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Willow – natural furnishing for rodents and rabbits
- Voor 17 uur besteld, dezelfde dag verzonden!
- Specialist sinds 2011
- Delivery from our own stock
Willow wood – flexible, gnawing-friendly & perfect for natural behaviour
Willow is a favorite in natural cage design: it's 100% natural , has a pleasant texture to nibble on, and offers countless possibilities. Willow bridges are especially popular because they can be transformed into bridges, tunnels, barriers, or hideouts. This not only enhances the enclosure but also enriches it with opportunities for hiding, exploring, climbing, gnawing, and foraging .
In this category you will find willow bridges, tunnels and accessories suitable for hamsters, dwarf hamsters, mice, gerbils and rats, but also for guinea pigs and rabbits (in which case it is best to choose the larger sizes).
Specialist since 2011 – so you not only get products, but also selection assistance.
Willow wood feels pleasant to the touch and encourages natural gnawing behavior. You can also combine it with gnawing materials for added variety.
Willow bridges in particular can be shaped as you wish: as an arch (hiding place), as a walkway or as a "fence" to create zones.
Willow wood works great in combination with a deep digging zone of ground cover & nesting material and enrichment from play & foraging .
Why choose willow wood?
Willow is popular because it's both a decorative element and an enrichment . It allows you to build shelters, make the enclosure less "open" (great for prey), and provides a material that encourages nibbling.
- Versatile : bending, laying down, stacking and combining.
- Structure : pleasant surface to walk over and gnaw on.
- Behaviour : supports hiding, exploring and being quiet.
What can you find in this category?
- Willow bridges : bend them as you wish as a bridge, tunnel, house or boundary.
- Willow tunnels and hiding places : good cover in the enclosure and fun to create routes with.
- Willow accessories : chewable items such as balls/toys (depending on the range).
Want to mix more natural materials? Also check out: Natural Interiors , Cork & Bamboo , Hazelnut, Birch & Beech , and Mahogany & Alder .
How to choose well: size, animal species & function
- Dwarf hamsters/mice : Smaller bridges and tunnels often work best for compact routes and hiding places.
- Golden hamsters / gerbils / rats : choose a more spacious enclosure (wide passages and stable placement).
- Guinea pigs/rabbits : go for larger sizes and use willow wood primarily as a hiding/running element, not as a narrow tunnel.
- Objective : Do you primarily want cover? Choose an arch/tunnel. Do you want "routes"? Choose a bridge/walkway and combine it with tunnels.
Furnishing tips: how to get the most out of willow wood
- Arch = shelter : bend a willow bridge into a house and make it extra cozy with nesting material .
- Create a “tunnel route” : place a longer bridge against a wall or partially buried in the ground cover.
- Prevent boredom : hide some food/herbs under or between the willow wood and combine with forage products .
- Building zones : use a willow bridge as a "fence" to mark off a sand zone or digging zone, for example with sand & sandboxes .
Maintenance & hygiene
- Spot clean : Wipe away soiled areas and replace parts that have become wet.
- Dry cleaning : brushing or lightly wiping often works better than wetting.
- For urine odor : enzyme cleaners can help, see Hygienic Clean or urine spray .
- Replacement is normal : willow wood is popular for gnawing, so it often wears out faster than hardwood.
Checklist: willow wood properly arranged
Quickly check before you start decorating:
✔ Size appropriate for your animal species (better spacious than cramped)
✔ Willow bridge is stable and cannot tip over
✔ You have at least one sheltered route (not all open)
✔ You combine with ground cover for digging and hiding behavior
✔ You offer extra variety with tunnels/foraging products
Safety warnings
- Always check natural products for loose pieces and damage (especially after intensive gnawing).
- Lay or place willow bridges stably , especially if you build height with them.
- If willow wood becomes damp or stays damp, replace it promptly to prevent mold problems.
- For avid rodents: provide extra gnawing material to keep the decor looking good for longer.
FAQ – frequently asked questions about willow wood
Is willow wood suitable for gnawing?
Yes, willow wood is popular because many rodents (and rabbits too) enjoy nibbling on it. It provides structure and activity.
Is a willow bridge just “decoration”?
Certainly not. You use it as a hiding place, a walking route, to mark out areas, and even as part of foraging (hiding snacks/herbs).
How do I clean willow wood?
Spot cleaning and dry cleaning are usually the most effective. If something gets wet or heavily soiled, many owners replace that part (willow wears out faster due to gnawing).
Is willow wood suitable for hamster scaping?
Yes, especially in combination with a deep digging zone of ground cover and routes with tunnels .
What is the best combination with willow wood?
With natural tunnels/houses and enrichment: see houses , play & foraging and gnawing material .
Why buy willow wood from DRD Rodent Shop®?
✔ Specialist since 2011
✔ Ordered before 5 PM = shipped the same day
✔ Delivered from our own stock
✔ Smartly selected range for furnishing & enrichment
