Do Guinea Pigs Need Exercise Toys? [7 DIY Ideas]

Guinea pigs are playful creatures and love to play with their toys. Moreover, they need to exercise regularly to stay healthy and fit. But, do guinea pigs need exercise toys?

One way to help your guinea pig get exercise is to provide them with guinea pig toys. These can include tunnels, obstacles, climbing structures, balls, and anything else that encourages your guinea pig to move around such as putting a playpen. You can also create an obstacle course for your guinea pig to explore.

However, you can’t give them any exercise toys like other pets as those can be harmful to them.

Besides, keep an eye on the guinea pig during playtime, as they can sometimes get a little too adventurous!

Today, I will be explaining to you why guinea pigs need exercise toys, what are the benefits and drawbacks, and what are factors you should consider to provide them with exercise toys.

Why do guinea pigs need exercise toys?

Guinea pigs are playful critters that love to explore their surroundings. Like all animals, they need exercise to stay healthy and active.

Exercise toys are a great way to provide your guinea pig with the physical activity they need. Some popular exercise toys for them include tunnels, obstacle courses, and climbing structures.

These toys not only give the guinea pig a chance to run around and get their heart rate up, but they also provide mental stimulation.

Exercise toys help to keep them from getting bored, and they can even help to reduce stress levels.

Moreover, exercise is important for them because it helps to keep their muscles and bones strong, and also helps them to stay at a healthy weight.

So, if you’re looking for a way to keep your little pig happy and healthy, be sure to give them plenty of exercise toys.

What do guinea pigs do for exercise?

Guinea pigs simply run around, play with toys and explore the surroundings to do the exercise. You can set up a play area with tunnels and toys or take them for a walk to provide them with exercise.

If you are unsure of how to provide exercise for your guinea pig, talk to a veterinarian or an animal behaviorist for guidance.

What do guinea pigs use for exercise?

Guinea pigs are active little creatures that love to run and play. While they don’t need a lot of space, they do need some form of exercise to stay healthy.

One way guinea pigs can get exercise is by playing with toys. There are all sorts of guinea pig exercise toys available, from simple balls to more complex obstacle course-style setups.

Another way they get exercise is by running around their enclosure. If you have a guinea pig that loves to run, you might want to consider getting a larger enclosure so they can really get their cardio in.

Finally, guinea pigs also get exercise through exploring and playing with other guinea pigs. If you have more than one guinea pig, they’ll likely keep each other entertained with all sorts of play.

What are some popular exercise toys for guinea pigs?

While guinea pigs are active animals, they do not have the same type of skeletal structure as other wheeled animals, such as hamsters.

This means that an exercise wheel or ball can actually do more harm than good for a guinea pig.

If you are looking for a way to help your guinea pig get some exercise, consider investing in the following toys and stuff.

1. Guinea pig playpens

The first way to give your guinea pig more space to move around is to invest in a playpen.

This type of enclosure is typically made out of wire and can be easily placed in any room of your home.

You can put toys, such as tunnels and balls, inside the playpen for your little pig to play with.

You can also create an obstacle course by placing different levels of platforms inside the playpen.

Your piggy will need to jump from one platform to another in order to reach the food or water on the other side.

This will help him get some cardio exercise.

You can also find playpens that come with additional features, such as ramps and tunnels.

Check out my other article on guinea pig’s playpen.

2. Tunnels

Tunnels are another great way to help your guinea pig get some exercise.

Tunnels force the guinea pig to run and play while also providing them with a place to hide and feel safe. This is a great toy for guinea pigs who are a bit shy or skittish.

It also provides him with a space to explore and can help them burn off some energy.

These can be purchased separately or as part of a playpen set.

3. Obstacle courses

You can create an obstacle course for your guinea pig that will force him to move around in different ways as they try to navigate their way through the maze.

This is a great way to give them some extra cardio and help them burn off some energy.

Take a look at some best DIY obstacle courses for them.

4. Ramps or climbing structures

If a guinea pig spends a lot of time in their cage, you may want to consider investing in a ramp.

Ramps help your guinea pig get up and down from their cage easily, and they also provide a fun way to exercise.

Know more about using a ramp for little piggies.

5. Wood balls

How do guinea pigs exercise and play with wood balls?

Wood balls are a great way for them to burn off some energy and exercise.

You can purchase these balls at most pet stores.

Your guinea pig will love to play with these balls and will also get a good workout.

They push the hay ball around with their noses and paws.

Usually, a guinea pig won’t try to climb on top of the hay ball or roll it around.

However, if they do, you have to stop them from doing it as their skeletal isn’t supposed to bend.

