takeaways

Guinea pigs burrow for a variety of reasons, such as to escape predators, to feel safe and secure, lack of space, to sleep, to stay warm, boredom, or to build a nest.

If your guinea pig is burrowing under the fleece, you can try using a larger piece of fleece, providing hiding places, adding a layer of paper towels, or giving them more stimulation.

You can also try using a different bedding material or getting a larger cage.

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