Do you have a pet rabbit? Toys are very important for your bunny’s mental and physical health. They keep Floppy active and entertained, and also help keep her teeth healthy. While store-bought toys are great, you can also make your furry pal’s playthings. Here, a Cedar City, UT vet lists some simple toys you can make your rabbit.
Many cardboard items make great bunny toys. You can do quite a lot with the tubes from paper towel or toilet paper rolls. Fill them with shredded copy paper or fresh herbs, stack them, or cut them into small rings and reassemble them as little balls.
Plain paper is also fun for Floppy. Shred some, and put it in a shoebox or paper lunch bag. Or, crumple individual pieces up around yummy treats.
Incorporating food into Floppy’s playtime will make things even more fun for her. Use twine and clothespins to hang leafy greens between two chairs. Or, hide some snacks in an untreated wicker basket. Just be sure to only offer foods that are safe for bunnies.
Many wood items are also fine. You can give Floppy clean, aged, untreated branches or twigs from safe trees, such as apple trees. Things like wooden spoons and children’s blocks are also safe. Just don’t give your furball anything made from cherry, peach, apricot, plum, redwood, pine, or cedar. Also, avoid anything covered in varnish, stain, paint, or dye. Ask your vet for more information.
These are just a few things your rabbit may like playing with. Floppy may enjoy a straw whisk broom, dried pine cones, rubber balls, or empty oat boxes. Some bunnies also like playing with the colorful plastic caps from laundry detergent bottles. Just make sure they’ve been cleaned properly, so there’s no chemical residue. Certain baby toys, such as rattles and keys, may also be fun for your cute pet.
As you may know, bunnies are basically tiny, adorable chewing machines. In addition to providing your pet with plenty of toys, you’ll also need to do some bunnyproofing. Remove or secure anything that isn’t safe, such as toxic plants, chemicals, medications, plastic bags, wires and cords, and anything small or sharp. Ask your vet for specific advice.
Please contact us, your Cedar City, UT vet clinic, for all of your bunny’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!