Rabbits love to play! In fact, play is an important part of their health and overall wellness. Giving your rabbit toys to play with can help keep them active and entertained while giving them an outlet for their natural instincts. From tunnels and balls to chew toys and even a simple cardboard box, there are lots of fun options! Let’s take a look at all of them here.
The 14 Types of Toys for Rabbits
1. Chew Toys
Chew toys are essential for rabbits to keep their teeth trimmed and healthy. Rabbits have a natural instinct to chew, which also keeps them occupied and prevents boredom. Furthermore, chewing aids in maintaining good dental health as it helps grind down their continuously growing teeth. Experienced rabbit owners know that if you don’t give your rabbit something to chew on, it will find something! A couple of great chew toy options include:
2. Tunnels
Tunnels provide a fun space for rabbits to explore and hide. They cater to a rabbit’s natural instinct to burrow and provide a sense of security. Tunnels also encourage physical activity, helping to keep your rabbit fit and healthy. You can buy a tunnel from a pet store that crinkle and are made from soft fabric, or that are plastic and more durable. You can repurpose old shipping boxes or paper towel rolls to make a fun, free, and recyclable tunnel. Tunnels provide a fun space for your rabbit to explore and hide.
3. Bell Toys
Bell toys engage a rabbit’s sense of hearing and curiosity. They stimulate the rabbit’s mind, keeping them entertained and active. The sound of the bell also provides auditory enrichment, contributing to a richer, more stimulating environment for your rabbit. As your rabbit pushes this toy around, the bell inside rings, providing auditory stimulation. There are also hanging bell toys that can be attached to your rabbit’s cage for them to nudge and ring.
4. Balls
Balls made from various materials can provide mental and physical stimulation for rabbits. They engage the rabbit’s natural instincts to play and explore. Rolling and tossing balls around also promotes physical exercise, keeping your rabbit active and fit. Willow balls are a common one. This type of ball is easy for your rabbit to toss around and also doubles as a chew toy. There are also hard plastic balls which are durable and easy to clean; this toy can withstand plenty of play. You can also crumple up a piece of newspaper into a tight ball for a cost-effective toy your rabbit can roll and toss.
5. Stuffed Animals
Stuffed animals can become comforting companions for rabbits, as long as they don’t have small parts that could be swallowed. They provide a source of comfort and security and can also stimulate social behaviors. Always ensure the stuffed animal is safe for your rabbit to interact with and that they aren’t chewing on them. It’s best for your rabbit to have them only with supervision.
6. Hanging Toys
Hanging toys, such as bells or treat dispensers, encourage rabbits to stretch and jump. This promotes physical activity and exercise, contributing to your rabbit’s overall health and well-being. Hanging toys also provide mental stimulation as your rabbit figures out how to interact with them. These toys dangle from the top of the cage and often include wood blocks, balls, and other chew-friendly items. You can find hanging toys that you fill with treats. As your rabbit plays with the toy, it dispenses treats.
You can also knot some straw or hay together, attach it to a non-toxic string, and hang it from the top of your rabbit’s enclosure.
7. Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys offer a stimulating challenge for intelligent rabbits. They engage your rabbit’s problem-solving skills and provide mental stimulation. Puzzle toys often involve hiding treats, encouraging your rabbit to work for their reward. Food maze toys dispense food as your rabbit figures out how to navigate it. Hide and seek toys allow your rabbit to figure out how to open compartments to reveal hidden treats. You can also hide treats inside a toilet paper roll and fold the ends. Your rabbit will have to figure out how to access the treats.
8. Dangling Mobiles
Dangling mobiles can captivate rabbits with their moving parts. They provide visual stimulation and engage your rabbit’s curiosity. Mobiles also encourage physical activity as your rabbit tries to bat at the dangling parts. Mobiles feature wooden shapes that your rabbit can bat at. Some are made of sisal rope, to withstand plenty of play and gnawing.
9. Platforms
Platforms or jumping blocks provide exercise and a vantage point for rabbits. They encourage your rabbit to jump and climb, promoting physical activity and agility. Platforms also provide a place for your rabbit to rest and observe their surroundings. You can use untreated wood to create a simple platform in your rabbit’s cage.
10. Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard boxes can be a simple and cost-effective toy for rabbits. They provide a space for your rabbit to explore, hide, and chew. Cardboard boxes also cater to a rabbit’s natural instincts to burrow and provide a sense of security. Available at pet stores, cardboard castles are fun for rabbits to navigate and chew on. Cardboard mazes will challenge your rabbit’s problem-solving skills. You can also simply open both ends of a box for a fun tunnel or close one end for a cozy hideaway.
11. Digging Box
A digging box filled with shredded paper or sand satisfies a rabbit’s urge to dig. Digging is a natural behavior for rabbits and provides both physical exercise and mental stimulation. A digging box allows your rabbit to engage in this behavior in a safe and controlled manner. Some pet stores sell digging boxes filled with safe, diggable materials. Or, you can fill a shallow, wide container with child-safe sand or shredded paper for a fun digging experience. Just make sure your rabbit isn’t consuming any of the sand or paper.
12. Roller Toys
Roller toys stimulate a rabbit’s curiosity and encourage active play. They provide both mental and physical stimulation as your rabbit pushes and chases them. Roller toys often feature elements that rattle or dispense treats, adding to the fun. Some roller toys dispense food as they roll, providing both mental and physical stimulation.
13. Rattling Toys
Rattling toys capture a rabbit’s attention with noise. They provide auditory stimulation and engage your rabbit’s curiosity. Rattling toys also promote physical activity as your rabbit pushes, tosses, and interacts with them.
14. Activity Mats
Activity mats offer a rich play environment with various textures and hiding spots. They engage your rabbit’s senses and curiosity, providing both mental and physical stimulation. Activity mats also provide a comfortable place for your rabbit to rest. Snuffle mats encourage your rabbit to forage for treats hidden in its folds. You can also use an old towel and sew on various items such as bells, chew toys, and strips of fabric for your rabbit to explore.
Conclusion
Rabbit toys are an essential part of a rabbit’s daily life. Not only do they provide physical exercise, they also stimulate their natural behavior and help them to stay mentally engaged. With the wide range of toys available, you can keep your rabbit entertained and active for hours! From cardboard castles to sisal chews, there’s something for every bunny.
Featured Image Credit: Bunnada_S, Shutterstock
