Suitable toys for rabbits
Rabbits are unique and will enjoy different toys, but here are some popular choices:
- Paper - shredded newspaper, paper bags with the handles removed and telephone directories (with the glossy covers removed). Wrap your rabbits' favourite food in brown paper for them to unwrap!
- Cardboard - boxes with holes cut into them make great hiding places. Tubes can be stuffed with hay and healthy treats as part of their daily ration.
- Tunnels - buy plastic and fabric tunnels or create tunnels from cardboard boxes or tubes and large ceramic pipes (with a wide diameter).
- Mirrors - if your rabbit lives on their own, a mirror may offer some comfort, particularly for females. However, the effects can be quite short-lived, so it's only recommended as a temporary measure to alleviate loneliness. If you give your rabbit a mirror, make sure it's securely fastened to avoid injury.
- Objects to play with or throw - such as untreated straw, wicker, sea-grass mats and baskets, balls and plastic flower pots. Solid plastic baby toys such as 'key rings', rattles, stacking cups and some robust cat and parrot toys can make good rabbit toys. Make sure there are no small parts that they could swallow and supervise their use. You can also hide food in or under some of these objects.
- Digging opportunities - try to provide them with some form of 'digging box'. Safe places for rabbits to dig include large plant pots or litter trays filled with earth, cardboard boxes filled with shredded paper or sandpits filled with child-friendly sand.
- Places to mark their territory - make sure there are objects or areas within your rabbits' home where they can mark their territory using chin secretions, urine and droppings.
Find more enrichment ideas on 'The Rabbit House' blog and read our top tips for the best rabbit environment.
