Are you worried about your bunny getting bored during the day, or would you like to give them more opportunities to play and explore? Store-bought toys are great, but not always in the budget. My bunny, Bellini, is a lover of and a master at going through toys and I can easily spend $50 a month without even trying .
What do you MEAN by these prices, PetSmart??
This is what $50 of toys looks like.
If you’re looking to save money but still want to engage more with your bunny, here are 5 easy DIY bunny toys that you can make at home! You probably already have everything you need to get started.
Forage rolls – This is perhaps the easiest DIY toy for bunnies! Wrap your rabbit’s favorite food in brown paper for them to unwrap. I typically use the uncoated, untreated brown paper they use for extra packing in packages. Another good option is thin, corrugated cardboard that is easy to bend and roll up snacks in. I like to put a little something in every couple of rolls. Think of it like a fruit roll up for your bun!
Forage cartons – For this super easy DIY bunny toy simply stuff an empty egg carton (make sure it’s the pulp, NOT plastic or foam variety) or a small box with hay and other goodies like bunny-safe herbs. You can even include some of their pellets. It took Bellini a good couple of days to figure out how to get into the egg carton.
My rabbits get a monthly bunny subscription box from Bunnies That Lunch and the boxes they come in are perfect because there isn’t any tape or plastic for them to chew (although if your rabbit doesn’t eat cardboard, that may not be a concern for you). If you already have some other bunny toys, you can add a few into the box tucked amidst the hay. Buns love eating and pulling things out of these!
Hay feeders – All you need for this DIY bunny toy is an empty paper towel or toilet paper roll. Simply stuff it with hay! Buns love tossing these around and gnawing on the cardboard. I like to cut the roll into pieces and fun shapes for variety. Most buns get excited not only for the filling, but also for chewing the cardboard so you may want to limit use of these toys. You can also pop out the bottom and remove any plastic bits from an empty oatmeal container for this DIY rabbit toy.
For an extra bit of excitement, I’ll sometimes roll up a treat or a treat hay like alfalfa in their regular hay, then stuff the roll with that. They seem to like the extra layers and of course getting to the surprise in the center.
Tunnels and houses – Bunnies love these for both naps and playtime! Take a cardboard box big enough for your bunny to fit through and hide in and cut out a couple of entrances for them to run through and play (there should always be more than one entrance into a box). You can even use something like one of those bulk Oatmeal boxes for a great tunnel! If you have fleece or an old bedsheet, bunnies love when you make them a “clubhouse.” All you have to do is drape the fabric over their pen, a chair, or in a pinch I’ve tucked part into a kitchen drawer. They’ll love running through and hiding in these.
Digging tray – This is the most time-consuming DIY bunny toy on this list but it can provide a lot of entertainment. You might be familiar with the cardboard trays they use to keep canned food or even the individual wet cat food cans on at the store. Those are great for this toy, but you can also use any other shallow cardboard box. Cut strips of cardboard so that they fit tightly into the cardboard tray. Buns love to dig at these and/or work their way to pulling all the cardboard strips out. It definitely keeps them occupied! If you don’t mind more messy play you can also try a large plant pot or litter tray filled with earth, or a cardboard box filled with shredded paper.
Have you tried making any toys for your pets?
Hopefully you’ve gained a few simple ideas for how to get started.
Are you looking for more amazing articles on bunnies? Check out my other educational articles and projects relating to bunnies here!
About Demelza Young
Demelza Young is an alumni of Northern Kentucky University. She currently enjoys volunteering her time in her local community, reviewing online content with her cat, and sharing quality recipes.