How to Choose Toys for a Guinea Pig

Many items that are sold in pet stores as toys for guinea pigs are actually harmful for guinea pigs or cavies. Even though guinea pigs are rodents, they do not like the same toys as hamsters, rats and gerbils. Those speciaes of rodents need to be highly active. They also have far more flexible spines than a guinea pig. Basically, if it can be sat in or nibbled without harming the guinea pig, then it can be a toy.

Instructions

    • 1

      Clear a room or part of a room for the guinea pig to run around in. Make sure there aren't any electrical cords, chemicals or valuable items within mouth reach. Make sure it's away from foot traffic, other pets and doors, as guinea pigs can get hurt by a suddenly opening door.

    • 2

      Place a pile of old laundry in the piggy play area. If it's warm (but not hot) fro a dryer, even better.

    • 3

      Place down old paper bages, paper towel and toilet paper cardboard rolls and a hiding place like an edible burrow or an overturned shoebox with a hole cut in the side. Old socks stuffed with hay also make a interesting toy.

    • 4

      Watch your guina pig as he or she plays. Guinea pigs don't play for long. This behavior will give you clues on picking other toys. If the gunea pig likes to pick up things and toss them, then yo want to get lightweight, edible toys. If the ginea pig wants to hide, then get tunnels.

    • 5

      Network with other guinea pig owners online or in person to share what toys their guinea pigs like to play with, nibble, toss or hide in.

    • 6

      Listen to how your guinea pig drinks. If the water bottle is always empty, then your guinea pig is most likely using it a s a toy, playing with the ball bearing to make a pleasant noise.