Play Toy and Materials Safety

[kawaiimiyo]

I was hoping to find a thread that might have an actual list of toys or materials that are either safe, or unsafe to use in a guinea pig cage... Rather than seeking each item out one by one but didn't see anything like that.

I am going to be making some random toys and things for my piggy, And I was wondering if anyone could tell me if any of these items are safe, or have safe alternatives, or what to watch out for?

-Glue (I know people give their piggies paper towel rolls, those have glue, is there a 'safe' type of glue I can use for cardboard?)

-Tape (Is there any safe tape available? Packing tape ? Duct tape?

-Rope (For hanging or stringing things?)

-Buttons (If well secured? Plastic? Wooden?)

-Ink or paint (or any coloring materials? Is there *anything* with ink on it deemed safe? like cereal boxes ? would childrens non-toxic markers be safe?)

-Fuzzy stuff (Stuffed animals? Fuzzy , shaggy or chenille type materials that may be 'pulled' at?)

-Wood (Is un-finished the same as un-treated? If I want to buy a wooden toy for my piggy how can I tell if it is safe?)

And is there some sort of "Rule of thumb" that I can apply when shopping or crafting for my guinea pig cage? For example, if it's safe for a 1 year old to put in their mouth can I assume it's safe for a guinea-pig? (thinking of markers, patches or things like buttons) If it is "non-toxic" for children for example?

 

[MochaAndMoo]

-Glue (I know people give their piggies paper towel rolls, those have glue, is there a 'safe' type of glue I can use for cardboard?)

You can get non-toxic "kid-safe" glues, it wouldn't be particularly healthy for them to consume but it'd be better than toxic glue.

-Tape (Is there any safe tape available? Packing tape ? Duct tape?

Tapes are packed with chemicals, I'm not aware of any safe ones.

-Rope (For hanging or stringing things?)

Rope should be fine, it's used in a ton of different guinea pig toys. You can make a "fleece rope" by cutting three long squares of fleece and braiding them.

-Buttons (If well secured? Plastic? Wooden?)

Yep, if you can find a way to secure it (Which may prove itself as challenging). Make sure the buttons are large and don't pose as a choking risk.

-Ink or paint (or any coloring materials? Is there *anything* with ink on it deemed safe? like cereal boxes ? would childrens non-toxic markers be safe?)

You can get soy-based inks (They use them to print newspaper).

-Fuzzy stuff (Stuffed animals? Fuzzy , shaggy or chenille type materials that may be 'pulled' at?)

I'd say no, could be torn apart and consumed which could lead to deadly health issues (Like blockages).

-Wood (Is un-finished the same as un-treated? If I want to buy a wooden toy for my piggy how can I tell if it is safe?)

I'm fairly certain they're the same thing. Make sure all colored woods use pet-safe dyes.

Kudos to you for making your own toys and not buying pet-store junk, good luck! Make sure you post some pictures of your creations.

 

[Lasinalia]

I'm fairly sure most forums have said to get a lone pig a stuffed animal to cuddle...just watchfor too much wear n tear n dirtiness. and don't use yarn. I was told emphatically no yarn cuz they would tear it apart and choke on long strands.

 

[RandomCavy]

I'm pretty sure stuffed animals are safe, as long as they don't have any loose strings. Until I get my piggy a friend, I have been giving him stuffed animals to cuddle

 

[Mellisenda]

The wood has to be untreated kiln dried pine. Nothing else, not just unfinished.

 

[PiggieGuinea]

The wood has to be untreated kiln dried pine. Nothing else, not just unfinished.

Or untreated aspen. That is what my cage is made from