Guinea pigs love to explore and play, so giving them a few toys to keep them occupied is a great idea. You can easily make some homemade toys for your guinea pigs using items you probably already have around the house.
You can find all sorts of cardboard products around your house that your guinea pigs can enjoy, from toilet paper rolls to shoe boxes.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to homemade toys for guinea pigs.
In this article, I will give you the top 30 Homemade DIY Toy Ideas for your guinea pigs. Also, I will explain the things to consider before using Homemade DIY Toy for Guinea Pigs and why you need these.
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Why do you need homemade toys for guinea pigs?
Toys are one of the essential supplies for your guinea pigs. There are a few reasons you might want to consider making your own toys for your piggies.
First, store-bought toys can be a little bit expensive, and if you have more than one guinea pig, the cost can quickly add up.
Second, many store-bought toys are made from materials that may not be safe for the guinea pigs to chew on, such as some types of plastic or rubber, or chemicals.
Third, homemade toys can be customized to the guinea pigs’ specific needs and preferences, which means they’re more likely to enjoy playing with them.
What types of homemade toys do guinea pigs need?
Let’s take a look at the kinds of toys that your guinea pigs can have to play with.
Homemade tunnels
Tunnels are a great way to give your guinea pigs some exercise and a place to hide.
You can make tunnels out of many different materials, including cardboard tubes, paper towel rolls, and even old socks.
Just be sure that the tunnel is big enough for the guinea pigs to get through easily, and that there are no sharp edges.
You can also get the following readymade tunnel.
TTANFY Tunnel Tube
Homemade playpen
A playpen is an incredible strategy to provide more area for your guinea pig to run around in. You can use anything from a baby gate to PVC piping to create a playpen for the guinea pig.
A playpen is important for them to help them play and exercise in an open space.
Check out my article about playpen for guinea pigs.
Our recommended playpen:
Prevue Pet Products Multi-Color Small Pet Playpen
Homemade balls
You can make balls out of many different materials, including felt, yarn, or even old socks.
Just be sure that the ball is small enough that a guinea pig can easily pick it up and doesn’t have any sharp edges that could hurt them.
However, if you want ready-made balls for them, you can have the following one.
Niteangel Natural Chew Activity Hay Grass Pet Balls
Household obstacle courses
To create obstacle courses, you can use different household items such as cardboard boxes, paper towel rolls, and even old towels. Simply set up the items in a way that your piggies can navigate through them.
Add some tunnels for them to crawl through and make sure there are plenty of places for them to hide.
Check out DIY obstacle course ideas.
DIY maze
Many guinea pigs will love to explore a cardboard maze. Some guinea pigs may need a little encouragement to enter the maze, but once they’re in, they’ll have a blast running around and discovering all the twists and turns.
You can even add little treats or toys inside the maze to make it even more fun for your guinea pigs.
DIY chew toys
You can make your own chew toys out of hay, wood, cardboard, paper rolls, or twigs and branches.
This is because your little pigs love to chew on things. It’s also necessary to prevent the overgrowth of their continuously growing teeth.
Just make sure that the materials you use are safe for your piggies to chew on.
Check out the chew toys ideas.
You can also buy a chew toy.
Kaytee Perfect Chews for Guinea Pigs
Homemade hide house
One of the best things you can do for your guinea pigs is to provide them with a hide house. This will give them a place to feel safe and secure, and it will also help them to feel like they have their own space.
You can easily make a hide house out of a cardboard box or a plastic container.
Simply cut a hole in the side of the box or container and then cover it with a towel or blanket.
Check out DIY hide house ideas.
You can also get the following premade wood house.
Prevue Pet Products Wood-Mouse Hut
Ramps or climbing structures
Ramps and climbing structures are great for guinea pigs who like to explore. You can use cardboard boxes, paper towel rolls, or even pool noodles to create a ramp or climbing structure for a guinea pig.
Know more about using ramps for piggies.
Check out the ramp item below.
Midlee Corrugated Plastic Cage Liner to build a ramp
Food puzzle or foraging toy
Another great toy is a food puzzle. Take a small container and fill it with your guinea pig’s favorite food. Then, make a small hole in the container and put it in a guinea pig’s cage. They’ll have to figure out how to get the food out, which will keep them entertained for a while.
