Be careful of willow balls!

[Somebunny78]

I purchased a willow ball from a chain pet store and my rabbit loved ripping it apart, which I thought would be fine. Until I came home yesterday evening and found that a coil of the ball had gotten wrapped around poor Charlie’s middle. Thank god it wasn’t very tight, I was able to get it off pretty easily, but Charlie was obviously very distressed. He didn’t eat his dinner that night and spent most of our play time sitting in his cage, when usually he would be running all over the place. This morning he is acting completely normal, so I think he’s fine just a little spooked. I felt around where it was and he isn’t hurt thank god. I just keep thinking about what if it had gotten wrapped around his neck or what if it was tighter and constricted his breathing? I would assume he would be able to bite it off himself, but it concerns me that he didn’t do that before I got home (who knows how long he had been stuck with that thing around him). 

Moral of the story, just be careful with those balls. I know there are higher quality ones available and I’m sure those are fine, but the cheap ones from the big pet stores I would steer clear of. I looked into it and a few other owners had safety issues with these toys as well, some injuries from them quite severe, but nothing posted recently so I figured I would supply a fresh reminder.

[sarahthegemini]

That’s why they usually say to use under supervision. Once my buns have partially destroyed Willow balls and rings and whatnot, they only have it when I’m here to watch them. Glad your bun is okay tho!

[BunnyFriends]

Glad he’s a-okay

Yeah, I also use mine under supervision. Generally speaking they only get them when they have to have penned/ one room floor time. I out other toys down when they get whole house.

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