Rabbits need mental stimulation just as much as physical exercise. Store-bought toys can be pricey, but you can make amazing enrichment toys from household items. Here are 10 DIY rabbit toys that are safe, fun, and practically free.
1. Toilet Paper Roll Treat Puzzle
Stuff a toilet paper roll with hay and hide a few pellets inside. Fold the ends closed. Your rabbit will love tossing it around and shredding it to get the treats out.
2. Cardboard Castle
Stack cardboard boxes and cut doorways between them. Rabbits love exploring tunnels and rooms. Add multiple levels for extra fun.
3. Paper Bag Hideout
A simple brown paper bag (no handles) makes a great hideout and chew toy. Stuff it with hay for added enrichment.
4. Apple Twig Bundle
Collect untreated apple tree branches, wash them, and tie them in a bundle. Apple wood is safe for rabbits and satisfies their natural chewing instinct.
5. Towel Dig Box
Fill a shallow box with old towels or fleece strips. Rabbits love digging and burrowing through fabric. Supervise to ensure they don't ingest large pieces.
6. Hay Ball
Loosely pack hay into a wiffle ball or a woven grass ball. Your bun will roll it around and pull hay out β hours of entertainment.
7. Phone Book Shredder
An old phone book or stack of plain paper (no glossy print) is a rabbit's dream shredding toy. They'll spend ages ripping pages apart.
8. Pine Cone Treat Holder
Use untreated, cleaned pine cones and wedge small treats or herbs between the scales. Your bunny will work to extract them.
9. Sock Buddy
Fill an old sock with hay and tie a knot at the end. Rabbits love tossing and wrestling with these makeshift toys.
10. Tunnel System
Connect large cardboard tubes or concrete form tubes to create a tunnel network. Place treats throughout to encourage exploration.
Safety Tips
- Avoid anything with staples, tape, or glue
- Never use treated or painted wood
- Remove small pieces that could be swallowed
- Supervise play with fabric-based toys
- Replace destroyed toys promptly
After all that play, your bunny will need a comfy spot to rest. Check out our handmade bunny beds for the perfect post-playtime nap spot.