Just like children, guinea pigs need to have ample time to run, play and just have fun. A guinea pig with plenty to do will be much more happy and healthy than one who just sits in an empty cage all day, waiting for you to come and play with him. Below are a few fun ideas for making your piggie's life more enjoyable, and you'll probably get some enjoyment out of it too!
Friends - With very few exceptions, a piggies' favorite 'toys' to play with are each other. When you're not around, they can still run around the cage chasing each other, relaxing in a corner grooming each other, and then finally falling asleep in a furry little pile all cuddled up to each other. Of course not all guinea pigs get along that well, but never the less they are still much happier for having a friend. Providing at least one companion for them is the least you can do in return for all the joy your piggies give you. See the Social life page for more details on this important subject in cavy care.
Floor Time - Piggies love to run around and explore, so letting them out of their cage for a romp is a good idea. You can use an exercise pen or just watch them closely. Make sure wires are our of reach of nibbling teeth and that they don't chew on any furntiture, which may have toxic chemicals in the finish.
Outdoor runs - It's amazing how much piggies enjoy just being outside and nibbling grass. Making a run - or a large pen that is made to be used outdoors - is perfect for making sure they stay secure while out playing. Unlike rabbits, guinea pigs don't dig so you don't have to put a wire floor on the run. In fact this can hurt a guinea pig's feet. A good run is large, has a covered top so dogs, cats and other predators can't get in, and doesn't have any exposed nails or sharp edges that a piggie can hurt itself on. While following these basic guidelines, it's fun to get creative with your piggies' runs. A very handy tool for making great runs are the cube grids mentioned on the housing page.
Tricks for Treats - With a veggie in hand, it's amazing what you can get your pigs to do. Get creative! Mine like to 'follow the veggie' and stand up on their hind legs to reach the treat. This is good exercise for them and good fun for you!
Mazes - If you have some time on hand and want to get creative, it's fun to make mazes for piggies to go through out of cardboard boxes. Help them out at first by laying down a trail of treats through the correct path. Then, move the maze (so they can't smell where the treats were) and see if they go through the right way again! Making the mazes dark like a tunnel encourage the guinea pigs to go in, but make sure they open on the top so you can get them out!
Exercise balls/wheels - These are a BIG no-no as they can seriously injure a guinea pig's back. They should never be used.