If you’ve got a bunny hopping around your home, you already know how full of personality these little fluff balls are. But here’s the truth a lot of new rabbit parents don’t always realize: indoor rabbits need enrichment just as much as a dog needs walks or a cat needs to climb and scratch. Without enough mental and physical stimulation, your rabbit can get bored, depressed, and even destructive.
Luckily, keeping your rabbit entertained doesn’t mean buying expensive toys from the pet store. In fact, some of the best enrichment toys are DIY—cheap (or free!), easy to make, and surprisingly fun for both you and your bunny.
So if you’re looking to bring a little more excitement to your rabbit’s day, here are 5 amazing DIY enrichment toys that will keep them active, curious, and happily hopping.
Why Is Enrichment So Important for Rabbits?
Before we hop into the crafts, let’s talk about the why. Enrichment isn’t just about play—it’s about meeting your rabbit’s natural needs in a safe indoor environment.
Rabbits in the wild:
- Dig and burrow
- Forage for food
- Chew constantly to wear down their teeth
- Explore new environments
- Engage in problem-solving and social interaction
Indoor rabbits don’t get these opportunities unless we create them. When rabbits get bored, they may:
- Chew on furniture or walls
- Overeat
- Become aggressive or withdrawn
- Show signs of stress or depression
So enrichment isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. And now, let’s look at how you can give your bunny the stimulation they crave, without breaking the bank
1. The Toilet Paper Roll Treat Puzzle
What you’ll need:
- Empty toilet paper rolls (or paper towel rolls cut in half)
- Hay
- Small rabbit-safe treats or pellets
- Scissors (optional)
How to make it:
This one’s a classic—and for good reason. It’s simple, effective, and made from stuff you probably already have.
- Stuff the toilet paper roll with a mix of hay and a few pellets or dried herbs.
- To make it more of a challenge, fold the ends in like a wrapped candy.
- For extra fun, cut slits in the sides so hay pokes out—it encourages foraging behavior.
Why your rabbit will love it:
It taps into your rabbit’s natural instinct to dig and forage. They’ll toss it, chew it, roll it, and work to get the goodies inside. Bonus: chewing the cardboard also helps keep their teeth healthy.
2. The Digging Box
What you’ll need:
- A shallow cardboard box or plastic storage bin
- Shredded paper (avoid glossy ink)
- Old towels, hay, or clean dirt (optional)
- Hidden treats or toys
How to make it:
- Fill your box halfway with shredded paper or your chosen filler.
- Bury small treats or toys for your rabbit to find.
- You can also use old towels layered in the bin for a softer digging experience.
Why your rabbit will love it:
Rabbits love to dig—it’s in their DNA. A digging box gives them a safe space to indulge this behavior without turning your carpet into their excavation site. Plus, hunting for hidden snacks turns it into a game.
Pro tip:
Rotate the contents to keep it interesting. Use hay one week, towels the next, then switch to paper.
3. The Cardboard Castle Maze
What you’ll need:
- Several cardboard boxes
- Scissors or a box cutter
- Optional: duct tape, safe paint or markers for decoration
How to make it:
- Cut rabbit-sized holes in the sides of the boxes so they connect like tunnels.
- Stack boxes or create multi-level setups for climbing and exploring.
- Add windows, secret compartments, or even small ramps.
Why your rabbit will love it:
Bunnies love to explore, hide, and feel safe in enclosed spaces. A cardboard castle provides mental stimulation, physical activity, and a sense of territory. You can keep upgrading it like a bunny-sized amusement park.
Bonus idea:
Hide treats inside different parts of the maze to make it a true foraging adventure.
4. The Hanging Treat Mobile
What you’ll need:
- String or natural sisal twine
- Clothespins or clips
- Leafy greens (like parsley, cilantro, romaine)
- A place to hang it (like the side of the cage or a safe hook)
How to make it:
- Clip a few leafy greens to the string using clothespins.
- Hang the string just high enough so your bunny has to reach up to nibble.
- Make sure it’s secure and can’t fall down easily.
Why your rabbit will love it:
This toy turns snack time into an interactive challenge. It encourages stretching, reaching, and problem-solving, all of which keep your rabbit mentally engaged. It’s like a rabbit salad buffet on a string!
5. The Foraging Mat or Snuffle Rug
What you’ll need:
- A rubber sink mat or plastic mat with holes
- Fleece strips or old T-shirts cut into strips
- Scissors
- Rabbit pellets or dried herbs
How to make it:
- Tie fleece strips through the holes in the mat until it’s full and fluffy.
- Tuck treats or pellets into the fabric layers.
- Let your rabbit sniff and dig to find the hidden snacks.
Why your rabbit will love it:
It mimics natural foraging and makes your bunny “work” for their food. This isn’t just fun—it slows down fast eaters and satisfies their need to root around.
Cleaning tip:
Shake it out regularly and machine wash the fleece every few weeks to keep it fresh.
Extra Ideas for Bunny Enrichment
Beyond the DIY toys above, here are a few quick ways to spice up your rabbit’s routine:
- Cardboard tunnels: Shipping tubes or cut-up boxes make great crawl spaces.
- Frozen veggie cubes: Blend leafy greens with water and freeze in ice cube trays.
- Paper bag hideouts: Toss in some hay and let your rabbit dive in.
- Obstacle courses: Use cushions, boxes, and tunnels to create a mini agility course.
The more you rotate toys and change things up, the more engaged your rabbit will be.
Safety Tips for DIY Rabbit Toys
Before you give your rabbit anything homemade, keep these tips in mind:
- Avoid glue, tape, or staples. If you need to connect pieces, use rabbit-safe materials.
- Skip glossy paper or ink-heavy cardboard. Plain cardboard and newspaper are fine.
- Always supervise new toys. Watch for chewing, eating non-edible parts, or getting stuck.
- Size matters. Make sure tunnels and boxes are roomy enough for your rabbit to move freely.
- Don’t force it. Some bunnies are picky—what thrills one rabbit might bore another.
How Much Enrichment Does a Rabbit Need?
Here’s a good rule of thumb: your rabbit should have something new to explore or chew on every day.
That doesn’t mean making a new toy daily—it could be as simple as:
- Rearranging their playpen
- Switching up toys or treats
- Giving supervised free-roam time in a new room
Just like people, rabbits thrive on variety. Even the best toy can get boring if it never changes.
Final Thoughts: A Happy Bunny Is a Busy Bunny
Keeping an indoor rabbit active and enriched isn’t about buying fancy stuff—it’s about understanding their instinctsand finding simple, creative ways to meet them. These five DIY toys aren’t just fun—they’re tools to help your rabbit live a happier, healthier life.
You’ll notice the difference too. A well-stimulated rabbit is:
- More social
- Less destructive
- Easier to bond with
- Full of energy (in a good way!)
So grab those toilet paper rolls, fluff up a digging box, and let your creativity—and your bunny—run wild.