You can also hide food around piggies’ cages for them to find. This is a great way to keep them active and engaged. Just be sure to use safe, non-toxic items that your guinea pig can’t chew through.
You can also create a foraging toy by filling a container with hay and hiding it around your little pig’s cage. They’ll have to search for it and then dig through the hay to find the hidden treat. This is a great way to keep them active and engaged.
Also, to allow your guinea pig exercises with toys, check out Homemade exercise toy ideas for your guinea pigs.
30 Best Homemade DIY Toy Ideas for Guinea Pigs
Here are a few ideas for homemade toys that your guinea pigs are sure to love:
1. Cardboard box maze or toys
You can even make a cardboard maze, tunnels, or many toys for your guinea pigs to explore.
In addition, a cardboard box filled with shredded paper or hay is the perfect place for your little pigs to hide and nest.
Just be sure to avoid any cardboard that’s been treated with chemicals, such as some types of packaging.
How to make it?
First, you need to cut out a rectangular hole in the top and bottom of the cardboard box.
Next, you need to make sure that the hole is big enough for your guinea pig to fit through.
After that, you need to cut out some smaller holes in the sides of the box for the guinea pig to enter and exit the maze.
Finally, you can add some tunnels, obstacles, and hiding places through the path of the maze for a guinea pig to enjoy.
2. Newspaper balls
You can make super easy and cheap newspaper balls for your guinea pigs to play with. All you need is some old newspapers and a little bit of time.
Guinea pigs love to play with newspaper balls. They’ll often carry them around, and push them around with their noses.
They may also try to hide them away in their homes.
However, don’t use papers that contain harmful chemicals or scents.
How to make it?
To make a newspaper ball, simply take a sheet of old newspaper and roll it into a ball.
You can make the balls as big or small as you like. Just be sure that they’re not too big for your guinea pig to carry around.
3. Paper bags
Paper bags are readily available at your home and you can give them as toys for your guinea pigs to play with.
They can use it to hide, sleep in, or as a place to store their food.
You can even put a few holes in the bag so they can peek out and see what’s going on.
4. Tunnels and ramps made of cardboard tubes
Cardboard tubes are another great option for homemade guinea pig toys. You can use them to create tunnels or ramps for the guinea pigs.
Simply cut the tubes to the desired size and shape, and then let your guinea pigs play.
5. DIY cardboard box house
You can make a small house for your guinea pigs out of a cardboard box. Just be sure to remove any plastic or metal bits that could be harmful to them.
6. Cereal boxes
Cereal boxes make great homes for guinea pigs. Just cut a hole in the box’s side, and then your piggies can crawl right in. You can also use cereal boxes to create tunnels or ramps.
7. A toilet paper roll
A toilet paper roll can be used to make a variety of different toys for your guinea pigs. A toilet paper roll stuffed with hay makes a great chew toy. Your piggies can also use it to build a nest or as a place to hide.
You can fill it with hay or shredded paper for them to nest in.
You can also cut it into pieces and use it as a puzzle toy.
Just be sure to avoid any toilet paper rolls that have been treated with chemicals, such as those that are perfumed or have lotions.
8. A paper towel roll toys
A paper towel roll cut into pieces makes a fun puzzle toy for your guinea pigs to figure out how to get the treat inside. You can use it as a tunnel for them to run through it.
9. Fleece toys
Fleece is a great material for guinea pig toys because it’s soft and won’t hurt your guinea pigs if they chew on it. Moreover, they love to play hide and seek in the fleece.
You can make all sorts of different toys out of fleece, including balls, tunnels, and even pompoms.
But, ensure to avoid any fleece that has been treated with chemicals, such as some types of fabric softener.
10. Wooden toys
Another great way to keep your guinea pigs entertained is to give them some pieces of wood to chew on.
Wood is a natural material that’s safe for your piggies to chew, and it can help keep their teeth healthy.
You can find wood at most pet stores, or you can even use old pieces of furniture.
But, ensure to avoid any wood that’s been treated with chemicals or paint.
Besides, don’t use pine or cedarwood because it’s harmful to their health.
A small stool or piece of wood can be turned into a ramp or hiding place for your guinea pigs.
Make sure that the piece of wood is sanded down so there are no sharp edges.
