Guinea Pig Toys 101

Guinea pigs seem similar to other rodents, but when it comes to toys, they are not. Piggies love to nibble, burrow, and throw balls around, but climbing and running around is not their idea of fun. You never want to get your guinea pig a ball or a wheel like you see hamsters using for multiple reasons. One is that guinea pigs just do not like using the wheel, and it will only take up space in their cage. More importantly, the wire wheels can cause them to suffocate. They easily get stuck in them. Plastic wheels and tubes going from cages to cages aren't good for them either, for the same reason that running balls are not. Guinea Pigs spines are not as flexible as other animals. When they bend in the same way that the wheel or ball does, it could hurt them and cause permanent damage. We don't want to hurt our furry friends now do we? Of course, they do need exercise. So make sure their cage is big enough to house them, their food, their toys, and still have room to run around. Also, make sure to take them out regularly. Building a barrier, somewhat like a playpen, and letting them explore that is perfect.

While lots of toys different toys can be bought in stores, pigs love the homemade ones just as much. You can make these with just anything around your house.

Hideaways
Every guinea needs a place to hide. Shelter is their natural comfort, and will make them happy. Buying plastic igloos at pet stores is a popular choice, but there are alternatives. Taking a cardboard box and cutting a hole in it is just fine, as long as the hole is big enough for your friend! Using old oatmeal tubes with the bottoms cut out are fun to hide in and run through. Using big PVC pipes are good as well.

Treat Toys
Old socks filled with timothy hay, food, or peanuts are very amusing. They will chew and chew through those like there is no tomorrow! Chew sticks, which are wooden blocks, are good for them to chew on for multiple reasons. It gives them amusement, and helps to trim their teeth (since they never stop growing!). There are different types of balls you can get to fill up with different foods, little bells and chew sticks that hang from the wires of the cage that are similar to bird toys are also popular.

Cuddling
We don't want them to get chilly right? And sometimes the bedding just isn't enough. There are beds made for guinea pigs that look like miniature dog beds, and they fit perfectly inside the pigs shelter. If you know how to sew, these are quite simple to make. More commonly, they are called Cuddle Cups (search them on google for instructions!). Putting an old dish towel in the cage is good, as long as there are no strands hanging off of it. These strands can get caught in their throats, choke them, and even get caught in their long colons. There are different types of cotton you can pick up for about $2 at the pet store that is made especially for them, and will be sure not to hurt them.

The main points to remember:

• nothing that isn't edible
• make sure it is big enough for your pig
• no wires
• stay away from wheels and running balls
• they love to hide