Homemade Rabbit Toy Ideas From Around the House

Many rabbit owners are surprised by how playful their pets are. Most rabbits enjoy a selection of fun, simple toys like a cardboard box or an empty paper towel roll.

Toys keep your rabbit physically active and help prevent boredom. A bored rabbit may become destructive, depressed, overweight, or even develop ileus (a dangerous slowdown or stoppage of the intestines). Without toys, your rabbit might chew on furniture, belongings, or even hazardous items like electrical cords. Experiment with different toys to see what your rabbit enjoys, and regularly introduce new ones. 

A good selection of toys can keep your rabbit from chewing on unwanted items, but ensure the toys are safe. If your rabbit tends to eat a certain type of toy (like plastic or cardboard), switch to a safer alternative. Avoid soft rubber or plastic parts that could be ingested, causing gastrointestinal issues or blockages. Ensure your rabbit is not ingesting shredded paper or cardboard they enjoy tearing up. 

Rabbit Toy Ideas

A variety of items can serve as good rabbit toys, even if they aren't marketed as such. Many household items can be repurposed as rabbit toys. Observe your rabbit's play habits and get creative—you might find additional toys beyond this list. Ensure any alternative toys are safe for your rabbit:

• Cardboard tubes from toilet paper and paper towel rolls
• Paper bags of varying sizes, especially one that your rabbit can fit inside
• Cardboard boxes, especially a closed box with two or three rabbit sized entrance holes cut in the sides
• Cardboard concrete forms or large PVC pipes for tunnels, but make sure your bunny can't get stuck in them
• Untreated wicker baskets or other wicker items such as a wicker tunnel and wicker balls marketed for cats
• Hard plastic cat balls with a bell inside, but make sure your bunny isn't chewing up and swallowing the plastic
• Ward plastic baby toys such as rings, links, keys, rattles, etc.
• Parrot toys and bells
• Kitty condos (the shorter ones), tunnels, and platforms
• Towels
• Small straw whisk broom
• Straw balls (you can get the ones meant as hamster houses and for added enjoyment, fill them with timothy hay)
• Box full of shredded paper, preferably ink free
• Fresh branches from untreated apple trees
• Dried pine cones
• Large rubber balls

Benefits of Providing Rabbit Toys

Enrichment refers to activities that stimulate an animal's mind. A mentally stimulated rabbit is happy, and a happy rabbit is usually healthy. This makes enrichment essential for your rabbit's well-being.

Toys that encourage your rabbit to pick things up, navigate obstacles, and solve puzzles to find hidden treats are great for enrichment. Simple options like box mazes, egg crates with treats, and wicker balls filled with hay are easy to implement. Being creative, observing how your rabbit plays, and rotating toys regularly will ensure a happy, active, and interactive bunny.