Rabbit Toys

Do you have a bunny? Rabbits are very cute and lovable pets, but they do have some specific needs. In order to keep your rabbit happy and healthy, you will need to provide her with a clean, comfortable cage; proper food, including plenty of fresh hay; and safe, suitable toys. But what do bunnies play with? I’m a local Marion, IA veterinarian, and I offer a few tips in this article.

Chew toys are very important for rabbits. Bunnies have open-rooted teeth, which means their choppers never stop growing. Wild rabbits wear their teeth down by eating tough plants and roots, but pets eat much softer food. If your rabbit isn’t able to chew enough, she could develop some very painful dental issues. Many cardboard, wicker, and wood items can make great chew toys. For instance, the tubes from toilet paper rolls can make wonderful bunny playthings. Wooden children’s blocks and thread spools are also good options.

Bunnies love snacks! Try crumpling up a sheet of plain copy paper around a yummy treat, or shred some and put it into a tissue box, on top of a snack. Or, string some twine up between two chairs, and use clothespins to hang leafy greens from them. Another option is to stuff a paper lunch sack with fresh hay or herbs. Just be sure to only offer suitable snacks, such as carrot tops, clover, or Bok Choi.

Before letting your pet out to play, you’ll need to do some bunnyproofing. Some of the things to address are wires and cords; openings behind and beneath furniture; cabinets; small or sharp objects; plastic bags and wrappers; baseboards; furniture legs; and anything else your pet could get into or chew on. Consider bunnyproofing a certain room or area, and then making it into a bunny playzone. Rabbits love to jump, so set out a few footstools for your pet to hop onto. Cardboard boxes can also be lots of fun for rabbits.

Always put safety first. Never give your rabbit anything made of hard woods, such as pine or cedar. Also, avoid anything with sharp edges and/or small parts, as well as anything covered in ink or decorative paint, varnish, glitter, or dye.

Please contact me for all of your rabbit’s veterinary care needs. As your Marion, IA veterinarian, I am dedicated to providing excellent care.