Are your guinea pigs looking a bit bored in their cavy condo? Have you been hearing more snoozing than scurrying lately? Are you a new pet parent who simply has no clue what these adorable rodents like to play with?
Then, it’s a good thing you’ve come across this detailed list of the top 12 toys for guinea pigs! The best thing – most of these toys can be made at home easily and inexpensively!
Table of Contents
1. Crumpled Paper
Easy and inexpensive, you’ll most likely have a few sheets of paper on-hand at home already.
Basically, just crumple it up into a large ball or a few smaller sizes and place it in your guinea’s cage. Don’t be fooled by how simple this sounds, paper balls do actually make some excellent toys for cavies.
Not only are they attracted by the crumple noise it produces when it’s played with, but guineas also like gnawing on any (safe, non-toxic) paper products.
2. Cardboard Boxes
Along the lines of crumpled up paper, cardboard boxes (without glue or tape) make for an ingenious homemade or store-bought toy that doubles as a hideout and a munchy-crunchy snack.
If you have some plain shoe or moving boxes collecting dust in your closet, then whip them out, clean them off, and present them to your fluffy friends.
3. Tunnels
As rodents that naturally live in burrows, guinea pigs have an innate need for hiding in underground tunnels. Unfortunately, in a cavy cage or C&C habitat, it just isn’t possible to do so. However, you can provide them with some tunnels to play with. Luckily, you can find these online or make them yourself.
Wrapping paper tubes can be used as tunnels, but you must make sure to cut open the entire length of the tube to ensure your pig doesn’t get their fuzzy backside stuck when checking out their awesome new toy.
Alternatively, there are some great toy tunnels that you can purchase online like the Living World Pet Tunnel or, my guineas’ personal favorite, the Nature’s Hideaway Grass Tunnel Toy. With the grass tunnel toy, rodents can use them for exercise, a hideout spot for a nap, or even a quick bite to eat.
4. Paper Bags Filled With Hay
This super-easy toy is a favorite among guinea pigs. All you have to do is fill a paper bag from the grocery store with an ample amount of hay and place it in your guinea pigs’ cage for them to indulge in.
As they nibble on the hay, they also get to interact with the bag, which adds an extra layer of excitement to their playtime.
5. Hay or Grass Chew Balls
Made from all-natural materials, hay or dry grass balls make an ideal toy that’s also a tasty treat. Again, it’s another option that both entertains and keeps their teeth in check.
Cavies have fun rolling these balls around their cage, and with some of these toys, they get the added bonus of a fun jingle toy inside that makes a pleasant noise.
My little fluffsters got a kick out of Peters Woven Grass Play Ball, so I’d recommend that if you’re not sure which product to purchase.
6. Chew Sticks
In the guinea pig world, you can never have too much to chew, gnaw, and nibble on!
Chew sticks are another good toy these rodents enjoy, so long as you select premium, all-natural wood sticks such as the Sharllen Apple Sticks Pet Chew Toys or, our Muffy’s personal favorite, Simona Micah Organic Apple Tree Branches.
Don’t be surprised when these disappear ultra fast! Not only are these sticks delicious, but they’re also a great way to keep their teeth trim and healthy.
7. Fleece Accessories
Fleece is by far one of the best (and cheapest) materials you can buy to make your pet’s home more cozy, fun, and entertaining. How is that possible, you may be asking? Well, from a simple fleece blanket, you can create a warm, snuggly tent or an amusing fleece “forest.”
Simply cut strips into a section of fleece and turn it into a curtain. Then, hang it somewhere in their habitat where they can run through the hanging strips. Try this quick and simple play structure out, and you’ll see how quickly your piggies will take to playing with it!
8. Stuffed Socks
Before you throw out those lonely solo socks that just can’t seem to find their long-lost partner, consider using them instead to create a stuffed sock sensation.
All you have to do is round up a sock or two, stuff them with hay or clean bedding, then tie off the sock with wool on the open end. And voila, you’ve just crafted a throw pillow your pets will drag around, play with, and nestle on!
9. Stuffed Tubes With Hay
Another wonderful and inexpensive all-time favorite is hay-stuffed paper towel or toilet paper tubes. Since these are non-toxic, plain tubes, they make a great toy to munch on. But when you stuff the center with yummy hay, you create the ultimate guinea pig treat!
Cavies have teeth that continuously grow, so you need to supply them with wood and hay to gnaw on to keep their choppers at bay.
10. An Obstacle Course
Guinea pigs tend to get bored when they’re not mentally stimulated. So, grab those unused cardboard boxes you haven’t given them to nibble on yet, and make a custom, one-of-a-kind maze or obstacle course.
Use a large piece of cardboard for the base, then simply tape walls to the floor section. Get creative with it by adding twists and turns, but whatever you do, don’t forget to have a treat ready at the end of the it all! If you’re in one of those mastermind moods, then go hog-wild and add interesting obstacles to the maze like cardboard tubes, bridges, tunnels, or bar jumps.
11. Egg Carton Treat Box
This exciting puzzle will make your pets zoom around in excitement!
Use an egg carton to hide a few delicious treats such as pieces of veggies, fruit or foraging plants. Cover the treats with an ample amount of hay to make it even more enticing. Close the egg carton and let your pets try to figure out how to get to their yummy goodies.
12. A Playpen for Free Time
Guineas also enjoy their free time outside of the cage and particularly like playing in a pet playpen. With this kind of enclosure, you give them a chance to wander about in a sectioned-off location.
Since cavies love to socialize, this also gives them the opportunity to hang out with their rodent buddies and share a hay tube or two. Also, don’t forget that guineas enjoy playing with their humans! As such, playpens are a nice, comfortable place for cavies to interact with their pet parents.
