Oxbow Animal Health Enriched Life Willow Play Cube Small Animal Chew Toy

Untreated Willow Wood Cube for Interactive Chewing and Hiding

Product Description

The Oxbow Enriched Life Willow Play Cube is a natural, untreated willow wood cube designed for rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, and gerbils. This multi-functional toy serves as a chew toy, rolling toy, and hiding spot for treats and food. The cube encourages natural instincts, including chewing, exploring, and foraging, while supporting dental health through consistent use and interactive engagement.

Benefits

• Supports Healthy Dental Wear: Willow wood encourages chewing that naturally wears down continuously growing teeth.
• Promotes Foraging Behavior: Perfect for hiding treats and food, stimulating natural foraging instincts, and mental engagement.
• Multi-Functional Design: Serves as a chew toy, rolling toy, and hiding spot for versatile enrichment value.
• 100% Natural Materials: Untreated willow wood is completely safe for extended chewing and interaction.
• Encourages Active Play: Interactive design keeps pets engaged in rolling, tossing, and exploring activities.

Materials Used

• Untreated Willow Wood: Natural willow wood cube free from chemicals, pesticides, or harmful coatings.

Features

• Hide-and-Seek Design: Interior design accommodates treats and food for foraging engagement.
• Rolling and Tossing: A Lightweight, appropriately sized cube encourages active play and movement.
• Safe Wood Construction: Willow wood is veterinarian-approved as safe for continuous chewing.
• Compact Size: Fits comfortably in most small animal habitats without consuming excessive space.
• Durable Cube Shape: Maintains structural integrity through extended chewing and interactive play.

How to Use

Specifications

• Dimensions: 4.875" x 1.625" x 7.375"
• Material: Untreated willow wood
• Suitable For: Rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice, degus
• Weight: Lightweight for rolling and tossing play

Usage Instructions

• Place in Habitat: Add the cube to your pet's habitat in accessible areas where they spend active time.
• Stuff with Treats: Hide small treats or hay pieces inside compartments for foraging engagement.
• Encourage Interaction: Allow your pet to toss, roll, chew, and explore the cube naturally.
• Supervise Initial Use: Monitor first interactions to ensure safe and appropriate engagement with the toy.
• Rotate Placement: Change cube location periodically to maintain novelty and sustained interest.

Additional Information

Care Instructions

• Inspect Regularly: Check weekly for signs of excessive wear, damage, or deterioration.
• Replace When Worn: Remove and discard the toy showing significant damage or structural compromise.
• Store Safely: Keep in a cool, dry location away from moisture to maintain wood integrity.
• Minimal Cleaning: Wipe with a damp cloth if needed, then air dry completely before returning to the habitat.
• Monitor Consumption: Watch that chewing is the primary behavior rather than rapid consumption.

Safety Instructions

• Supervise During Use: Always monitor your pet during initial play and periodically thereafter.
• Check for Damage: Regularly inspect for splintering, loose pieces, or sharp edges that create hazards.
• Prevent Excessive Ingestion: While willow is non-toxic, monitor to ensure primarily chewing behavior.
• Remove if Damaged: Discontinue use immediately if showing significant wear or structural compromise.
• Age-Appropriate: Ensure toy size and design suit your specific small animal species and size.

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 chewing the willow wood cube help my rabbit or guinea pig's dental health?

Ans: Willow wood's natural texture encourages chewing that wears down continuously growing teeth through friction and natural jaw pressure. Rabbits' and guinea pigs' teeth grow throughout life, requiring constant wear through chewing. The cube texture provides an ideal surface for this natural dental maintenance, preventing overgrowth and related dental complications.

Q2: Is willow wood safe if my pet ingests small pieces while chewing?

Ans: Yes, willow wood is completely non-toxic and safe if small amounts are accidentally ingested. The wood contains no harmful chemicals or toxins. However, monitor consumption to ensure your pet is primarily chewing rather than consuming large quantities, which could cause digestive upset in some sensitive animals.

Q3: Can I use the willow cube as a treat dispenser?

Ans: Absolutely. Stuff the cube interior with small treats, hay pieces, or favorite foods to encourage foraging engagement. This hide-and-seek approach stimulates natural food-seeking behaviors, provides mental enrichment, and extends play time significantly beyond simple chewing.

Q4: How long does the Willow Play Cube typically last before needing replacement?

Ans: Duration varies based on chewing intensity and individual preferences. Light chewers enjoy cubes for several weeks, while enthusiastic chewers might consume them within days. Monitor for deterioration and replace when showing significant wear, splintering, or structural damage compromising safety.

Q5: What makes willow wood safer than other wood types for small animals?

Ans: Willow wood is specifically chosen because it's soft, non-toxic, and naturally safe for extended chewing. Unlike stone-fruit woods like cherry or plum, which contain cyanide compounds, willow contains no known toxins. Veterinarians recommend willow specifically for small animal enrichment toys.

Q6: Can I combine the Willow Play Cube with other enrichment toys?

Ans: Absolutely. Pair with apple sticks, puzzle toys, timothy hay waffles, and other Oxbow products for diverse enrichment. Varied textures and types prevent habituation and maintain sustained engagement. Rotate different toys throughout the week, keeping your pet mentally stimulated.

Q7: Is the Willow Play Cube suitable for senior or less active small animals?

Ans: Yes, the cube accommodates different activity levels perfectly. Senior pets can engage 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 levels.

Q8: What should I do if my pet shows no initial interest in the cube?

Ans: Try placing treats inside and positioning them near favorite resting areas to encourage exploration. Some pets need time to discover new toys; reintroduce after several days. Alternatively, place the cube near regular feeding areas or combine it with established favorite toys to increase interest and engagement.

Q9: How do I clean and maintain the Willow Play Cube?

Ans: Wipe with a damp cloth if needed, then air dry completely before returning to the habitat. Avoid soaking or excessive moisture, as this compromises willow wood's integrity. Regular inspection ensures it remains safe; discard if showing mold signs, excessive wear, or structural damage.

Q10: Will the Willow Play Cube provide adequate enrichment if my pet has other toys available?

Ans: Yes, the cube offers excellent comprehensive enrichment combining chewing, foraging, rolling, and hiding benefits. However, enrichment variety prevents boredom and maintains sustained engagement better than single-toy reliance. Combining with diverse Oxbow products creates optimal multi-sensory enrichment experiences throughout daily activities.