Examples of safe and unsafe toys

Toys are often thought of as extras, but for captive animals like hedgehogs and tenrecs they are an important part of enrichment. Toys stimulate natural behaviours such as exploring, foraging, climbing, or running, and help prevent boredom or stress. However, not every toy sold for small animals is actually safe. Some can cause injuries, digestive problems, or stress if used incorrectly. Understanding the difference between safe and unsafe toys is essential for responsible care.

What Makes a Toy Safe?

A safe toy should:

• Be made from non-toxic materials (no harmful plastics, glues, or coatings).
• Have no small parts that can break off and be swallowed.
• Avoid sharp edges or wire that can injure feet, mouth, or eyes.
• Be easy to clean; toys in small enclosures quickly accumulate urine, feces, or food residue.
• Encourage natural behaviours such as burrowing, climbing, or foraging.

Safe Toy Examples

Exercise wheels

• A staple for hedgehogs, giving them the chance to run at night as they would in the wild.
• Must have a solid surface (not wire or mesh) and be at least 28–30 cm diameter to avoid back strain.
• Tenrecs are more variable: some individuals use wheels, others ignore them, but offering one can be enriching.

Tunnels and tubes

• PVC pipes, cardboard tubes, or wooden tunnels are safe as long as the diameter is wide enough (minimum 10 cm for hedgehogs, wider for larger tenrecs).
• Encourage exploration and hiding.

Digging boxes

Small boxes filled with safe substrate, shredded paper, or sterilised sand allow natural foraging.

Foraging toys

Treat balls or puzzle feeders designed for cats or ferrets can be adapted for insectivores by hiding dried insects or small food items inside.

Chewable and shreddable items

Paper, cardboard, or untreated soft wood pieces provide shredding opportunities, especially enriching for tenrecs that like to manipulate objects.

Unsafe Toy Examples

Wire wheels or mesh wheels

Cause serious foot and toe injuries, as limbs can slip through gaps. Also risk spinal damage if too small in diameter.

Plastic wheels with crossbars

Crossbars can catch and injure spines or legs.

Small plastic toys with detachable parts

Risk of choking or intestinal blockage if swallowed.

Cat toys with bells, beads, or string

Attractive but unsafe. Strings can tangle around legs or toes; bells and beads can be swallowed.

Raw cotton ropes or fluffy bedding toys

Fibres can wrap around toes, cutting off circulation, or be ingested.

Anything scented or chemically treated

Toys marketed with “scented plastic” or coloured with unsafe dyes may release harmful chemicals.

Nesting Toys vs. Play Toys

For hedgehogs and tenrecs, toys are not just for play, many serve as nesting material or safe hides. A cardboard box, for example, can be both a toy (exploration, shredding) and a hide. When adding toys, always consider how they fit into the animal’s natural repertoire: do they encourage hiding, digging, climbing, or exploring? Those are the behaviours to aim for.

In Summary

Safe toys for hedgehogs and tenrecs are simple, sturdy, and naturalistic: wheels with solid surfaces, tunnels, foraging devices, and shreddable materials. Unsafe toys are those with wires, small detachable parts, strings, or unsafe fibres. Remember: enrichment should never come at the cost of safety. A well-chosen toy is more than entertainment; it is a tool for healthier, happier animals.