At our place, we use the Prevue Pet Products Multi-Color Small Pet Playpen. Admittedly, I consider this item a must-have, and I especially like it because it’s easy to fold and stores flat. This also makes a great sanctuary when your guinea pigs are exploring the yard.
FAQs
Do guinea pigs need toys?
As far as dental health is concerned, as long as guinea pigs have unrestricted access to hay, their teeth should remain at a healthy length with or without chew toys. In terms of enrichment, toys can be beneficial in keeping your pets occupied and entertained.
Do guinea pigs play with toys?
Some guinea pigs adore toys, while others ignore them. I think offering toys is worth a shot to see if your piggies enjoy playing with them. The toys don’t have to be anything fancy – simple DIY guinea pig toys such as toilet paper rolls, crumpled paper, and hideouts made of cardboard boxes can make excellent toys.
Do guinea pigs like wheels? Do they like exercise balls?
Please remember to avoid exercise wheels and balls at all costs.
While rodents such as hamsters positively adore their exercise wheel, these things are not suited for the guinea pig physique. Thus, cavies can get seriously hurt when using these toys. In some cases, the results can even be fatal.
Exercise balls are also extremely dangerous for guinea pigs (hamsters too!) for multiple reasons. Guinea pigs are not built to be running in balls, their toes can get trapped in the ventilation holes and cause injury, and there isn’t enough ventilation inside the ball. In addition to that, this kind of toy is not something a prey animal like a guinea pig would enjoy.
What kind of toys do guinea pigs like?
Every guinea pig is different and has unique likes and dislikes. But most guinea pigs like the types of toys listed in this article, from cardboard boxes, tunnels, and paper bags to fleece curtains and chew sticks.
Final Thoughts
With a little imagination and a few household items, you can make some pretty awesome and (thankfully) inexpensive toys guinea pigs like to play with.
If you stick to our list of toys they like to play with, you’re sure to keep those cavies healthy, happy, and thoroughly entertained!
What do your guinea pigs like to play with?
Let us know in the comments!
FAQs
What does a guinea pig like to play with? ›
Plastic balls designed for small animals, non-toxic wooden toys, plastic spoons and small stuffed animals can also be used. Let them run around the room in your house for extra exercise daily. Make sure to always monitor them while they're outside their enclosure.
What do guinea pigs like for toys? ›Just like the cardboard spools, oatmeal containers make great toys for curious guinea pigs. Slice lengthwise to make sure they can't get stuck as shown above, and toss them when dirty or chewed down. These options may help with wearing down a guinea pig's sharp nails.
What type of toys can guinea pigs play with? ›- Crumpled Paper.
- Cardboard Boxes.
- Tunnels.
- Paper Bags Filled With Hay.
- Hay or Grass Chew Balls.
- Chew Sticks.
- Fleece Accessories.
- Stuffed Socks.
Just like other animals, guinea pigs enjoy stimulating activities! Set up obstacle courses with cardboard boxes or random objects from around the house. Make sure to provide them with enough space to run around and play.
Do guinea pigs like running balls? ›Never Use Exercise Balls and Wheels
These activities may be appropriate for some pocket pets like rats, mice, gerbils, and hamsters, but they should never be used for guinea pigs.
Hanging toys are another great option for guinea pigs to chew on! They are usually made with wood and other similar materials, and hung on the top or side of the guinea pigs' cage.
Do guinea pigs need chewing toys? ›It is very important that they have something to chew on, as their teeth grow continuously and need to be worn down. Toys are also important to prevent boredom, provide exercise and mental stimulation, and keep your guinea pig from destroying your home.
Do guinea pigs need toys in their cage? ›Remember, although small, guinea pigs need a large cage with lots of toys, tunnels and treats to keep them entertained. Overall, these cute pets don't need a lot to be happy!
What do guinea pigs like in their cage? ›The cage should mimic its natural environment as much as possible. It should have medium-height grass and areas where they can hide or lounge away when the cavies do not want company. Tunnels, cardboard boxes, and pipes can be placed within the cage to mimic a safe hiding area. Guinea pigs love clean spaces.
What comforts a guinea pig? ›Guinea pigs feel most comfortable when they have places to hide and feel stressed when out in the open. By adding a house in their cage, such as our fleece hidey, is a way to make them feel safe and comfortable.
Do guinea pigs like cardboard? ›
As you know, your guinea pig is an herbivore—this means that they're eating plant based foods, and they're able to eat plant-based materials. This means that cardboard is perfectly safe for them to eat, since they're made of paper.
Do guinea pigs like the dark? ›They could be up at two in the morning running around with each other, or asleep at eight in the morning and up again an hour later. It's safe to say that guinea pigs enjoy the dark at least, but we'd even go as far as to say they prefer the dark!
What keeps guinea pigs happy? ›Many guinea pigs enjoy simple toys like balls, tunnels, and tubes. Tubes and tunnels are also great to keep in guinea pig cages so they have areas to hide and sleep. Guinea pigs do like human affection from time to time, especially stroking.
How not to hold a guinea pig? ›Avoid holding your guinea pig so that your hands are only holding them under their front arms. This position does not have any support for the bottoms which can make them incredibly uncomfortable and stressed.
What do guinea pigs like to do all day? ›Exercise - guinea pigs are active animals during the day and night, and need to be able to exercise each day to stay fit and healthy. Tunnels - guinea pigs like to tunnel, so make sure they have suitable materials that allow tunnelling behaviour, such as pipes and deep areas of hay. Safe toys - to play with and chew.
What kind of petting do guinea pigs like? ›Many guinea pigs like to be petted behind the ears or gently stroked from the neck to the rear in the direction of the fur (do not pet against the grain). Place your guinea pig on your lap with a towel or lap pad. Provide some food whilst having lap time to positively reinforce the experience.