Simple and Inexpensive Guinea Pig Toys

Like small children who only want to play with the box their toy came in, guinea pigs often prefer the simpler things in life. Guinea pigs love to feel safe, as they are prey animals, so anything they can hide in or under will provide them with a feeling of comfort. They also have a constant need to wear down their teeth, so anything they can nibble on will provide entertainment and will benefit their health. While the best "toy" you can get your guinea pig is another pig because they are herd animals and enjoy the company of other pigs, here are some simple and inexpensive ideas for toys using items found in almost any home that will provide your furry friend with plenty of amusement and don't require you to be exceptionally crafty.

1. A box: Really, any kind of box will do. An empty soda box, tissue box, or that box your hand-knitted scarf from Aunt Fran came in would be perfect. Cut an entrance hole big enough for your guinea pig to fit through, make sure all plastic tape or laminated coating is removed, and place it in their cage. Don't be surprised if it has chew marks on it within the hour.

2. Cardboard rolls: Take an empty toilet paper or paper towel roll and cut it length- wise so there's no chance your pig will get stuck in it. You can give this to your pig as is or stuff it with hay. My pig enjoys pushing hers with her nose.

3. Paper plates: Some pigs enjoy flipping these around, others like to hide under them. I take a paper plate and fold it in half so it makes a kind of tent. My pig runs through hers and flips it over until she gets tired and then just chews on it. Make sure you use a plain paper plate and not one with any kind of plastic coating, as plastic and laminating are very harmful to guinea pigs' digestive systems.

4. Tissue paper: I found out about this one by accident one day. I was wrapping presents and had my guinea pig running around on the floor. I soon noticed she was spending all of her time playing with a piece of crinkled tissue paper. Now, I take plain white tissue paper, crumple it a bit and place it in her cage. I think she enjoys the sound it makes when she moves it around- plus, it doubles as a hiding space.

5. Sock stuffed with bedding or hay: Now you have another use for that sock that lost its mate. Take the sock, stuff it with either clean bedding or hay, and tie off the end (you can also sew it shut if you like). Some pigs like to shove their socks around and show them who's boss while others cuddle with them almost like a stuffed animal. Plus, if it gets dirty you can wash it or just throw it away.

6. Pig sized sleeping bag: This sounds complicated, but really isn't. I used two old washcloths, but any similar sized pieces of fabric will do. Take the fabric and sew them together on three sides, then fold the open side back a bit (like a turtleneck sweater) so the sleeping bag stays opens. Voila! You have a pig sized sleeping bag they'll love to sleep in.

7. Corner tent: Take a piece of yarn or twine and tie it to the corner of your cage, then place a piece of fabric over it (I used part of an old pillow case). It sounds too easy to be useful, but my guinea pig loves to sleep in her tent and keep one eye on me to see if I approach the kitchen.

8. "Pigloo": One day, when I was shopping at the discount store, I happened to notice a colander that was the same size as a plastic, igloo shaped home for guinea pigs I had seen at the pet store. I brought it home and cut a hole in the side of it with heavy duty scissors. It has since been named "the pigloo" and is one of my guinea pig's favorite places.

I hope these ideas will provide a respite from boredom for your guinea pig as well as yourself and that you share your ideas for toys.