6. Hay balls

Hay balls are a great way to keep your guinea pig entertained and exercised.

These balls are typically made out of compressed hay, which is safe for your little pig to chew on.

The guinea pig will use their nose and paws to push the hay ball around.

This is a great way for the guinea pig to get some exercise, and it will also help them exercise.

You can find hay balls at most pet stores.

7. A tennis ball or ping pong ball

These balls are also a fun way for your guinea pig to get some exercise.

Simply place the ball in their cage or playpen and let them play.

As a guinea pig runs around after the ball, it will be getting a good cardio workout.

Just be sure to supervise the little pig while they are playing with the ball, as they could accidentally swallow it.

DIY exercise toys for guinea pigs

If you are looking for DIY toys to help them get some exercise, you can use the following things:

1. Cardboard boxes or tubes

Another great DIY stuff is cardboard boxes and an excellent alternative to exercising toys.

You can place these boxes in their cage or playpen to let them exercise and they will start to run in and around the box. This will help let them exercise.

Because they are prey animals in the wild, they prefer to hide in secured areas and cardboard is perfect for them.

You can also use a cardboard tube by stuffing them with vegetables or hay. When they get the tube, they will play with it and run around.

2. Clothes

Similar to blankets, you can simply use old cotton clothes to help them exercise.

You can let them hide in their cage by hanging pieces of clothes.

3. Blanket or fleece

You can also put a blanket, or fleece on the floor of the cage or playpen.

Guinea pigs enjoy hiding and running behind blankets or fleece. This will help them exercise.

4. Cereal boxes

Cereal boxes are another good DIY stuff just like a cardboard box and your little pigs enjoy this. Simply unfold them and arrange them in an A-shaped structure.

When you’ll place the box on the floor, they will love to play hide and seek with it.

5. Toilet paper rolls

Same as paper ball, you can stuff toilet paper rolls with hay and place them in your guinea pig’s cage.

Your piggies will love to play with these, and they will get a good workout.

6. Homemade paper ball

You can make a paper ball at home with some crumpled-up paper. This will help the guinea pig to stay active as they will try to push the ball around.

Just make sure that the paper doesn’t contain any ink or harmful chemical as those can be harmful to their health when they chew on them or eat them.

7.  Household obstacle courses

To create obstacle courses, you can use cardboard tubes, paper towel rolls, and other common household items. Simply lift cardboard above the floor.

Check out more DIY homemade toy ideas for them.

Things to avoid for guinea pig’s exercise

There are some things to avoid when choosing guinea pig exercise toys.

  • Anything with small parts that could be swallowed
  • Things with sharp edges or corners that could injure the guinea pig
  • Any toy that is made of toxic materials
  • Exercise wheels
  • Exercise balls
  • Toys with rings or bells.

Check out alternative ideas for guinea pigs’ exercise balls and wheels.

How can you help guinea pigs exercise?

There are a few different ways that you can help your guinea pig get some exercise.

One way is to invest in a playpen. This will give the guinea pig a designated area to run around and explore. You can also consider placing some toys in the playpen to encourage movement.

Another way to help your little pig get some exercise is to take them out for a walk. But, avoid putting harnesses or leashes on them as this can actually be harmful to their health. Instead, just let them roam around in a secure area while you supervise. This is a great way for them to explore and get some exercise at the same time.

And lastly, you can also try giving them some simple toys to play with. Things like balls or small tunnels can help them stay active and get some exercise. Just keep an eye on them while they play to avoid any accidents.

What precautions you should take while giving them exercise toys?

Let’s take a look at the precautions you should take while giving them exercise toys.

  1. Always supervise your guinea pig when they are playing with exercise toys to avoid any accidents.
  2. Make sure the toy is appropriate for your little pig’s size and abilities.
  3. Inspect the toy regularly for any signs of damage or wear.
  4. Avoid providing them with any toys with small parts that could be swallowed.
  5. Avoid giving them any toys with sharp edges or corners that could injure them.
  6. Only give the guinea pig toys that are made of safe, non-toxic materials.
  7. Avoid toys that contain bells or rings or remove them before using them as they can hurt them.

Conclusion

Guinea pigs are active and playful creatures that need some form of exercise to stay healthy and they love to explore their surroundings. There are a few different ways you can help them get some exercise, such as putting them in a playpen or taking them out for a walk. You should also give them some simple toys, tunnels, ramps, obstacle courses climbing structures to help them exercise, but, be sure to supervise them.

However, make sure that you don’t give them exercise wheels, balls, and other toys that are harmful to them.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your guinea pig has a safe and enjoyable exercise experience.

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