How to Make a Grazing Ark for Your Guinea Pig

In the wild, guinea pigs grazed on grass. Because guinea pigs still have that natural instinct of grazing and their diet has not changed since, it is important for your guinea pig to get a couple hours of grazing time every day. However, pet stores sometimes do not have grazing arks available, and even if they do, they're usually expensive. However, this article will teach you a way to construct your own grazing ark without nails, hammers, or saws!

Steps

1. 1
   To make the grazing ark you will need a base. The base will simply be the top of your guinea pig's cage. To remove the top part of the cage, simply detach the sides.
2. 
   2
   Next you will make a little hiding place for your guinea pig to go into if he gets hot, or simply wants to nap in the shade. Using a pair of scissors, cut a space out of the side of a box big enough so your guinea pig can get in comfortably. The box shouldn't have an open bottom, exposing your guinea pig to grass from the inside. Having a bottom will encourage your guinea pig to eat grass in the fresh air.
3. 
   3
   Attach your guinea pig's water bottle to the top part of the cage. Take the base outside and set it on a patch of fresh green grass that has a little bit of shade from the sun. Place the box inside all the way on one side of the cage.
4. 
   4
   Tuck your guinea pig's food bowl in the corner of the cage, only filling it with normal pellets. Do not give your guinea pig any hay during this time. He will probably neglect it, and go for the green grass.
5. 
   5
   If desired, place a couple of toys inside the grazing ark so that your guinea pig can entertain itself. Plus, gnawing blocks are good for its teeth!
6. 
   6
   Finished.

TIPS.

• Keep your guinea pig inside during very hot or bad weather.
• Place a food dish and water bottle inside the grazing ark.
• Don't offer your guinea pig hay during grazing time.

Warnings

• Avoid placing the grazing ark on a patch of grass with flowers, as most of them are harmful to guinea pigs.
• Before placing the grazing ark outside, check that there has been no pesticides or fertilizers on the lawn.

Things You'll Need

• Cage top
• Water bottle
• Food dish
• Pellets
• Scissors
• Cardboard box, or hideaway with no open bottom
• Toy for your guinea pig