If you’re looking for a fun way to enrich your guinea pig’s life and keep them active, an obstacle course is a great option! But, you might want to know what are those obstacle courses or agility equipment for guinea pigs.
In this article, I will give you the top 10 Guinea pig agility/obstacle course ideas. You will also know why the guinea pig’s owner needs Guinea pig obstacle courses or agility elopements and how to make them at home.
Table of Contents
What is a guinea pig’s agility?
Agility is a sport that is enjoyed by many dogs, and it can be enjoyable for guinea pigs as well. To set up an agility course for your guinea pig, you will need to create a number of obstacles for them to overcome. These can be made from household items or purchased from a pet store.
What do the obstacle courses mean for guinea pigs?
The obstacle course is a set of physical challenges that your guinea pig needs to overcome. It can be as simple as jumping over a few things or going through a tunnel.
The purpose of an obstacle course is to provide mental and physical stimulation for a guinea pig. It also helps them stay active and healthy.
Guinea pigs are natural explorers and love to play, so an obstacle course is a perfect way to let them burn off some energy.
You can put these obstacle courses or agility items inside a playpen to make it effective.
Know about playpens for guinea pigs before we proceed.
Moreover, they can’t have some types of obstacle courses because of their physics and nature such as they can’t jump a lot like other animals.
Check out other toys for piggies.
Why do you need Guinea pigs obstacle courses for guinea pigs?
Guinea pigs are intelligent and active animals that need a lot of stimulation to stay happy and healthy. An obstacle course is a great way to provide your guinea pig with mental and physical exercise, as well as some much-needed fun!
Moreover, creating an obstacle course for the guinea pig is an incredible strategy to strengthen your bond with your pet.
In addition, it can also be a fun activity for the whole family!
Can you have DIY Household obstacle courses for guinea pigs?
You can also use household items to create obstacle courses for the guinea pigs to enjoy.
First, gather some supplies from around your house. You’ll need things like cardboard tubes, cereal boxes, paper towel rolls, old towels, and other household items. Then, create a homemade obstacle course as you like.
Set up tunnels made out of cardboard tubes, and add in a few ramps or climbing structures for them to navigate.
You can also create a balance beam by cutting a paper towel roll in half lengthwise.
Place old towels on the floor for them to jump over, or create a tunnel by rolling up an old towel. Get creative and have fun!
Check out other DIY homemade exercise toys for them.
Top 10 ideas for guinea pig’s obstacle course or agility equipment
Obstacle courses are one of the important supplies for your guinea pigs. Here are some best ideas for building an obstacle course for your piggies:
1. The Maze
This is a great way to really test your guinea pig’s problem-solving skills. You can create a maze out of cardboard boxes, corrugated plastic, or even PVC pipe. Just be sure to create a path that is big enough for a guinea pig to comfortably navigate.
Guinea Pig Maze Design
When creating a maze for the guinea pig, be sure to make it exciting and challenging. The maze should have plenty of obstacles to navigate, but also offer some rewards along the way.
You can hide treats or toys throughout the maze to give a guinea pig something to look forward to.
How to make the maze with cardboard boxes?
You’ll need:
- Cardboard boxes
- A pair of scissors
- Tape
Instructions:
1) First, flatten the cardboard.
2) Cut the flattened cardboard into strips that are about 2-3 inches wide.
3) Connect the strips together to form a maze-like shape.
4) Use the tape to secure the strips together and make sure that it’s sturdy.
5) Create an opening in the maze so your guinea pig can enter. There should be an entrance and an exit for the maze.
6) Make sure the maze is big enough for your guinea pig to navigate comfortably.
7) You can add some obstacles, such as cardboard boxes or paper towel rolls, to make the maze more challenging.
8) Hide treats or toys throughout the maze to give a guinea pig something to look forward to.
9) Let the guinea pig loose in the maze and see how they do!
How to make the maze with corrugated plastic?
To make the maze use corrugated plastic, you need to:
1. Cut the corrugated plastic into pieces that will fit together to create a maze.
2. Connect the pieces of corrugated plastic together to create the maze.
3. Place your guinea pig in the maze and see how long it takes them to find the exit!
How to make the maze with PVC pipe?
