Oxbow Animal Health Enriched Life Apple Stick Dangly Small Animal Toy

Hanging Apple Wood Chew Toy with Sisal Enrichment for Active Play

Product Description

The Oxbow Enriched Life Apple Stick Dangly with Sisal Treat combines untreated apple wood sticks with natural sisal rope for interactive hanging enrichment. Designed for rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, and gerbils, this toy attaches securely to habitat walls and encourages natural chewing, jumping, and exploring. The dangly design promotes physical activity while the varied textures provide mental stimulation and dental health benefits through instinctual play behaviors.

Benefits

• Encourages Active Physical Play: Hanging design promotes jumping and stretching for exercise.
• Supports Dental Health: Apple wood chewing naturally wears down continuously growing teeth.
• Multiple Texture Enrichment: Apple wood plus sisal rope provides varied sensory engagement.
• Interactive Mental Stimulation: Encourages exploration and problem-solving through interactive play.
• Secure Habitat Attachment: Easy hanging mechanism for safe and stable cage integration.

Materials Used

• Untreated Apple Wood Sticks: Natural apple sticks free from chemicals, pesticides, and toxins.
• Natural Sisal Rope: 100% biodegradable sisal fiber safe for small animals to chew.

Features

• Hanging Design: Dangles from a secure attachment point, encouraging vertical exploration and play.
• Durable Construction: Securely fastened apple sticks and sisal rope withstand active use.
• Multi-Texture Appeal:A  Combination of hardwood and fibrous sisal engages different chewing instincts.
• Easy Installation: A simple hanging mechanism attaches to most small animal habitats quickly.
• Appropriate Size for Small Pets: Designed specifically for rabbits, guinea pigs, and similar animals.

How to Use

Specifications

• Dimensions: 0.59" x 4" x 15.35"
• Materials: Untreated apple wood sticks, natural sisal rope, secure hanging attachment
• Suitable For: Rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice
• Weight: Lightweight, appropriate for secure hanging

Usage Instructions

• Secure Attachment: Attach the toy securely to the habitat using the included hanger or secure clip.
• Height Positioning: Position within reach, but encourage stretching and vertical exploration.
• Supervise Initial Use: Monitor first interactions to ensure safe and appropriate engagement.
• Encourage Interaction: Introduce toy by demonstrating movement or positioning near favorite areas.
• Rotate Placement: Change hanging location periodically to maintain novelty and interest.

Additional Information

Care Instructions

• Inspect Regularly: Check weekly for loose components, excessive wear, or structural damage.
• Replace When Worn: Remove the toy showing significant deterioration or damage compromising safety.
• Store Safely: Keep in a cool, dry location away from moisture when not in use.
• Monitor Consumption: Watch consumption rates and adjust if excessive sisal ingestion occurs.
• Clean Attachment Points: Ensure hanging mechanism remains secure and clean for reliable performance.

Safety Instructions

• Supervise During Use: Always monitor your pet during initial play and periodically thereafter.
• Check for Damage: Regularly inspect for broken pieces, sharp edges, or loose components that create hazards.
• Prevent Entanglement: Monitor that the toy doesn't become wrapped around the pet's neck or limbs.
• Remove if Damaged: Discontinue use immediately if showing wear, creating choking hazards.
• Age-Appropriate: Ensure toy size and design suit your specific small animal species.

Shipping & Return

We offer ground, express, priority, and international delivery; see our shipping policy for details.

For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How does the hanging design benefit my small animal compared to stationary toys?

Ans: Hanging toys encourage vertical movement, jumping, and stretching which provide important physical exercise. Dangly movement engages hunting and pouncing instincts, supporting cardiovascular health and muscle development. The interactive nature maintains pets' interest longer than stationary toys while promoting natural active behaviors essential for overall well-being.

Q2: Is the sisal rope safe for my rabbit or guinea pig to chew?

Ans: Sisal rope is made from 100% natural plant fiber and is biodegradable, making small amounts of incidental ingestion safe. However, monitor consumption as excessive sisal fiber ingestion could potentially cause digestive upset. Most pets primarily chew rather than consume large quantities, making sisal a safe enrichment material for supervised play.

Q3: How long does the Apple Stick Dangly toy typically last before needing replacement?

Ans: Duration varies based on individual chewing intensity. Light chewers enjoy the toy for several weeks, while enthusiastic chewers may consume it within days. Inspect weekly for deterioration and replace when showing significant wear, loose components, or structural damage compromising safety.

Q4: Can I combine this hanging toy with other enrichment items in my pet's habitat?

Ans: Absolutely. Pair with puzzle toys, cardboard items, hay-based enrichment, and other Oxbow products for diverse stimulation. Varied textures and interactive opportunities prevent habituation and maintain sustained mental engagement throughout the day.

Q5: How securely does the toy attach to my habitat?

Ans: The included hanging mechanism securely attaches to most small animal habitat walls and doors. Ensure secure attachment before allowing pet interaction to prevent falling hazards. Check the attachment regularly to maintain security through active play and chewing.

Q6: What should I do if my pet shows no interest in the dangly toy?

Ans: Try placing treats along the sisal or near the apple wood to encourage exploration. Some pets need time to discover new toys; reintroduce after a few days. Alternatively, move to different habitat locations or combine with their favorite toys to increase interest and engagement.

Q7: Is the Apple Stick Dangly suitable for senior or less active animals?

Ans: Yes, the toy accommodates different activity levels. Senior pets can engage with the toy at their own pace without requiring vigorous play. Gentle exploration and chewing provide mental stimulation and dental benefits suitable for aging animals with reduced physical activity.

Q8: How does the combination of apple wood and sisal rope enhance enrichment?

Ans: Apple wood provides a hard texture for dental chewing and physical resistance, while sisal rope offers a softer fibrous material for tugging and exploration. Combined textures appeal to different chewing instincts and sensory preferences, providing more comprehensive enrichment engagement than single-texture toys.

Q9: Can the toy be reused after my pet finishes consuming the initial portions?

Ans: The toy degrades naturally through chewing and consumption. Once significantly consumed or structurally compromised, replacement is recommended for safety. However, individual components may be reusable if still intact, or the toy can be refreshed with new apple sticks or sisal if applicable.

Q10: What safety precautions should I observe when using this hanging toy?

Ans: Always supervise initial use and periodic interactions. Ensure secure attachment, preventing falling hazards. Monitor for loose components, sharp edges, or entanglement risks. Remove immediately if showing damage compromising safety. Check appropriate sizing for your specific small animal species, ensuring safe interaction.