Dangerous toy, could get head stuck?

Tara95 · Nov 25, 2020

So I brought the guinea pigs a new toy ages ago and have only just given it to them properly yesterday called the boredom breaker see picture attached. They love it but they keep sticking their head into the holes that are quite deep but narrow to get the treats out. They have to nestle their heads right into the holes and do this quite alot. I have taken it out as a precaution, but if this is deemed safe I will put it back because they seemed to all be really engaged for long periods of time. When I looked online I panicked we my initial thought is it's for hamsters (although I remember it saying guinea pigs at the shop) I looked at the description on amazon (see image attached) and it does say it is also for guinea pigs? What would you guys do? Many thanks!
They seemed to enjoy it.

Siikibam · Nov 25, 2020

It depends how big the holes are. Can they easily get their faces in and out? If it’s even a tight squeeze I probably wouldn’t use it again.

Unfortunately there are things sold as suitable for piggies when they’re not.

Tara95 · Nov 25, 2020

Siikibam said:
It depends how big the holes are. Can they easily get their faces in and out? If it’s even a tight squeeze I probably wouldn’t use it again.

Unfortunately there are things sold as suitable for piggies when they’re not.

Thank you it is a very tight squeeze. It wasn't so much 3 months ago but very much so now. They were enjoying it so much I just wish the holes were bigger. Especially as their whole head and neck gets lost in the deeper holes. Can't believe this type of thing would be marketed for hamsters and guinea pigs and even rabbits! It's the perfect size for a guinea pigs head to get completely stuck and mine are young, God knows what would happen in a few months, really dangerous marketing!

Siikibam · Nov 25, 2020

Could you cut away at it so it widens?

Betsy · Nov 25, 2020

Siikibam said:
Could you cut away at it so it widens?

I was going to suggest that!

Siikibam · Nov 25, 2020

Betsy said:
I was going to suggest that!

What, a pignapping?

did I say that out loud?

Tara95 · Nov 25, 2020

Betsy said:
I was going to suggest that!

I tried cutting it and that didn't work. Tried using a knife didn't work. I'm going to try and saw it tomorrow and hopefully that'll work! @Siikibam thank you for suggestion!

& Betsy!

Gem789 · Nov 25, 2020

Tara95 said:
I tried cutting it and that didn't work. Tried using a knife didn't work. I'm going to try and saw it tomorrow and hopefully that'll work! @Siikibam thank you for suggestion! & Betsy!

I bought this for my piggies last Christmas and never had any issues with it.

Tara95 · Nov 25, 2020

Gem789 said:
I bought this for my piggies last Christmas and never had any issues with it.

I suppose it's foraging behavior sticking their heads in smaller spaces and probably kind of natural in nature I imagine it's safe as it's advertised for guinea pigs. Will probably try it back in the cage as they enjoy it so much. Many thanks, have probably been worrying a bit too much! X

Sweet Potato · Nov 26, 2020

Thanks for the warning I've seen these and was considering getting one for my boys but I'll definitely avoid it now

Betsy · Nov 26, 2020

Siikibam said:
What, a pignapping? did I say that out loud?

Absolutely my piggy napping pal. I was trying to use code that only you would understand. :sly:

Siikibam · Nov 26, 2020

Sorry about that, I dropped us in it. You up for some socially distanced wine later?

Betsy · Nov 26, 2020

Siikibam said:
Sorry about that, I dropped us in it. You up for some socially distanced wine later?

Oh absolutely! Shall I bring round a bottle? Actually better make it tomorrow night. You don't want to get drunk on a school night!