How to Make Toys for Guinea Pigs

Just like any other animal, guinea pigs need exercise and mental stimulation. The perfect way to accomplish both is with a toy made especially for your cute critter. Because guinea pig toys you purchase from a pet store can be expensive, and because your guinea pig just wants to have fun, making your own toys is a great alternative to spending money at the pet store. You can use just about any item for your "do it yourself" guinea pig toys; these ideas will get you started.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Empty shoe box
• Scissors
• Alfalfa hay
• Paper without ink
• Guinea pig treat
• Thin rope
• Fruit pieces

Hiding/perching toy

1. Find an empty shoe box (or other small box) and remove any unnecessary paper that might be attached.

2. Cut a few holes in the shoe box. The holes should be big enough for your guinea pig to walk through.

3. Put alfalfa hay in the shoebox (or other treats) and let your guinea pig go wild. It will feel safe inside the shoebox toy and will be very pleased with the treat waiting inside. This toy also serves as a great place for your guinea pig to perch.

Surprise paper ball toy

4. Grab a piece of paper that does not have any ink on it.

5. Put a small guinea pig treat in the middle of the paper and crinkle it into a ball so that the treat is hidden inside.

6. Give the paper ball toy to your guinea pig and watch as it pulls it apart to reveal the surprise treat inside. This is both stimulating and fun for your guinea pig.

Treats on a rope

7. Cut a piece of thin rope so that it is approximately five to eight inches long.

8. Cut fruit into small pieces and put a hole through each one.

9. String the fruit through the rope. You can do this easily by attaching a needle to the string and pulling it through each piece of fruit.

10. Tie the rope to the top of your guinea pig's cage. This is a great pre-bedtime treat that will keep your guinea pig stimulated and happy.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use all sorts of random items from your house to create guinea pig toys. Try plastic flower pots, milk jug lids, empty toilet paper rolls, paper bags or even PVC pipes large enough for your guinea pig to crawl through.
• Always supervise your guinea pig while it is out of its cage playing with toys.