Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Other animals

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The best guinea pig toys your furry friend will adore

Rebekkah Adams
By

Guinea pigs love to play and you won’t always be around to entertain them. Instead, you should give them a mixture of time with you, exercise opportunities, and toys that stay in the cage. Remember, their chompers will never stop growing (in fact, little piggies are born with a mouth full of teeth already), so you should provide plenty of hay and chew toys along with other forms of amusement.

Guinea pig plays with a toy
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How can I keep my guinea pigs entertained?

Getting a pet means locking yourself into big commitments: time, money, and energy. Guinea pigs must be housed in pairs or herds since they’re social animals, which both present challenges and offers advantages. For example, these little guys will play with each other, keeping themselves happily entertained without involving you. However, in addition to providing all the playthings, the humans of the household will definitely need to participate in playtime sometimes. Because guinea pigs often wake up at night, you’ll want something left in their cage to keep them occupied (and hopefully quiet) while you try to sleep. 

Recommended Videos

Can guinea pigs have stuffed animals?

Yes! Cavies are chewers and you will likely find this pretend pet destroyed at some point. That’s OK! They had their fun and that’s the goal. Keep in mind that you should carefully select toys made for pets that do not include plastic, glass, or metal parts. Your little ones could wind up eating and swallowing them (and trust us, it’s a big vet bill).

Related

What toys should my guinea pigs have?

No matter what assortment of personalities your fluffballs have, they are sure to love these toys and games that will keep them endlessly interested.

Chew & Treat Toy Assortment

According to multiple reviewers, guinea pigs absolutely love this bundle of toys that offers an assortment of chewable treasures to devour. Owners especially praise the variety of this collection, as it comes with a hanging ladder plus multiple games for munching. They all taste like apples (which your piggies will love), though some owners soaked theirs in water first to dispel some of the dye (though it is safe for animals).

Pet Tunnel

Rodents yearn to explore and need plenty of opportunities to do so. This particular tunnel can be used on its own, or be attached to the Living World Tent for extra fun. One happy customer proclaims it is a “Guniea Pigs Heaven!” and explains that they put multiple tunnels and tents together to create a full playset. 

Small Animal Hideaway

Do your guinea pigs want to play in a see-through castle? Of course, they do! Some owners report that their pets climb inside for daytime naps or clamber up on top of the hideaway. Keep in mind this isn’t a small toy, so even though it might be too big for a little dwarf hamster, it is the perfect size for guineas. 

Willow Ball Pack Chews

Keep your pets busy with this multi-pack of willow balls that they’ll instantly destroy. Remember that while providing chew toys is great, it doesn’t replace the need for consistent hay. If they do decide to eat the chews after they’ve had their fun, that’s fine. They’re perfectly safe for animal ingestion. 

All of these accessories will keep your guinea pigs’ attention while you tend to other things. Just be sure to set aside plenty of playtime for the group of you as well. Of course, small pets should always be supervised while outside their cage, and the designated area should be guinea-proofed in advance. With the right toys, your little pals will enjoy unlimited access to fun.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Rebekkah Adams
Rebekkah Adams
Contributor
Rebekkah’s been a writer and editor for more than 10 years, both in print and digital. In addition to writing about pets…
5 fantastic ways pets in a classroom benefit kids (and the best pets to get)
Learn which are the best pets for classrooms
Leopard gecko with smiling face

Gus, Copper, and Oliver-Clyde live busy lives at the Beck International Academy in Greenville, SC. When they aren’t playing in their enclosure the guinea pigs are hanging out with students at their desks or visiting other classrooms. In addition to spreading joy, middle school teacher Alexandra Jackson says that the guinea pigs have been an incredible source of growth and learning for her students.

Jackson acquired two of her school guinea pigs with help from The Pet Care Trust’s Pets in the Classroom grant program. These grants provide financial support to teachers for the adoption or purchase and maintenance of small animals in Pre-K through Grade 9 classes. Since its inception in 2010, the program has impacted more than 8.1 million students across the U.S. and Canada.

Read more
Disgusted by the idea of adopting a pet rat? 8 facts that could change your mind
Pet rat sits on little girl's shoulder

Not into the idea of a pet rat? Hear us out. While they might not be at the very top of your must-own list, rats can make fantastic pets for the right person. They have great personalities, learn quickly, and bond to humans. One day you think you would never let vermin in your house, and the next you find your place overflowing with rodent treats. If you're willing to put aside your preconceived notions for a minute, take a look through these eight reasons to adopt a cute rat into your home.

Are pet rats just like hamsters?
Well, not exactly, but they do have a lot in common. For starters, they both belong to the rodent family and share many traits, especially those big chompers. However, you will discover a few key differences. One thing that might surprise you is that rats are easier to train and can learn some pretty extensive tricks that might elude your hammie. 
How long will a rat live?
Like a hamster, a rat will live for about two to three years, but it really depends on how well you take care of the little critter. Of course, that's assuming you get a Norway rat, since there are lots of other kinds that are sometimes kept as pets.

Read more
Try out these 6 different kinds of best bird feeders to attract your feathered friends
House finch eats at nyger feeder

Bird feeders come in multiple shapes and sizes because birds do, too. Each feeder accommodates a different feeding style, and many are enticing to a particular species. Before setting up your feeders, think first about what kinds of flyers you want to attract — and which ones are likely to oblige. Then, once you have a good bird-watching list, scout out the right locations and the best feeders to attract them. You can put out all these for the widest array of visitors or focus on a few types and get the best setup for just those eaters. Here are the six best bird feeders and what feathered friends you'll probably see feeding at them.

What are the different types of bird feeders?
You probably have a bunch of different dishes in your home — plates, bowls, maybe a gravy boat. Our avian guests have the same needs. After all, some birds eat seeds, some animal fat, some flowers, and some nectar. Take a look through these top types and figure out which one — or ones — belong in your yard.
Hummingbird feeders
Putting up a hummingbird feeder all but ensures you'll add a splash of color to your life. This one will bring in gorgeous birds and look nice in the window. Of course, the drawback is that you need to clean it often by hand. Don't worry: A little soap and water will do the trick, and its glass construction means it will last a long time. Feeding hummingbirds saves your wallet, too, since you can make all the food yourself. Boil 1 part sugar and 4 parts water to create this concoction and refrigerate any left over right away. It'll take your neighborhood birds a minute to find their new restaurant, but once they've discovered it (and given a rave review to their friends), you'll never run out of visitors, provided you keep the food flowing. 
Hopper feeders
This is a classic bird feeder that adorns nearly every yard at one time or another. You'll get large birds — and probably large squirrels — as regulars at this one. Try hanging it from a strategic spot or mounting it on a pole to avoid squirrels, but that might be a losing battle. Instead, focus on attracting the birds you do like with the proper seed for them (don't forget to keep it full). We suspect you'll spot a menagerie here, especially jays and cardinals since it's welcoming to bigger animals. Unlike the hummingbird feeder, you won't bring this one indoors often, and should make sure it's reachable by hose or bucket for proper cleaning. 
Tube feeders
The smaller birds of the community will thank you for this tube feeder, as the little perches and openings go well with tiny feet and beaks. Watch for a mix of sparrows, chickadees, and titmice who enjoy having a spot of their own, and look at purchasing a blend that encourages them. However, a small feeder means you have to fill it regularly. It might take a few weeks, but you should get an idea of how often the birds start begging for a refill. Finding a spot can prove tricky because you never know when the guests of honor will alight on the other side. Place it between windows to best see every angle. 

Read more