FAQ: Toys for small pets

Join several sturdy cardboard boxes without tape by cutting openings between them to create rooms and tunnels. The openings must be big enough for the rabbit to pass through easily, and chewed boxes can simply be replaced.

Dried corn cobs and husks are a favourite chewing item for some small pets. They must be completely dry, free of mould and without kernels, as the kernels are high in calories and only suitable as an occasional treat.

Fleece or other non-fraying fabric can work as a hideout or cover for rats and guinea pigs, as long as they do not chew it. Fabrics with loops, loose threads or fraying edges are unsuitable, as paws get caught in them.

No, rodents chew off and swallow glue and tape, and sticky tape can get stuck to the fur. It is better to join cardboard pieces with slots that fit into each other, or tie them with natural string you keep an eye on.

Plain brown cardboard with no print or glossy coating is the better choice. Packaging cardboard often has inks, varnish or a plastic layer, and sometimes food residue that can go off.

New wooden spoons or pegs made from safe wood that are untreated, unvarnished and unoiled can be fine to chew. Used kitchen items are best avoided, as they may have soaked up fat, spices and detergent.

Take a sturdy cardboard box without tape, cut off the top and fill it with shredded paper, hay or other safe bedding. For rabbits you can leave the sides higher so less material gets scattered around.

Many owners swap a few toys or rearrange them every week or two, keeping some in reserve and bringing them back later. That way old toys seem new and the animal has something to explore, but do not change all the hideouts at once.

Yes, if toys fill most of the cage the animal has no room left to run and the cage is harder to clean. Fewer toys of different types, swapped regularly, work better.

Many rodents avoid new objects at first until they are sure they are safe. Leave the toy for a few days, rub it with bedding from the cage or add a treat, and if the animal still ignores it, try a different kind of toy.

Put the new toy in an area the animal uses, but not right next to its nest, and let it explore at its own pace. A favourite food placed beside or inside helps, but do not push the toy at the animal.

For many small pets, especially rats and rabbits, interaction with their owner is an important part of enrichment. Daily time together, hand feeding, hide-and-seek with treats or simple tricks strengthen the bond and reduce boredom.

No, even the best-equipped cage does not replace exercise in a larger space. Rabbits, rats, degus and chinchillas need daily time in a safe pen or room where they can run, jump and explore.

Tossing and pushing is normal rabbit play; they also rearrange their space this way and sometimes ask their owner for attention. If the rabbit flips its bowls, choose heavier or fixed ones, and give it light toys for throwing.

Hamsters, mice and rats are most active at night, so squeaky wheels, rattling balls or wooden toys knocked against the bars can be noisy. Choose quiet toys, fix them firmly and, if possible, keep the cage out of the bedroom.

Light hay and willow toys, cardboard tunnels, low hideouts and simple foraging toys with hay or herbs suit young rabbits. Their digestion is sensitive, so do not put treats in the toys.

Older animals need low, easily reached hideouts, soft resting spots and simple foraging toys on the floor. Avoid high platforms, steep ramps and complex climbing frames, as joints and balance weaken with age.

An animal with poor sight finds its way by smell and memory, so do not change the cage layout or where the hideouts are. Use scented foraging toys and low tunnels, and avoid heights it could fall from.

For a rodent undergoing dental treatment, it is best to discuss suitable toys and food with the vet. Soft hay toys and foraging with gentle food often work, while very hard chews may need to be set aside for a while.

Yes, foraging toys and treats from your hand help the animal link its owner with good experiences. Start with toys in the cage, then do the same during floor playtime, letting the animal come to you.