To make the maze use PVC pipe, you need to:
1. Cut the pieces of PVC pipe that you will need for your maze. You will need enough to create a path that is big enough for your guinea pig to comfortably navigate.
2. Connect the pieces of PVC pipe together using PVC connectors.
3. Place the maze on the floor in an area where the guinea pig can safely play.
4. Let a guinea pig loose in the maze and see how long it takes him to find his way out!
2. The tunnels and tubes
This is a classic obstacle course element that is sure to get your guinea pig’s heart racing! This is a great way to give the guinea pig some mental stimulation and a chance to explore!
You can use a cardboard tube, PVC pipe, paper towel rolls, or even just a blanket to create a tunnel and tube for a guinea pig to crawl through.
If you don’t want to make tubes and tunnels on your own, you can simply buy them online.
Our recommended tubes and tunnels:
TTANFY Tunnel Tube
How to make a cardboard tube tunnel?
If you’re using a cardboard tube, be sure to cut it open so that your guinea pig can easily get through.
To make a tunnel using a Cardboard tube, you’ll have to do the followings.
You’ll need:
- Cardboard tube
- A pair of scissors
- Tape
Instructions:
1) Start by cutting the cardboard tube in half lengthwise.
2) Next, cut a hole in one end of each half of the tube. The hole should be big enough for your guinea pig to fit through easily.
3) Now, tape the two halves of the tube together. Make sure the holes you cut are aligned so that a guinea pig can crawl through the tunnel easily.
4) Place the tunnel in a guinea pig’s cage and let them have fun!
If you want to make things more challenging for your little pig, you can try creating a maze using different tunnels.
How to make fleece or blanket tunnel?
To make a tunnel using fleece or blanket, you’ll have to do the followings.
You’ll need:
- A piece of fleece or a blanket
- Tape
- Scissors
Instructions:
1) Cut the fleece or blanket into a long strip.
2) Tape the two ends together to create a tunnel.
3) Make sure that the tunnel is big enough for your guinea pig to comfortably fit through.
4) Place the tunnel in your little pig’s cage.
5) You can also create a maze by attaching the tunnel to other obstacles.
How to make a PVC pipe tunnel?
You can also create a tunnel out of PVC pipe by cutting it into sections and then taping them together. Just be sure that the PVC pipe is big enough for your guinea pig to comfortably fit through.
To make a tunnel using PVC pipe, you’ll have to do the followings.
You’ll need:
- Tape measure
- PVC pipe (you can use any size, but we recommend using a 4-inch pipe)
- PVC pipe cutter or saw
- Tape
Instructions:
1. Measure the length of your guinea pig’s cage.
2. Cut the PVC pipe into sections that are slightly longer than the length of your little pig’s cage.
3. Tape the sections of PVC pipe together.
4. Place the tunnel in your small pig’s cage and let them have fun!
How to make a tube using a paper towel roll?
To make a tube out of a paper towel roll, simply cut the roll in half length-wise and then tape or glue it back together so that it forms a tube. If you’re using PVC pipes, you can either connect them together with elbow joints or simply place them next to each other.
3. Ramps
Ramps are great for guinea pigs because they love to explore! You can make ramps out of anything from cardboard boxes to c&c cage grids.
However, make sure that you cover the ramp with soft and grippy materials like a towel so that a guinea pig can access it properly.
You can also get one online.
Check out my other article on how to make a ramp at home and teach guinea pigs to use it.
Our recommended ramp item:
Midlee Corrugated Plastic Cage Liner
How to make a ramp for guinea pigs?
To make a ramp with c&c cage grids, first, you will need to cut the grids. You can use a box cutter or any sharp knife for this.
Next, take two grids and place them side by side. Then, take two more grids and place them on top of the first two grids at an angle.
You will need to do this until you have the desired ramp length.
To make a ramp out of a cardboard box, cut the box in half length-wise and then tape or glue it back together so that it forms a ramp.
If you’re using PVC pipes, you can either connect them together with elbow joints or simply place them next to each other.
If you use a coroplast sheet, you can simply make a ramp by folding it in half length-wise.
