Introduction
Rabbits thrive on mental stimulation and physical activity, and DIY toys are an affordable, customizable way to enrich their environment. Many household items can be transformed into fun, safe rabbit toys that encourage chewing, digging, foraging and exploring. This guide provides simple, safe DIY toy ideas you can make at home, along with tips on choosing materials, adjusting difficulty levels and ensuring the toys remain safe for your rabbit.
Why DIY Toys Are Great for Rabbits
DIY toys offer several benefits that store-bought toys may not always provide.
- Low cost and easy to replace
- Customizable to your rabbit’s preferences
- Made from safe, natural materials
- Encourage natural behaviours such as chewing and foraging
- Can be rotated frequently to prevent boredom
DIY toys keep your rabbit entertained while giving you the freedom to be creative.
Safe Materials to Use
Rabbits chew everything, so safety is the top priority when choosing materials.
- Cardboard boxes and tubes
- Untreated wood such as apple, willow or pine
- Paper bags and shredded paper
- Hay and dried herbs
- Natural fibre ropes (hemp or sisal)
- Non-toxic glue (optional, minimal use)
Avoid plastics, treated wood, glossy paper, foam and anything with paint or chemicals.
DIY Chew Toys
Chew toys help rabbits maintain healthy teeth and relieve boredom. These simple creations are easy to replace when worn down.
Cardboard Roll Chew Sticks
- Cut toilet paper or paper towel rolls into rings
- Stuff with hay or herbs
- Hang with sisal rope or place on the floor
Hay-Stuffed Treat Tubes
- Take a cardboard tube
- Fill with hay and a few pellets
- Fold the ends inward for a mild challenge
Wooden Treat Chain
- Drill small holes through untreated wood blocks
- Thread with natural rope
- Hang inside your rabbit’s enclosure
DIY Foraging Toys
Foraging toys keep rabbits mentally active and encourage healthy eating patterns.
Paper Bag Forage Sack
- Fill a small paper bag with hay, herbs and a few pellets
- Crinkle the top lightly
- Place on the floor for your rabbit to shred open
Forage Box
- Use a shallow cardboard box
- Add crumpled paper, hay and treats
- Let your rabbit dig and search through layers
DIY Snuffle Mat
- Cut strips of fleece
- Tie them onto a rubber mat or grid
- Sprinkle pellets or herbs into the folds
DIY Digging Toys
Rabbits naturally dig, and providing safe outlets reduces damage to carpets or flooring.
Digging Box
- Fill a large cardboard box with shredded paper
- Add small toys or herbs for discovery
- Place in an area where mess is easy to clean
Blanket Burrow
- Layer fleece blankets or old towels
- Create tunnels by folding corners and securing with clips
- Let your rabbit burrow and rearrange
DIY Tunnels and Hideouts
Tunnels help rabbits feel secure and support natural exploring behaviour.
Cardboard Tunnel
- Use a long cardboard box or shipping tube
- Cut side holes for extra entrances
- Add hay inside for a cosy hideout
Cardboard Castle
- Stack boxes to create multiple levels
- Cut doorways and windows with rounded edges
- Add ramps made from sturdy cardboard panels
Make sure higher structures are stable before use.
DIY Puzzle and Interactive Toys
Puzzle toys challenge your rabbit’s problem-solving skills and keep their mind sharp.
Treasure Cup Puzzle
- Use two or three small, lightweight cups
- Hide a treat under one cup
- Let your rabbit tip and move them to find the reward
Cardboard Slider Puzzle
- Cut a grid of holes in a box lid
- Place treats underneath
- Cover holes with sliding cardboard pieces
Start with simple puzzles and increase difficulty gradually.
Outdoor DIY Toys (Supervised Use Only)
Outdoor toys provide sensory variety and can be simple to make.
- Leaf piles for seasonal fun
- Soil-filled digging boxes
- Natural wood branches arranged into climbing structures
- Cardboard mazes on the lawn
Always supervise outdoor play and ensure predators cannot access the area.
How to Make DIY Toys Safe
Safety checks help prevent accidents or ingestion of unsafe materials.
- Remove small pieces your rabbit could swallow
- Avoid tape, staples or glue whenever possible
- Check for sharp edges or loose fibres
- Replace worn or chewed toys quickly
- Supervise new DIY toys during the first use
Simple, well-monitored toys are safer and more engaging.
Rotating DIY Toys
Rabbits lose interest in toys that remain unchanged for too long.
- Rotate toys every few days
- Introduce new DIY creations weekly
- Swap old toys back in after a break
Rotation keeps enrichment fresh and exciting.
Conclusion
DIY rabbit toys are easy to make, inexpensive and highly effective for enrichment. By using safe materials and offering a variety of chew toys, foraging challenges, digging boxes, tunnels and puzzles, you can create an engaging environment that supports natural rabbit behaviours. Regular rotation and supervision ensure your rabbit stays stimulated, healthy and happy.
