Do guinea pigs need things to chew on?
Sophia Edwards
Updated on May 25, 2026
Accordingly, what can you give guinea pigs to chew on?
Make Sure Your Guinea Pig Has Plenty Of Things To Chew
Make sure your cavy has access to good quality hay products, fibre-rich pellets as well as vegetables and fruit. You can also give your pet tasty hanging woodrolls, willow sticks and puffed rice and hay treats.
Similarly, do guinea pigs need toys to chew on? Guinea pigs love toys as much as any other pet, and guinea pig chew toys actually serve an important purpose. So, in order to keep their teeth in check, guinea pigs must chew and gnaw almost 24/7 in order to keep their teeth ground down to a manageable level.
Also asked, do guinea pigs need something hard to chew on?
The experts at the Scottsdale Veterinary Clinic suggest making chew toys out of common household necessities including paper towel rolls, toilet paper rolls and cardboard in general. Not only can chewing on these things help keep your guinea pig's teeth in good shape, they can get his mind working and minimize boredom.
Can I give my guinea pig a toilet paper roll to chew on?
The great thing about them is that they are completely fine for guinea pigs to chew and eat. They won't be harmed at all, and although they won't take to it as a food, it will give them something to chew on.
Related Question Answers
Why do guinea pigs chew on nothing?
If you happen see your guinea pig chewing but he doesn't have fresh food to much on, you may wonder just what he's up to. Thanks to their unique anatomy, guinea pigs have a different way of eating -- their stomachs have some ruminant qualities, which means they chew their food twice.Is it OK for guinea pigs to chew on cardboard?
Guinea pigs' digestive systems allow them to chew wood and wood-based products such as paper and cardboard without any ill effects. Before placing cardboard in your cavy's cage, make sure it won't become a hazard to his health.Are Popsicle sticks safe for guinea pigs?
Popsicle sticks will splinter when chewed, especially by guinea pigs. The glue should be fine though.Will guinea pigs eat a wooden cage?
Because it is made from wood, your cavies will probably munch on it at least from time to time. Guinea pigs chew incessantly! They have to because their incisors (long front teeth) never stop growing. But this also means that your guinea pig will naturally be tempted to chew on her wooden cage.Is it OK for guinea pigs to chew on plastic?
Any plastic toy can be nibbled and chewed on, resulting in your cavy swallowing the plastic bits. These can be sharp, are totally indigestible, and have no business inside your guinea pig. Avoid the extra hours of cavy aerobics and just say no. " Guinea pig digestive systems are very delicate.Can guinea pigs chew on pine cones?
Unfortunately, pine cones are not good for guinea pigs at all. They have aromatic oils in them which are not good for guinea pigs at all. So steer clear of giving them to piggies, and give them something that you know they will enjoy instead.Why guinea pigs chew the bars on cage?
Guinea pigs' teeth grow continuously throughout their life, so they need to chew regularly to keep their teeth down to a healthy size. Chewing on their cage bars could mean they do not have enough things to chew on, but most likely they simply enjoy the feeling of the metal bars.Do guinea pigs like to be held?
Guinea pigs are social animals and enjoy human interaction, including petting, stroking and playing. However, it's important you learn how to handle your guinea pig correctly to avoid any injuries. It's not uncommon for guinea pigs to be skittish around their owners.Can I give my guinea pig a stuffed animal?
Yes, you can give a guinea pig a stuffed animal, just make sure the eyes of the stuffed animal are not buttons, glass or plastic because your guinea pig will try to chew on it. They love playing with them and they also get comfortable with them very easily.Do guinea pigs prefer dark or light?
Yes, guinea pigs definitely love to sleep in the dark. Guinea pigs are crepuscular animals and generally sleep in small paces of 3-10 minutes. However, if you can give them a dark and quiet environment, they feel much more secure and can take a longer nap than they take during the day.How do you entertain a guinea pig?
Here's what you need to do:- Create paper bags that your guinea pig can hide in.
- Crumple up a paper into a ball and let the guinea play when it gets out of the cage.
- Use an old sock stuffed with clean animal bedding material.
- Tennis and ping pong balls are easy ways to keep your guinea up and running around the cage.
What do guinea pigs like to play?
Provide your guinea pig with cardboard boxes, paper towel rolls or toilet paper rolls (maybe filled with hay or healthy treats) to play with. Offer a variety of appropriate and safe cat toys. Try sitting on the floor with your guinea pig and rolling balls to him.Where does a guinea pig like to be petted?
Most guinea pigs prefer a good scratch behind the ears or gentle petting on the back. Find the level of contact your pet is most comfortable with, and he will grow to enjoy his time out of the cage.Do guinea pigs need salt licks?
While guinea pigs don't need salt licks, it's worth keeping an eye on their vitamin C intake. While guinea pigs absolutely need a diet specialized for their needs, a salt (or mineral) lick isn't needed. Actually, it's best to totally stay away from them.Do guinea pigs need a running wheel?
Guinea pigs do not need exercise wheels and balls to exercise and stay active. While these products can be used for other pets such as hamsters and mice, they can be dangerous for guinea pigs. Prolonged periods in an exercise wheel may cause your guinea pigs to suffer from spinal injuries.Where do guinea pigs like to sleep?
Even though guinea pigs don't necessarily sleep at night, they definitely like sleeping in the dark. In the wild, they will find a sheltered spot where they can nap, away from hungry animals.What does a purring sound from a guinea pig mean?
Purring: this can mean your Guinea pig is happy or angry, so you'll need to look at the context of the situation carefully. A contented Guinea pig will make a low purring sound, whereas an annoyed piggy may make a more high pitched purr, with this increasing in pitch towards the end. She may also vibrate a bit as well.What household items can guinea pigs play with?
- Crumpled paper or paper bags. Easy and inexpensive, you'll most likely have these two things on-hand at home already.
- Cardboard boxes.
- Tunnels.
- Hay or grass chew balls.
- Chew sticks.
- Fleece accessories.
- Stuffed socks.
- Stuffed tubes with hay.