Make sure that the ramp is covered with a soft and grippy material like a towel so that your guinea pig can access it easily.
4. The hurdles or bar jumps
This is an effective way to get your guinea pig’s legs moving! You can use anything from plastic bottles to cardboard boxes to create hurdles for the guinea pig to jump over.
To make hurdles using plastic bottles, cut the bottoms off of two-liter bottles and arrange them in a row for your little pig to jump over. If you’re using cardboard boxes, cut a hole in the side of each box big enough for the guinea pig to fit through.
Or, this can simply be created with a piece of cardboard or a book. Place the object on the ground and see if your little pig can jump over it.
Be sure that the hurdles aren’t so high as guinea pigs can’t jump much. So, it should e a low jump.
How to teach a guinea pig to jump?
To get your guinea pig used to jump, start by holding a treat over their head so they have to jump up to get it. As they get better at jumping, you can increase the height of the treat. Once they’re comfortable jumping for a treat, you can start working on obstacles. You also make sure that you start slowly using a low height and then increase gradually.
5. Balance Beam
You can use anything from a long piece of cardboard to a log to create a balance beam for a guinea pig. If you’re using cardboard, make sure it’s not too flimsy. You don’t want the guinea pig to fall through!
To make a frame, you can use two pieces of cardboard or wood placed at an angle to create a ramp.
How to teach a guinea pig to walk on a balance beam?
To get your guinea pig used to walk on a balance beam, start by placing it on the ground. You can put treats on either side to encourage them to walk across. As they get more comfortable, you can raise the balance beam off the ground. You can also make it longer and narrower.
6. Weave poles
Weave poles are an excellent technique to stimulate a guinea pig’s brain. You can use anything from toilet paper rolls to straws to create weave poles for the guinea pig to navigate.
To make weave poles using toilet paper rolls, simply stack them up in a row. If you’re using straws, you can tie them together at the top to create a row of poles.
You can also use plastic cups or dowels and a base to make the weave poles.
How to teach a guinea pig to weave?
To get your guinea pig used to weave, start by placing the poles on the ground. You can put treats on either side to encourage them to weave through.
As they get more comfortable, you can raise the poles off the ground. You can also make the space between the poles narrowers.
7. The Hoop
Another classic obstacle course element, the hoop is great for testing a guinea pig’s coordination.
Simply set up a hula hoop (or other types of the ring) and encourage the guinea pig to jump through it.
But, be careful that the hoop has enough space and you help them do that to protect them from getting hurt. It should be 6 inches in diameter and 3 inches in height.
How to make an agility hoop jump for guinea pigs?
You will need:
- 1 piece of cardboard
- A pen
- A ruler
- Some string
- A pair of scissors
Instructions:
1. First, use the pen and ruler to draw a large circle on the piece of cardboard. The circle should be about 6 inches in diameter.
2. Cut out the circle with the scissors.
3. Next, cut a long piece of string. The string should be long enough to go around the circumference of the cardboard circle.
4. Tie the string around the cardboard circle. This will be the top part of your hula hoop.
5. Finally, make a loop with the string and tie it off. This will be the bottom part of your hula hoop.
Your hula hoop is now complete! You can test it out by holding it in the air and see if your guinea pig can jump through it.
To make a freestanding hoop you can use popsicle sticks. Just glue the popsicle sticks to make the frame of the hurdles and create the stand to hold the ring.
How to teach a guinea pig to Hoop jump?
To teach your guinea pig to jump through the hoop, you will need to use a little bit of patience and some tasty treats.
First, place the hoop on the ground and let a guinea pig get used to it. Once they seem comfortable, hold the hoop up so that it is slightly elevated off the ground.
Encourage the guinea pig to jump through the hoop by offering them a treat.
If they are successful, give them lots of praise and another treat. If they are not successful, try again and be patient.
With a little practice, your little pig will be jumping through hoops in no time!
8. Pause table
This is a good way to give your guinea pig a little break in between obstacles. To create a pause table, simply place a board or piece of cardboard on top of two soda bottles or something similar.
Your little pig can then take a break on the pause table in between obstacles.
