toys

Question
i have a 4 year old guinea pig and she has a huge cage i was just wondering if you could tell me some toys that she might like? (she does not like balls i tryed and she just looked at it)thanks.  chase__hey@hotmail.com

Answer
Chase,

Here are some good toys that she may like.

Towel Tents
Cut up or fold larger bath size towels. Be sure to cut off any hanging threads. Towel tents in the corner make a great hidey hole that can be washed and don't take up too much room. You can just loop the towel through cage wires on the corner and secure with a safety pin or two or you could use binder clips to secure the towels. 3 work great securing the tent in a triangular fashion to the grids.

Tunnels are good, they love running through and sleeping under their tunnels.

Old Socks
You can leave them alone or stuff them with bedding. These can become a favorite pillow that gets dragged around the cage. Tie off or sew the top closed. You can also stuff the toe with a tennis ball.

Mirrors
On the outside of the cage. If they are on the inside, make sure they are pet-safe.

Children's Wooden Blocks
For chewing and pushing around. Please make sure any children's blocks are not coated with any sealants (shiny or smooth looking) and are basically just plain wood.

Plumbing Pipe
If you already have some 4" wide plumbing pipe, the different joint combinations (T's and elbows and +'s) can make interesting tunnels for the piggies to run through and hide in. Please be aware that while PVC pipe is not toxic to your guinea pigs, it is one of the most environmentally damaging plastics on the planet.

Small Stuffed Animals
These can be used in the same way as stuffed socks. Some piggies use them as pillows or something else to cuddle up with. IF your guinea pig chews on the stuffed toy, the stuffing inside may be harmful. In that case, you should switch to a sock stuffed with bedding, or if your guinea pig really likes a particular stuffed toy, but chews enough to get to the stuffing inside, you could replace the stuffing with bedding and sew it back up.

Some Bird Toys
The kind you can hang with bells on the end. Try hanging from a small bungee cord or string stretched across a corner or hang from the top of a covered cage. Try attaching with pipe cleaners, cable ties, or a large paper clip. Make sure they are safe and well constructed with large parts that can't be swallowed.

Some Cat Toys
Some pigs like the balls with the bells inside. Use with caution. They may separate. Make sure they are safe and well constructed with large parts that can't be swallowed. The wire balls with a bell inside may be a safer option than the plastic variety.

Kritter Kabobs
Fun with Food! Make your own Pigkabob! Molly and Milo are shown to the right enjoying fresh carrots and cukes. The Super Pet Kritter Kabob is available at The Ferret Store. It is basically a metal pole on which you can add their favorite treats. We do not recommend the specific Super Pet Guinea Pig Kabob, as it has the same small parts hazards as the Guinea Pig Boredom Busters.

Some Ferret Toys, Tunnels, and Hammocks.

Bounce back toys - you can put a treat inside. The related Boredom Busters are not recommended as the ring can break and cause a serious health hazard.

Tug-N-Tumble toys
(Just ignore that tail on the guinea pig! In fact, cut it off.)

Some Rabbit Toys.

Try a few of these out at time and keep the ones she likes and switch out the ones she doesn't like with some new ones.

Take Care Now,
          Jules