I have a guinee pig. It depends on the temperment ofyour guinee pig, but most like tobe held. It is not goo to let your guinee pig just run around the houseb/c they can get into or under anything. They may be hard to find after they are in something. theyre cages shold be atleast a foot wide and long. Although they do not run around alot, they do need their space.they mainly do not play with toys unless it is safe for them to chew... Good luck!