9. The teeter-totter
This is a fun way to give your guinea pig a little workout! To create a teeter-totter, balance a board or piece of cardboard on a soda bottle or something similar.
Place the guinea pig at one end of the teeter-totter and watch him have fun!
But, be careful that the teeter-totter is stable enough and you help them perform the activity.
Moreover, some guinea pigs may not like this. So, be patient and give them some time.
10. The See-Saw
This is a fun way to give your guinea pig a little workout! To create a see-saw, balance a board or piece of cardboard on a soda bottle or something similar. Place the guinea pig at one end of the see-saw and watch him have fun!
Avoid using the following obstacle courses for guinea pigs
Here are some types of obstacle courses that you can’t use for the guinea pigs.
Swimming pool
Never put a guinea pig in a swimming pool. They can’t swim and they will drown. Another reason is that the chlorine in pools is harmful to their skin.
Any obstacle course with high platforms
You can’t put guinea pigs on any obstacle course that has high platforms. They can fall off and hurt themselves.
Any obstacle course with sharp objects
You can’t use an obstacle course that has sharp objects for the guinea pigs on. They can cut themselves on the objects and get hurt.
The Balance Beam
You can’t put the guinea pigs on the balance beam. They can fall off and hurt themselves.
Too tight spaces
Never put your little pigs in too tight spaces. They can’t move and they will get stressed out.
Any obstacle course made of harmful chemicals
You can’t put your guinea pigs on any obstacle course that is made of harmful chemicals. These can harm their skin and eyes. It contains scent, it can also cause respiratory problems and harm your piggies.
Things to consider before using Guinea pig obstacle courses for guinea pigs
There are a few things you should keep in mind when creating an obstacle course for your guinea pig:
1. Ensure it’s safe
Make sure the obstacles are safe. Avoid using sharp or pointy objects, and make sure there are no small openings that your guinea pig could get stuck in.
Moreover, to make the obstacle course, use materials that don’t contain any harmful chemicals or scents for your little pigs.
2. Choose the right size and height
Choose obstacles that are the right size for a guinea pig. Some smaller guinea pigs may have trouble getting over taller obstacles, so be sure to adjust the height of the obstacles accordingly. Moreover, they can’t jump very high. Consider this as well.
3. Avoid using too much
Don’t use too many obstacles in your course. The guinea pig should be able to complete the course without becoming too tired or frustrated.
4. Add a variety
Add some variety to the course by including different types of obstacles. For example, you could include a tunnel, a ramp, and a platform.
5. Start slowly
Start with simple obstacles and gradually increase the difficulty level as the guinea pig gets more comfortable with the course.
6. Be patient
Let your guinea pig take its time and don’t force it to go through the course if it doesn’t want to. Some guinea pigs may be more hesitant than others and it’s important to respect their wishes.
7. Be sure to supervise your guinea pig
You have to make sure that you supervise a guinea pig while they’re using the obstacle course, and remove any obstacles that seem to be causing them stress or discomfort.
8. Make it fun
Make sure your guinea pig is having fun! If they seem to be getting frustrated or bored, make some changes to the course.
Above all, remember to have fun! Creating an obstacle course for a guinea pig is an awesome way to bond with your pet and watch it enjoy itself.
With these guidelines in mind, let’s take a look at some fun and challenging Guinea pig obstacle courses for guinea pigs ideas!
Conclusion
Guinea pigs are small, but they’re mighty! These cute and cuddly creatures make great pets, and they love to play.
An obstacle course is a great way to provide your guinea pig with some exercise and enrichment. There are a variety of different types of obstacle courses you can create, and the sky’s the limit when it comes to creativity.
Examples of some common obstacle courses or agility equipment are the maze, bar jump, tubes and tunnels, ramps, hoops, weave poles, balance beams, and other obstacle courses made of household items.
Just be sure to keep safety in mind when creating an obstacle course for the guinea pig. Use safe materials, avoid sharp objects, and make sure the obstacles are the right size for your pet. Most importantly, have fun!
With these ideas, you can easily create an obstacle course for your guinea pig that will provide him with hours of fun and exercise!
