How to Make Rabbit Toys at Home

Introduction

You don't need to spend a fortune to keep your rabbit entertained. Some of the best rabbit toys are completely free and made from everyday household items. Here's a guide to making rabbit toys at home that are safe, fun, and easy to create.

Safety Rules for DIY Rabbit Toys

Before making any toy, keep these safety rules in mind:

• No dyes or inks — Avoid printed cardboard or colored paper; use plain brown cardboard or unprinted paper
• No glue or tape — Rabbits will chew everything; adhesives can be toxic
• No staples or metal fasteners — Can cause internal injury if swallowed
• No treated wood — Only use untreated, natural wood (apple, willow, or birch are safe)
• No plastic — Rabbits chew plastic into sharp pieces that can cause internal damage

DIY Rabbit Toy Ideas

1. Cardboard Box Castle

Cut holes in the sides of a plain cardboard box to create a tunnel/hideout. Stack multiple boxes and cut connecting holes for a multi-room "castle." Rabbits love to run through, hide in, and chew on cardboard boxes. Replace when they become too chewed up.

2. Toilet Paper Roll Treat Dispenser

Fold one end of a toilet paper roll closed, fill with hay and a few pieces of natural chew treats, then fold the other end closed. Your rabbit will roll it around and work to get the treats out. This is a great foraging toy that takes minutes to make.

3. Paper Bag Crinkle Toy

Stuff a plain paper bag with hay and crinkle it up. The crinkling sound and the challenge of getting to the hay inside provides both auditory and foraging enrichment. Use only plain, unprinted paper bags.

4. Hay Stuffed Toilet Roll Tower

Stack several toilet paper rolls vertically and stuff each one with hay. Your rabbit will pull the hay out and may knock the tower over — both activities are enriching.

5. Willow Ball

If you have access to untreated willow branches, weave them into a ball shape. Willow is one of the safest woods for rabbits to chew and is naturally appealing to them. Alternatively, purchase pre-made natural play balls as a ready-made version.

6. Dig Box

Fill a cardboard box or plastic storage bin with shredded paper, hay, or natural wood shavings. Hide treats inside for your rabbit to dig and forage for. This satisfies the natural digging instinct that many rabbits have.

3. Hanging Herb Bundle

Tie a bundle of fresh safe herbs (cilantro, parsley, basil, mint) together with a piece of natural twine and hang it at nose height in your rabbit's enclosure. Your rabbit will pull at it, toss it, and eat it — all enriching activities.

8. Cardboard Tube Maze

Tape several toilet paper and paper towel rolls together (using only the cardboard itself, no tape on the inside) to create a maze of tunnels. Place treats at the end for your rabbit to find.

Combining DIY and Store-Bought Toys

The best enrichment strategy combines free DIY toys with quality store-bought options. Rotate between the BWOGUE Bunny Tunnel, snuffle foraging mat, and wooden hideout alongside your homemade creations. Variety is the key to keeping your rabbit engaged.

Conclusion

Making rabbit toys at home is easy, free, and endlessly customizable. Your rabbit doesn't know the difference between a $30 toy and a toilet paper roll stuffed with hay — what matters is novelty, variety, and the opportunity to express natural behaviors. Get creative and have fun with it!