Q&A for How to Make a Guinea Pig Toy

Any type of safe fruits or veggies should work fine, just keep in mind that softer and/or heavier foods will be harder to keep on a string.

Exercise wheels/balls are very dangerous for guinea pigs, and aren't suitable for them. Guinea pigs don't have flexible backs like hamsters or mice, so the ball would simply put strain on the spine.

It won't make any more mess than your Guinea pig already does on its own.

No, you shouldn't let your guinea pig chew on tissue paper. The dye could be harmful for them!

That depends on how much space and time you have. Start with two.

No, they are not the safest thing for guinea pigs to run around in. This is because if the ball is too small, the guinea pig has to arch its back in order to fit in the ball and run. This can lead to long-term problems with its back (such as spinal damage) and most likely it will be in pain.

No. Most of the time, confetti is made of plastic, and even if it isn't, it is usually made with toxic chemicals or dyes.

Yes. String could get caught in their stomachs, so be careful about what you use.

Assuming the seed chew toy has been designed for guinea pigs, then it should be fine. (I would not recommend buying any toys that aren't meant for guinea pigs.)

Take it away and provide another, safer toy.

Of course, the best thing to do to keep your guinea pig active is to get it a friend. Apart from that, daily exercise outside of the hutch is necessary. Guinea pig toys such as the ones in this article can also be great for keeping a guinea pig active.

No, hamster balls damage a guinea pig's spine. Guinea pigs and rabbits aren't built the same way as hamsters, rats, etc. If you want to let your guinea pig run around, you'll have to keep it in a room or playpen that's been guinea pig-proofed, and shut the door so your dogs can't get in.

As long as the box either does not have dye or the dye is vegetable based, it's fine.

Yes. You have to be careful when it comes to paper that is printed on with ink, but virtually all newspapers are printed on non-toxic ink nowadays, so it's perfectly safe for your guinea pig to chew.

You can use the exact same products as the animals are closely related.

Yes, your guinea pig will likely play and burrow inside of the shredding paper. Shredded paper is completely harmless and safe to use, both as a toy and a bedding material.

You can, however, it may be less absorbent than fleece.

No, yarn poses as a choking hazard to guinea pigs. Use a natural-fibre string instead, such as hemp string.

No, fleece blankets are specifically designed for small pets. However, to discourage your guinea pig from damaging their fleece, offer them more hay to chew on instead. Otherwise, implement chew toys within the cage.

Yes, you can tie a piece of fruit or vegetable to the hemp string and hang it in their cage.

Socks should be fine for your guinea pigs to chew on, as long as they have any parts that pose as a choking hazard.

No, pine shavings can cause respiratory issues and also allergic reactions.

Having a bed for your guinea pigs isn't essential. Each guinea pig you own will need to be able to have its own space though. Include a nice little fleece blanket in their hides for extra comfort.

If the cardboard is untreated and chemical-free and there is no glue on it then it's fine for your guinea pigs to eat cardboard tubes. It's actually really good for their teeth!

Guinea pigs love to chew! It's natural that they would chew fleece as well. Ensure its pet suitable fleece and it isn't dangerous. Guinea pigs can get their heads stuck in smallish holes.

Guinea pigs love grass! They are fine with unlimited amounts too. If your guinea pigs are outside, ensure the grass is free from any poisonous plants. Inside guinea pigs can have cut grass brought into them. Remember never to feed your guinea pigs grass from lawnmowers as its dangerous for them.

They're not ideal, as guinea pigs have very delicate spines. A sudden tug on the leash can hurt them. It's also restricting and uncomfortable for guinea pigs to wear around their small bodies.

There's no accurate way to tell, as guinea pigs struggle to communicate their thoughts to us; however, you can observe their body language. Your guinea pig may communicate to you by ''wheeking'', chattering or popcorning. It may also lick you or sniff your hand if it's comfortable with you. If your guinea pig doesn't run away or get scared when you approach, it likely trusts you.

No. They can chew on the polyester and die. Use fleece instead.

A dog might not eat a guinea pig, but they might attack a guinea pig if allowed to interact without your close supervision.