DIY Braided Tug Toys for Squirrels: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 03/02/2025

Squirrels, with their boundless energy and playful nature, are always on the lookout for exciting enrichment activities. While commercially available toys can be expensive and sometimes lack durability, creating your own can be a rewarding and cost-effective solution. This is especially true when it comes to tug toys, which satisfy a squirrel's innate desire to chew, gnaw, and play. Homemade braided tug toys offer a fantastic way to provide safe and stimulating entertainment for your furry friend, using materials you likely already have on hand. They are incredibly strong and durable, easily standing up to the enthusiastic chewing and tugging sessions squirrels love.

Forget pricey pet store options! This guide provides a simple, step-by-step process for crafting durable and engaging braided tug toys perfectly tailored to a squirrel's preferences. We'll walk you through selecting appropriate materials, creating the braid, and finishing the toy to ensure its longevity and safety for your playful companion. Let's get started and make your squirrel the happiest critter on the block!

Safety Guidelines

  • Use only natural, untreated fibers like cotton rope or jute. Avoid synthetic materials which can be toxic if ingested.
  • Ensure all knots are tight and secure to prevent unraveling and potential choking hazards. Regularly inspect the toy for damage and replace if frayed or broken.
  • Supervise your squirrel while playing with the toy. Remove the toy if the squirrel shows signs of destructive chewing or ingesting large pieces.

Methods: Braiding Tug Toy (Square Pattern)

Tools Needed

  • colored ropes/cords

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Materials

    • Prepare colored ropes (yellows on opposite sides and red on opposite sides).
    Prepare colored ropes (yellows on opposite sides and red on opposite sides).
    Prepare Materials

  2. Initial Braiding

    • Begin braiding, paying close attention to maintain the square pattern. (It's easy to get mixed up).
    • Continue braiding counter-clockwise.
    Continue braiding counter-clockwise.
    Initial Braiding

  3. Continue Braiding

    • One more round of braiding.
    One more round of braiding.
    Continue Braiding

  4. Secure Ends

    • Tie a single knot with both ends of the black ropes.
    • Do the same with yellow ropes.
    Do the same with yellow ropes.
    Secure Ends

  5. Finishing Touches

    • Cut the ends to the same length.
    • Give it a fancy end.
    Give it a fancy end.Give it a fancy end.
    Finishing Touches

Tips

  • Pay close attention to what you're doing to avoid getting mixed up and creating an unusual design.

Read more: DIY Cat Toys: 3 Easy & Fun Projects Using Toilet Paper Tubes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using the Wrong Type of Rope

Reason: Synthetic ropes can unravel easily and present a choking hazard to squirrels, while some natural fibers may be toxic if ingested.
Solution: Choose a sturdy, natural, and non-toxic rope like cotton or sisal.

2. Braiding Too Loosely

Reason: A loosely braided toy will easily come apart, making it less durable and potentially dangerous for the squirrel.
Solution: Maintain a tight braid throughout the process to ensure the toy's longevity and safety.

FAQs

What materials are best for making squirrel tug toys?
Natural fibers are ideal! Use sturdy cotton rope, twine, or even strips of old t-shirts (ensure they're free of harmful dyes or chemicals). Avoid anything that could unravel easily and pose a choking hazard.
How do I make sure the toy is safe for my squirrel?
Always supervise your squirrel with any new toy. Ensure there are no loose threads or small parts that could be swallowed. Avoid using anything treated with chemicals or pesticides. Knots should be secure and tightly braided to prevent unraveling.