Ask a Paw

With years of rabbit rescue volunteering under my belt, I’ve seen firsthand how a lack of mental stimulation leads to boredom and destructive chewing. Enrichment toys not only entertain but also encourage natural behaviors like foraging and digging. Below are five DIY projects that cost under $10 each and can be assembled in under 20 minutes.

1. Cardboard Tunnel Maze

Materials: Clean cardboard boxes, non-toxic glue, hay.
Build: Cut boxes into varying tunnel shapes, slot them together, and sprinkle hay inside. Rabbits love exploring twists and turns and nibbling on the hay lining.

2. Toilet Paper Roll Foraging Feeder

Materials: Empty toilet rolls, paper shred, small treat pellets.
Build: Stuff rolls with paper shred and a few pellets, fold ends closed. Hang from the pen’s top or leave on the floor. Encourages paw manipulation and foraging.

3. Hay Ball Puzzle

Materials: Safe natural twine, fresh hay.
Build: Weave hay into a loose ball using twine. Rabbits must tug strands to extract hay, serving both dental health and mental exercise.

4. Treat-Dispensing PVC Toy

Materials: 2″ PVC pipe section, two end caps, drill, small treats.
Build: Drill holes sized to let treats tumble out but not all at once. Secure end caps. Rabbits will nudge and roll the pipe to release morsels.

5. Dig Box Deluxe

Materials: Shallow plastic bin, shredded paper, soil-safe grass seed.
Build: Fill half with shredded paper and half with grass seed lightly buried. Rabbits can dig up “roots” and nibble sprouted greens.

Experience Tip: Rotate one or two toys weekly to keep novelty high. I once saw a frustrated bunny become lethargic—after introducing a maze tunnel, he hopped and hopped for hours!

Safety & Maintenance

• Inspect toys for loose parts daily.

• Replace shredded paper weekly to avoid mold.

• Supervise initial play sessions to confirm safety.

These budget-friendly, easy-to-assemble projects tap into your rabbit’s innate curiosity and chewing instincts. Over time, you’ll notice fewer boredom-related behaviors—no more carpet chomping—and a happier, more confident bunny ready to leap into your lap.