Toy Ideas for Blind Bunny

[MaryMeg]

Hello all! 

I’m a newbie here, so I apologize if this question is in the wrong place! 

A couple months ago, I adopted a lionhead bunny (named Elvis for his fabulous black hair!) who is completely blind in one eye and almost blind in the other. Despite his vision problems, he’s been doing remarkably well- he’s memorized the layout of his room, and he knows the sound of his food bags/boxes being opened very well! 

However, some aspects of his habitat- namely his toys- he is just not interested in at all. I can’t say I blame him, given his vision problems! He’s generally just much more lethargic than my previous bunny, and I’m a little worried about the impacts it could have on some aspects of his health (particularly his weight and his teeth- he never chews on the wooden toys he has!) 

If anyone has any suggestions on how to get him more active and curious, I would be super appreciative! 

[Sr. Melangell]

Oh how nice to have a blind bunny, some bunnies don’t chew anything (My Olly does so no nice soft beds etc)
I’m almost blind its a condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa, so I am quite understanding this, I’m colour blind have cataracts, tunnel vision, low vision so I get lazy, stay in listening to music or stories if no one can assist me, can you put Elvis on a Harness and walk him round your house or garden? For chewing, how about some marigold and parsley hay wheels? Maybe a ball with a bell inside like cats play with to make a noise will make him play, have you tried to give him a massage and playing soft music in the back? He might like it, we like touch, even if you could stroke his nose till he sleeps, if I can think of anything else I’ll let you know, was he born blind?

[Q8bunny]

Since his eyesight is compromised, I would make or get toys that stimulate his other senses. You could get one of those cat toys that looks like a little fishing pole and tie a light jingly ball to the end of the line and try to get your bun to follow the sound and grab/toss the ball around.

You might also try stuffing fragrant herbs in a toilet paper tube ring (I like to cut them so they’re only half as long). The scent would lead him to it and he could both nom or toss around for fun.

[MaryMeg]

Thank you so much for the suggestions! I think a harness is a great idea. He wasn’t born blind- unfortunately, his previous owners were abusive, and the lack of nutrition caused him to lose his eyesight along with some other issues that had to be fixed through surgery! 

[MaryMeg]

Thank you so much! I think those are both great ideas- I’ll get some toys that have bells on them to see if he takes an interest! I also think the herbs in the toilet paper tube sounds really promising!!  

[Asriel and Bombur]

Go easy with harness training though, especially because he is blind he may feel even more restricted? Harness training can take a while and you’ll really need to be patient and not rush it. some bunnies can get spooked and break legs/spine if they aren’t careful.

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