What are the best enrichment toys for rabbits?
Rabbits are naturally curious and active animals, so providing ways to let them think and play is very important. Enrichment toys provide your rabbits with mental stimulation and physical activity that mimic their natural behaviours in the wild. There are many great rabbit-safe enrichment toys that can keep bunnies mentally stimulated and physically active.
Here are some popular rabbit toy options:
Cardboard Boxes and Tubes
Rabbits adore cardboard boxes and tubes for many reasons. Not only are they great for chewing, which helps keep their teeth healthy, but they also offer rabbits endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation. Whether darting through tunnels, lounging in cosy corners, or enjoying the thrill of a makeshift obstacle course, cardboard provides rabbits with a versatile and stimulating environment.
Its simplicity and adaptability make it a favourite among rabbits and rabbit owners, serving as both a source of entertainment and environmental enrichment, essential for your pet’s well-being and happiness. Just make sure that any cardboard you give your rabbits is free from adhesives or harmful substances.
Did you know our Botanical Hay Box comes in a 100% plastic-free box. Not only is it filled with
tasty forage, but the box makes a perfect toy!
Hay-based Toys
Rabbits love hay-based toys. These toys provide both entertainment and essential fibre for their digestion. Whether it's hay cubes, balls, or mats, they satisfy rabbits' natural chewing instincts while encouraging foraging behaviours. With their irresistible scent and texture, hay-based toys turn playtime into a flavourful adventure, promoting both physical activity and mental stimulation.
Tunnels
Tunnels are a rabbit's ticket to adventure and exercise, catering to their natural love for movement and exploration. Whether made from cardboard, plastic, or fabric, these tunnels offer not just physical activity but also mental engagement as rabbits dart, hop, and navigate through them. The diverse textures and shapes keep rabbits occupied and entertained, providing a sense of security similar to wild burrows. This enrichment keeps rabbits happy and active, and supports their overall well-being.
Chew Toys
Rabbits have a natural need to chew to maintain their dental health, making safe chew toys essential for their well-being. Opting for materials such as untreated wood, seagrass, or vine balls provides rabbits with stimulating and safe options to indulge this instinctual behaviour. These chew toys not only promote healthy teeth, but also engage rabbits’ mentally and physically. By offering a variety of textures and shapes, such as Willow Balls or woven Carrot toys, you can keep your bunny happy and interested while keeping their teeth in top condition.
Puzzle Feeders
Puzzle feeders and treat balls turn mealtime into an exciting journey for rabbits. These fun toys dispense treats as rabbits interact with them, stimulating their minds and encouraging natural foraging behaviours. Through nudging, rolling, and problem-solving, rabbits engage in activities reminiscent of wild foraging, keeping them mentally sharp while also providing physical activity. The novel experience of receiving treats or pellets keeps your rabbits motivated to solve the puzzles, keeping them engaged and giving them exciting rewards, keeping them happy, thinking and moving.
Digging Boxes
Create a cosy burrowing spot for your rabbit by filling a shallow box with safe, dust-free substrate like shredded paper or hay. This setup satisfies their natural urge to dig and provides a stimulating activity, reminiscent of their wild habitat. This will offer your rabbits a sense of security and comfort, keeping them cosy, calm and happy.
Wooden Platforms
Rabbits love wooden platforms for both play and practicality. These elevated structures provide them with opportunities to explore vertical space while offering a sense of security and observation. Additionally, wooden platforms serve as versatile spaces for relaxation, grooming, and social interaction.
Toys with Bells or Rattles
Rabbits adore toys that engage their senses, especially those with bells or rattles. These toys offer delightful auditory stimulation, captivating rabbits' attention and encouraging playful exploration. The gentle jingle or soft rattle of these toys sparks curiosity and promotes cognitive development as rabbits engage in stimulating activities. Incorporating such toys enriches their sensory experience, contributing to their overall happiness and
well-being.
Whenever introducing new toys, remember to supervise your rabbit to make sure they are playing with it safely, and replace old and damaged toys as needed to maintain a safe play environment.
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To keep your rabbit entertained, make sure to regularly rotate what toys they have access to. This keeps their environment fresh and exciting, stimulating their curiosity and preventing monotony. We stock a range of safe toys, platforms and puzzles at Bunny Bistro – check them out to up the fun of your rabbit’s run or environment today!
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