Meet My Rabbit + Making Chew Toys

Hey there! Today's post is for all you rabbit lovers out there. If you don't have a pet rabbit then share this post with someone who does! :)

If you have a pet companion of any kind then you know how costly buying pet toys can be. I love my dear bunny so I don't mind shelling out some cash for her toys but I do love when I can make her toys for FREE.

This is my lovely pet rabbit, Luna.

Luna is a 7 month old female Havana rabbit. Her likes include bananas, chasing towels,head rubs, and chewing on anything that doesn't move.

Rabbits have a natural instinct to chew so it is very important to provide plenty of chew toys to keep your rabbit happy. This will also keep them from destroying your furniture. About a month ago I bought a toy pine cone from a pet store for around $4. Luna enjoyed the toy so much I decided to search my local flora for more bunny toys.

Here is my method to prepare pine cones from your local pine trees to use as rabbit chew toys. This might also be a toy option for hamsters, guinea pigs,or other small animals but I would check with your vet first to make sure it's safe.

Before you start:
Make sure you are choosing pine cones from a tree that has not been sprayed with pesticides. Pesticides can be very dangerous to your little bun.  Also make sure the pine cones are completely free of sap.

Step 1: Soak the pine cones in a solution of white vinegar and water. If needed use a toothbrush to remove any dirt.

Step 2: Preheat your oven to 200 degrees.

Step 3: Use nail clippers to clip off the sharp points from the scales. Also clip off any prickly points on the top and bottom. Rub your fingers all around the pine cone to make sure you have removed anything that could potentially hurt your pet.

Step 4: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and arrange the pine cones on the sheet.

Step 5: Bake the pine cones for 30-40 minutes or until the scales start to open a bit and the entire cone is dry. Let the pine cones completely cool before giving them to your rabbit.

Step 6 (optional): For an additional treat you can brush on a little mashed banana right before giving the toy to your bunny. Bunnies love banana.

Additional Tips:

• If you are concerned your pine cones have bugs place them in an air-tight bag for a few days. When you remove them from the bag use a toothbrush to clean in between the scales to remove the dead insects.
• Do not store pine cones with banana on them. They will mold and ruin your chew toys. 
• If you notice mold growing on either prepared or unprepared pine cones throw them away and do not give them to your rabbit.
• If you are unsure about whether or not this toy is right for your specific rabbit consult your vet. 

I really hope you and your furry friend have enjoyed this post! Let me know if you would like to see more pet related posts.

Have a great day!

Other places to connect:
Twitter: @imperfectperla
Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com\TheImperfectpearl or click here