Toy and enrichment suggestions for picky bunnies

[tofu]

I have two 1 year old house buns, and since I’ve got them they’ve been almost completely uninterested in anything I’ve tried to give them for toys. I’ve tried wood chews, toss toys, crinkle toys, shakers, stuffed toys, hay puzzle toys, cat toys, literally anything I can get my hands on. I’ve also tried to get them additional covered beds or just little comfy things like a blanket or small dog/cat beds and they have zero interest. I’ve only ever seen them interact with those very slim applewood sticks, which they wind up just eating.

I know they have each other but I’m worried they’re not getting enough enrichment and are bored. I’m also worried about them not chewing on toys for their teeth, plus their disinterest in toys for chewing makes it harder for me to provide them an alternative outlet that’s not things they’re not supposed to be chewing like furniture. Does anyone have any suggestions or similar situations? Should I be worrying less about their need for toys?

[DanaNM]

Do they tend to chew things they aren’t supposed to?

And do they have a good hay appetite? Sometimes hay satisfies most of the urge to chew and is the most important thing for teeth. If they aren’t being destructive, I wouldn’t worry too much!

That said, seagrass mats are very popular with my buns, as are the fresh willow wreaths and willow baskets on binky bunny. Mine do tend to like twigs more than big solid blocks of wood. It’s very normal and healthy for them to eat the twigs. Phone books are good for shredders (if you can find them).

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[tofu]

They definitely chew things they’re not supposed to, particularly my girl who really likes to go for furniture and cords. They surprisingly have not tried anything else like baseboards or carpet.

 

They have a great appetite, my boy arguably has -too- much of an appetite because he just really likes eating. I always give them plenty for the day, they have two litter boxes to choose from as well.

 

I tried one of the oxbow woven hidey tents which they have chewed on from time to time but mostly ignore it. I’ll try the seagrass and willow ones, maybe a different material will be more interesting for them. For the phonebook, if they eat it are the pages safe? They tend to like to eat whatever they rip up

[DanaNM]

Phone books are safe, except for any glossy pages, so I usually just rip those out. I have found the buns to be more interested in the seagrass mats than the timothy ones. If you are in an area where it is safe to forage for things (not in an RHDV area), bamboo (with young leaves and shoots), fresh willow, and any other safe fresh twigs will probably be popular. I think sometimes buns don’t go for purchased wood because it’s too old and not as enticing.

Another thing that my destructive bunnies really liked were cardboard cat scratchers. They saved my carpet!

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

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