Guinea Pigs Should NOT Be Placed in Exercise Balls  

I think the biggest disservice on this is that one of the companies that makes these exercise balls, actually puts a guinea pig's picture on the box! The larger size is great for some rats, but definitely not intended for guinea pigs. Anything to make a buck though for some people I guess.

But hopefully people who see the photo posted on MyLot will now also see this discussion.

I think sometimes it's hard to not get a pet because you realize you can't provide for it, but it is a mark of a good person in my book. I know I'd love to have a small parrot as a pet, but then thinking about finding a new place with one makes me realize I'm not the right home for one just yet... maybe in the future.

Now that you mention it, I HAVE seen balls and wheels for sale with pictures of guinea pigs on it! I wonder if there is any way to make the manufacturer be held accountable or at least stop advertising bad information.

Several people on Guinea Lynx have tried writing letters to them and so far nothing has come of it. I wish companies could be made accountable for stuff like that.

Sometimes I'll go to the pet store and put papers underneath the packages so that if someone picks one up they see "This toy is NOT suitable for guinea pigs, because..." And I know a few other people who do that. But unfortunately I don't think it gets the word out enough.

At least the feed stores I go to the most have stopped selling them after they were warned about the dangers. But stores that sell animals usually don't care as much about the pets and they are still offering such toys.

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I have a piggy,but she is along,been thinking of getting her a playmate( female).I
play withher all the time,but her on the floor and get down there with her.

How long did you have him? And how often was all the time?

It really is not advisable to do such dangerous activities with your pets that can put their health at risk. It's like how some people smoke everyday and they live to be 90. But would you do it and take your chances?

Yeah, it is really unfortunate that the pet care books are so bad.

Those exercise balls labeled for guinea pigs do work quite well for rats. I got one for my foster rats back when I had them.

Yep, and that way even people who don't currently have guinea pigs will remember this if someone happens to tell them they're getting an exercise ball for their guinea pig.

You're welcome! Glad to know another piggie won't have to get injured in an exercise ball.

Congrats on adopting a new piggie soon! Are you just getting one? They generally do best in pairs but I know sometimes in the rescue we get singles that just won't pair up with anyone. But it only seems to happen in less than 1 out of 100 piggies. Most are very social.