New toy for bunnies

[Xxknite]

So recently I’ve brought this cat toy for my bunnies. Basically a small plastic ball with a smaller ball instead so it’ll rattle. One of them loves it, pushing it around their cage. But the other is super afraid of it. She jumps straight into the air and runs away everytime it’s near her. They’ve only had the toy for a week. Should I get rid of it or just leave it and hope she gets used to it? Thanks in advance for the help.

[drwil]

My vet said plastic anything is not so great for bunnies because they have a tendency to chew and perhaps swallow the pieces.

I give my rabbits molded cardboard from shipping boxes. Or you can just use smaller boxes with paper, not plastic tape. They will throw the boxes around and bang them on the floor at night as they get active.

[Azerane]

Plastic toys can be ok depending on the rabbit and the type of plastic. Hard plastic that can’t be chewed is generally recommended because bunnies can’t easily break pieces off and ingest them. Softer plastics with a bit of give tend to encourage chewing.

Is your other rabbit afraid of the sound, or the sight of it? If it’s the sound that triggers the fear, try working with her, keeping the ball perfectly still and encouraging her to come near it and feeding treats and pellets etc. The other possibility is that she was scared of the smells that came on it (pet store smells). I would keep the toy, she just may need help overcoming her fear of it.

[tobyluv]

A willow or straw ball would be safer than plastic. Besides the fact that plastic would be harmful if it breaks apart when chewed, the smaller ball inside would be dangerous if a rabbit can get to it and swallow it.

[BumiBunny]

I have made a hidden-treat ball out of a toilet paper roll. Just cut the roll in sections about a finger width in size and assemble. It’s super easy and then you can put one of their favorite treats inside. It will make a rattle noise but will entice a bunny due to the treat. My bun loves it, although took him awhile to figure out how to get the treat. (He isn’t the brightest bun, but it offered a lot of entertainment for him and I didn’t have to be concerned with plastic bits.) Willow and straw balls would also be a good trade off. But I agree with Azerane, if she is worried about the sound I would try to work with her to overcome the fear.

[LittlePuffyTail]

My bunnies have hard plastic baby toys and have had hard plastic cat balls as well and have always been fine. Like anything else, take it away if you notice signs of chewing.

[cinnybun2015]

I think that I bought the same toy as you. Sometimes my bun nibbles at it, but never actually chews. If you find broken plastic, take it away. Or if your bunny has a notorious habit for chewing plastic, I wouldn’t recommend it. Other than that, I think it’s an entertaining toy!

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