FAQ: Toys for small pets

Not fully. For social animals such as guinea pigs, rats, degus and rabbits, another of their own kind matters more than any toy. Toys and attention help, but they do not replace contact with their own species.

Foraging toys, tunnels and scattered food encourage the animal to move more and eat more slowly. Weight problems are mainly tackled with the right diet and room to exercise, though, so ask a vet about a weight-loss plan.

During recovery the animal needs rest, so keep a low hideout, hay and simple floor toys, and remove climbing frames, platforms and ramps for a while. Ask the vet when the usual toys can go back.

Scrub wooden toys with a brush and hot water, without strong chemicals that could soak into the wood. Dry them thoroughly afterwards, as damp wood goes mouldy quickly.

If a toy is very dirty, a small amount of mild, unscented detergent can be used, but the wood must then be rinsed very well. Hot water and a brush are usually enough, and diluted vinegar helps remove urine stains.

Wash ceramic and hard plastic houses with warm water and a mild detergent, remove urine scale with diluted vinegar and rinse well. Ceramic houses can often go in the dishwasher without detergent too.

Shake out bedding and hair before washing, use an unscented detergent without fabric softener and dry them thoroughly. It is worth having two sets so one can be in the cage while the other is in the wash.

Throw out hay and willow toys when they get damp, soiled with urine, start to mould or smell bad. Washing them is usually not worth it, as wet hay spoils quickly.

Keep natural toys, twigs and hay products in a dry, airy place, in a paper bag or box rather than sealed plastic. Keep them away from damp and pests, and check for mould before giving them.

Urine-soaked wood smells and can harbour bacteria. If the toy is only slightly damp, wash it and dry it well, but one that is heavily soaked is better thrown away and replaced.

Check and clean toys along with the weekly cage clean, and straight away if they end up in the toilet corner or get soiled with food. Cardboard toys are not cleaned; simply replace them.

Some owners leave twigs and wooden toys in a low oven for a while to dry them out and kill insects. Only do this with untreated wood without glue or paint, never leave it unattended, and let it cool before giving it.

Hard toys such as ceramic or plastic houses can be passed on after thorough washing and disinfecting. Wooden, hay and fabric toys used by a sick animal are better thrown away, as they are hard to clean completely.

A toy should match the animal’s size: a rabbit could swallow or get stuck in one that is too small, while one too big and heavy will be awkward for a small rodent. Check which species the toy is meant for and compare opening and tunnel widths with your animal.

Sets are handy for trying several different toys and finding out which ones the animal likes. Before buying, check that everything in the set is made of safe materials and suits your animal’s species and size.

Check what materials the toy is made of, whether it contains glue, paint or metal parts, which species it is meant for and its dimensions. If the description does not state the material, it is worth choosing another toy with clear details.

Many natural-material toys suit various small pets, but size differs: rabbit houses and tunnels are too big for a hamster, and hamster toys are too small for a rabbit and could be swallowed. Choose a toy based on the animal’s size and habits.

Price depends on material, size, handwork, durability and whether the toy is consumable or long-lasting. A simple cardboard or hay toy can be just as useful as a pricier one if the animal enjoys it.

A big toy in a small cage takes up space the animal needs for moving. Measure the cage before buying and leave enough free floor, and large toys can be used in a playpen outside the cage.

On the first day the most important things are a hideout to retreat into, something to chew and, depending on the species, deep bedding, a tunnel or a wheel. Introduce other toys gradually once the animal has settled in.