Toys are an excellent way to prevent boredom in rabbits. Enrichment helps a rabbit use their brain as well as have something fun to do. Both are great to help rabbits express normal behaviours such as digging, chewing and foraging.
It can be fun to experiment and see which toys your rabbits prefer and occasionally swapping toys around can keep things interesting for them.
We have many toys and enrichment ideas here but here are some you can try making yourself at home:
Cardboard toilet roll tubes - these can be filled with hay and healthy treats or forage for your rabbit to enjoy and try and get to. These will keep our rabbits entertained for hours!
Tunnels - these can be created using cardboard boxes or can be purchased from our store.
Cardboard boxes - these can have holes cut into them to provide hiding places. They can also be filled with hay or scrunched up paper with delicious dried forage to encourage natural behaviours.
Paper bags - these are great with small holes cut into them and filled with hay and forage. Do not use paper bags with handles, as these could cause injury.
Untreated, pesticide free rabbit safe wood (apple, pear, hazel, willow) - wood can be tied up with seagrass, or given as sticks to nibble and chew
Objects to play and throw - have you ever seen your rabbit throwing their toys? This is them playing! Try using stacking cups and add healthy treats or forage into them and watch your rabbit throw them around one by one. Feeding balls are also great to encourage them to work for their food.
Digging boxes are a great way for rabbits to express another of their natural instincts, to dig! In the wild, rabbits will be digging burrows to create a warren system and still have this urge as domesticated as they have become. Instead of have them digging your carpet, why not purchase or make a digging box? Use cardboard boxes, large plant pots, raised garden beds, children's sandpits or litter trays. These can be filled with safe non toxic substances such as paper or organic top soil. Sand is not recommended for use with rabbits as the small particles are gritty and can get into eyes and respiratory systems.
Rabbits love to jump and get high up - they sometimes don't have any fear when it comes to their safety! This can help them be more aware of their surroundings and help them feel safe. Jumping on and off platforms and hides is also great exercise for them, just ensure nothing is placed too high to avoid injury.
Although knowing how to prevent boredom in rabbits is advantageous, it is necessary to spot the signs of a bored rabbit. Here are some signs which could indicate a rabbit is bored and needs more enrichment:
Destructive behaviour - chewing carpets, furniture, wires and other things they shouldn't.
Aggression
Lethargy / laying down a lot
Not eating or eating too much
Overgrooming
These behaviours can be avoided easily by providing plenty of mental stimulation for your rabbit. They are naturally clever and curious animals and therefore need to be kept occupied.
Preventing boredom can be a great way to bond with your rabbit and seeing them play, which is great to watch!
As long as a rabbit has plenty of things to do, the risk of displaying bored behaviours is significantly reduced.
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