11. Plastic toys
You can also use plastic to make toys for your piggies.
For example, you can cut the top off a soda bottle and make a tunnel for your guinea pigs to crawl through.
You can also use plastic lids to make balls or pompoms.
Just be sure to avoid any plastic that’s been treated with chemicals, such as some types of packaging. Moreover, it doesn’t have any sharp or pokey edge.
12. Fabric toys
Another great DIY idea can be using fabric to make toys for your piggies.
You can make a simple fabric ball by sewing a few pieces of fabric together.
Or, you can even make a small stuffed animal for your guinea pig to cuddle with.
You can use old T-shirts to make tunnels or beds for your little pigs. They’ll love snuggling up in the soft fabric.
But, make sure to use fabric that is safe for your piggies, such as cotton or fleece and your piggies shouldn’t eat them.
13. A small towel
A small towel can be used as a cozy nest for your guinea pigs. You cannot also use it to line their cage, but also use put it in the play area.
They’ll love to play with it and snuggle under it when they want.
However, make sure the towel is not too heavy or big.
Check out my other article on using towels for guinea pigs.
14. Tunnels or ramps made of PVC pipes
PVC pipes are another great option for homemade guinea pig toys. You can use them to create tunnels or ramps.
Just be sure to avoid any pipes that are coated with harmful chemicals or it doesn’t have any sharp edges.
15. Homemade haystacks
Hay is an important part of a guinea pig’s diet, so why not turn it into a toy? Simply take a clean cardboard box and fill it with hay.
Your guinea pigs can then burrow through the hay, or even build a nest.
You can find hay at most pet stores, or you can even grow your own.
They will love to play with hay, and it’s a great way to keep them entertained.
Another simple toy you can make is a hay rack. Cut a piece of cardboard into a small square or rectangle and then poke some holes in it.
Fill the holes with hay and then hang the hay rack in your little pig’s cage. They’ll love chewing on the hay and it will give them something to do.
16. Stuffed socks
A sock can be filled with hay or shredded paper to make a soft, cuddly toy for your guinea pigs.
You can also add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the sock to help your little pigs relax.
17. Toys made of a plastic container
A small plastic container with a lid makes a great toy for your guinea pigs.
They can use it to hide, sleep in, or even as a place to store their food.
You can even put a few holes in the lid so they can peek out and see what’s going on.
18. Toys made of an empty plastic water bottle
This is a very simple toy that you can make for your guinea pigs. All you need is an empty plastic bottle, such as a water bottle. Just make sure to remove the label and wash it out thoroughly.
You can then cut a small hole in the side of the bottle, near the base. A guinea pig can then enter the bottle and play around inside.
An empty water bottle filled with treats (e. g. pellets) is a great way to keep your piggies entertained and mentally stimulated.
They’ll have to figure out how to get the treats out of the bottle, which is a great way to keep their minds active.
19. A house made of the shoebox
Another great idea for a homemade guinea pig toy is a shoebox house.
To make one, simply cut a doorway and windows into a shoebox, and then line the inside with soft bedding material.
Your guinea pigs will love exploring their new house, and it makes a great hiding place, too.
20. Soda Can Hide house
A clean, empty “Soda Can” can be used as a hiding place or a place to store food.
You can also cut a few holes in the lid so your piggies can peek out and see what’s going on.
But, ensure that the can is clean and doesn’t have any sharp edges.
21. A wooden block
A wooden block can be used as a ramp or hiding place for your guinea pigs.
But, make sure that the block is sanded down so there are no sharp edges.
22. Pompoms
Pompoms make great toys for guinea pigs to chase, toss, and chew on. This is because they’re lightweight and easy for a guinea pig to grab with their teeth.
You can make your own pompoms by wrapping yarn around your fingers and trimming the ends.
23. Toys made of a piece of felt
A piece of felt can be turned into a variety of different toys for the guinea pig.
For example, you can make a small mat or blanket for them to lie on.
You can also make a small pillow for them to sleep on or chew on.
Just be sure to avoid using a felt that contains harmful chemicals.
24. A tent cave made of newspapers
Another fun idea is to make a tent out of an old newspaper.
To do this, simply roll up a few sheets of newspaper into tubes and then tape them together to form a tent shape.
