What Homemade Toys Can One Make for a Guinea Pig?

Guinea pigs do not like toys in the way that hamsters and gerbils like toys. A guinea pig's idea of fun is a good nibble and then hiding. Guinea pigs do need to run about for exercise and to prevent obesity. This should be done in a safe area outside of the cage. Other toys can be placed in this supervised play area.

  1. A Pile of Old Clothes

    • Guinea pigs are fascinated by a pile of scrap material or old clothes, especially if they just came out of the dryer. They will bury themselves, nibble and sometimes run up the pile and jump off.

    Tunnels

    • Make tunnels from clean paper bags, flowerpots, PVC pipe or the giant cardboard rolls from toilet paper used in public restrooms. You can also make a tunnel from a carpet scrap fastened together with non-toxic glue.

    Hidey Holes

    • Create a den that also serves as something to nibble by taking an old, clean shoebox and cutting an archway in one side. If it's sturdy enough, the guinea pig will also jump on it to use as a look out.

    Surprise Gift

    • Place a small edible treat like a yogurt drop into the center of a plain piece of non-toxic paper that does not have any printing or dyes on it. Crumple the paper around the treat to form a ball and then give to the guinea pig.

    Misconceptions

    • Although there are many wheels and ball toys sold as being good for guinea pigs, guinea pigs will not use them. When placed inside of them, they either panic or freeze.