As we get to the end of another hectic year, it is time to relax a bit. And what better way than to relax and play with your pets? It doesn’t matter what kind of pet you have – he needs your attention and will appreciate spending quality time with you. Here are a few ideas for you to try with your pets.
Rabbit
1. Build a maze
Cut holes in the sides of several boxes that are big enough for your rabbit to fit through. Then place the boxes with the holes facing each other but some distance apart. Place a few small treats in the different boxes to lure him through the ‘maze’.
2. Build a fort
Remember how we used to build forts with blankets and then play underneath them? Do the same for your bunny. But instead of raising it from the ground, place the blanket or towel directly on the floor or grass. Place a few treats under the blanket, and then put your bunny under the blanket as well. Make sure that he is comfortable under the blanket, but remove him if he feels scared.
Rat
1. Digging game
Take a cardboard box or any rectangular container that is at least 30cm deep and fill it with a variety of objects – anything from your rat’s toys, treats and shredded paper to pieces of string. Allow him to dig around the objects to find his treats or play with his toys.
2. Christmas cracker
Make a Christmas cracker or two for your rat. Take an empty toilet roll and make a few small holes in the cardboard so your rat can smell the treats. Place a few treats inside the roll and wrap it lightly in tissue paper. Give it to your rat to figure out how to get to the treats inside.
Bird
1. Rope climbing
Tie a nylon rope between two objects, like chairs, and let your pet bird climb from the one end of the rope to the other end. The rope can be horizontal or vertical. You can lure him to move forward or upward with a few treats. Make the game a little more interesting by tying knots in the rope so he can climb over them.
2. Dance party
Get into the party mood with your pet bird. Most birds love music and will sing and dance when you play their favourite music. Turn up the music (but not too loud for your bird), and then sing and dance with him. See how he enjoys the dance party.
Guinea pig
1. Snuffle it out
If you’re handy, you can make your own snuffle mat or get one from a good pet shop. Hide some small treats in the snuffle mat and allow your guinea pig to snuffle them out. You can also hide some of his food in the mat for him to find.
2. Treasure hunt
Place a few paper cups upside down on a flat surface. Hide a few treats or some of your guinea pig’s food under the cups and allow him to search for the treats at his own pace.
