Guinea pigs are fascinating little creatures, and that’s due in no small part to their playful nature. They love to explore and investigate, and they need plenty of toys to keep them happy.
Of course, pet care companies are well aware of this fact, and any pet store will have racks of overpriced toys designed to entertain your furry friend. Rather than waste your hard-earned money on a cheap piece of plastic, though, wouldn’t you rather make your own toys?
It’s surprisingly easy (and cheap) to learn how to make guinea pig toys — and in the guide below, we’ll show you some of our favorites.
Top 7 DIY Guinea Pig Toy Plans
1. Hay Sock by WikiHow
Who doesn’t have old socks lying around? Even better if your old socks already have holes in them! This is an extremely simple toy you can build for your guinea pig, and they’ll spend hours playing with it.
You can fill it up with hay, but if you’re looking to pique their interest a bit, add a few of their favorite treats to the mixture.
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Skills Needed: None
2. Seesaw by Petz.uk
If you’re looking for one of the coolest DIY toys out there for your guinea pig, this DIY seesaw is the way to go. It’s not the easiest plan to build, but it’s also not the most complicated. And the great thing about this toy is that if you do it right, it’ll last the entire lifetime of your guinea pig!
So, get a little creative, find the right wood blocks, and get started on this DIY seesaw for your guinea pig.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skills Needed: Low-level woodworking
3. Apple Tree Branches by the Toronto Humane Society
If you’re looking for the simplest DIY guinea pig toy, this has to be it. All you need to do is find an untreated apple tree branch and give it to your guinea pig.
It’s important to find an untreated branch though; otherwise, it can get your guinea pig extremely sick. Another perk of adding apple tree branches is it helps keep your guinea pigs growing teeth in check.
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Skills Needed: None
4. Dangling Toy by WikiHow.com
Wikihow.com suggests this simple yarn toy that’s sure to intrigue your fuzzy buddy. Simply wrap layers of yarn around a base (like a small cardboard box), then hang the whole thing from the top of the cage.
Your guinea pig will find the swaying motion captivating, and it will keep her entertained all day long.
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Skills Needed: Basic crafts skills
5. Stuffed Pepper Treat by PetDIYs.com
This toy from petdiys.com gives you a way to get rid of old produce while also keeping your guinea pig entertained. Just take a bell pepper, cut a hole in it, stuff some other guinea pig safe food inside it, and hang the whole thing from the top of the cage.
It’s nutritious, delicious, and absolutely fascinating.
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Skills Needed: None
6. Box Toy by Cali Cavy Collective
Guinea pigs love to lounge around in hay, and this box from Cali Cavy Collective lets them do just that. All you need is a small cardboard box (produce boxes work great) and some hay to stuff inside it.
It’s easy to make, and you can replace it every time you come home from the store.
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Skills Needed: None
7. Slinky Tunnel by GuineaPigCages.com
Slinkies are fun — until they break. Thanks to this ingenious idea from guineapigcages.com, your guinea pigs’ fun can start when yours ends.
You don’t have to do anything, just throw the slinky in their cage. They’ll quickly figure out fun ways to maximize their enjoyment of this iconic toy.
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Skills Needed: None
Final Thoughts
Final ThoughtsWe hope you have enjoyed learning how to make guinea pig toys. All of the ideas above can be made in just a few minutes or less, using materials you almost certainly have on hand.
Your guinea pig won’t have any idea how much money you saved on toys, though — all she’ll be thinking about is how much fun she’s having with her new gear.
You Might Also Like:
- 12 Essential Guinea Pig Supplies to Get You Started
- How to Exercise a Guinea Pig: 8 Ideas & Proven Methods
Featured Image Credit: Pezibear, Pixabay