Then, cover the outside of the tubes with more shredded paper or hay to make it cozy for your guinea pigs.
25. A shoelace
A shoelace can be used to make different types of toys for your piggies.
You can tie it into knots to make a chew toy.
26. Fruit and vegetables
Guinea pigs love to eat, so why not give them some of their favorite foods as toys?
You can tie a piece of string around a piece of fruit or vegetable, such as a carrot or apple, and let your guinea pig play with it.
Just be sure to remove the string before a guinea pig eats the fruit or vegetable.
You can also give the guinea pigs pieces of fruits and vegetables to eat, such as carrots, apples, and cucumbers.
But, ensure to wash them thoroughly first.
27. DIY stick log cabin
You can make a stick log cabin for your guinea pigs at your home using some wood sticks.
You will need:
2 untreated wooden logs, around 6 inches in length, a saw, and some string
Instructions:
1. Start by cutting one of the logs in half lengthwise.
2. Cut each half log into 4 equal pieces.
3. Take two of the pieces and tie them together at one end with some string, forming a V shape.
4. Do the same with the other two pieces.
5. Now take the two V-shaped pieces and tie them together at the point where the string is, forming a square.
6. Tie another piece of string around the middle of the square to make a roof.
7. Your stick log cabin is now complete!
28. Pipe cleaners
You can use pipe cleaners to make all sorts of fun shapes for your little pigs to play with. Just be sure to remove any plastic or metal bits that could be harmful to them.
29. Ribbons
Ribbons are great for playing catch or you can use them to create a hiding place for your guinea pigs.
30. Soft toys made of Fabric scraps
You can use fabric scraps to create a soft toy for your little pigs to cuddle up to.
Types of toys to avoid for guinea pigs
You should avoid the following types of toys for your piggies because they can be dangerous for their health.
- Exercise balls
- Exercise wheels
- Any toy made of harmful chemicals
- Toys with bells or rings.
- Toys having sharp edges
Things to consider before using homemade toys for guinea pigs
If you are planning to use homemade toys for your guinea pigs, there are a few things you need to take into consideration first.
Safe materials
One of the most important things is to make sure that the materials you use are safe for your guinea pigs.
This means avoiding any sharp edges or small parts that could be swallowed. You should also avoid using any toxic materials or chemicals.
Ease of cleaning
Another thing to keep in mind is that the toys will need to be cleaned on a regular basis.
This is because guinea pigs are very clean animals and will often urinate or defecate on their toys.
You will need to make sure that the toys can be easily cleaned, preferably in the dishwasher.
Size and weight
The size and weight of the toys are also important to consider.
You will need to make sure that the toys are not too small or too light, as they could be easily swallowed or knocked over.
You will also need to make sure that the toys are not too big or too heavy, as they could be difficult to clean or could hurt your piggies if they fall on them.
Durability
You also need to think about how durable the toy will be. Some materials, like cardboard, can quickly fall apart when chewed on.
This means you’ll need to replace the toy more often.
Other materials, like wood, can last longer but may be harder for your guinea pigs to chew through.
Guinea pig’s preference
You also need to consider what your guinea pigs will actually find entertaining. Some guinea pigs love to play with balls, while others prefer to gnaw on wooden blocks.
Pay attention to what your piggies seem to enjoy the most and try to incorporate that into their toys.
Function
Finally, you need to think about what function the toy will serve.
Some toys, like tunnels, provide a place for your guinea pigs to hide and feel safe.
Other toys, like balls, provide a way for the guinea pigs to exercise.
You will need to decide what function you want the toy to serve before you can choose the right material and size.
Keep these things in mind and you’ll be sure to find the perfect homemade toy for your piggies!
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many different types of homemade toys that you can make for your guinea pigs. You can use a cardboard box, paper towel roll, toilet paper roll, shoebox, fabrics, small towels, wood, papers, and other household items to make a fun toy for them.
However, make sure that you avoid certain types of toys such as exercise balls, wheels, and toys with harmful chemicals or sharp edges.
Use your imagination and don’t be afraid to get creative! Your guinea pigs will love anything you make for them.
Just be sure to supervise your guinea pigs when they’re playing with their new toys to ensure they don’t swallow anything they shouldn’t.
