DIY Pet Toys
Pint-sized critters such as bunnies, guinea pigs, chinchillas, mice, or hamsters are almost always looking for something to chew on to keep them busy throughout their day. Most small pets have open-rooted teeth, which means that their pearly whites will never stop growing! In the wild, these animals have tough roots and plants to eat that help wear down their teeth. Since many of these animals have become household pets their diets have gotten softer, creating the need for them to chew on other things to maintain good dental health. If your furry friend cannot chew enough on food or other items they may develop painful dental issues which can lead to other severe health risks.
To help keep your pocket pet’s teeth healthy and happy, it is best to provide them with several chew toys. You can find several pre-made chew-friendly toys for small pets at your local pet store but sometimes they can be expensive. Luckily, you don’t have to break the bank on toys for your little critter just to chew up and destroy. Here are several common household items that make great playthings for your pet!
Plain Paper
If you have a printer full of plain copy paper laying around somewhere in your house, you have a fresh supply of potential toys. You can crumple several pieces of plain paper into balls and stuff them inside a box or bag for your pet to nibble towards. Does your pet have a favorite treat? Try wrapping the treat up in a piece of paper like a present (without using tape or glue) for the furry friend the unwrap. Another option is for you to cut or fold the paper into small shapes for your pet to chew on.
Cardboard Tubes
Toilet paper rolls or paper towel rolls make great toys for small pets. Try stuffing the cardboard roll with your pet’s favorite type of hay. This encourages them to eat more hay while also causing them to nibble on some cardboard. You can also cut a roll into small rings and then assemble the rings into a small ball of cardboard around a snack. And lastly, you can just give your furry friend a plain roll to nibble on. My bunnies love to move their toilet paper rolls around their pen while slowly taking chunks off.
Boxes
Cardboard boxes can be a lot of fun for your small pet! You can make a cute hidey-hole for your tiny pal out of a shoebox, like a castle. Or you can attach several boxes to make a maze or tunnel for your pet to explore while also offering them ample amounts of chewing material.
Wood/Wicker Items
Items made of wood and wicker, such as spoons, children’s blocks, or baskets can make amazing toys for your pet. All you need to do before handing over these items to your critter are to make sure they are properly cleaned and disinfected, made from safe materials, and don’t have paint, varnish, or glitter on their surfaces. Try to avoid toys made of pine or cedar because they can be toxic to small animals if ingested. Make sure to contact your veterinarian if you have any questions about what materials are safe for your pet to play with and chew on.
Do you have any other household items that make great toys for small pets? Please let us know in the comments!