12 Low-Cost DIY Enrichment Ideas for Happy Rabbits

[BYH Project Manager]

If you’ve ever watched a bored rabbit, you know the signs. Chewing on the cage bars. Digging like they’re trying to reach Australia. Or giving you that look that clearly says, “Hey human, I need something to do.” Rabbits are curious, smart little creatures. They don’t just need food and shelter, they need fun, too.

Here’s the good news. Enrichment for rabbits doesn’t have to cost much. In fact, most of the best ideas use stuff you probably already have lying around the house. Let’s hop right in and look at twelve simple, low-cost DIY enrichment ideas that will keep your bunnies happy and entertained.

1. Cardboard Castles​

You know those big cardboard boxes from online orders? Don’t toss them. To a rabbit, they’re like mansions. Cut out doorways and windows, stack a few boxes together, and suddenly you’ve got a bunny castle. Rabbits love to explore, hide, and chew on the walls. It’s free, and it gives them a safe space to play.

2. Toilet Paper Roll Toys​

Empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls are a classic. You can stuff them with hay, fresh herbs, or even shredded paper. Rabbits will roll them around, chew them, and dig out the goodies inside. It’s like a puzzle feeder, but free. Plus, you’re recycling at the same time. Win-win.

3. Digging Box​

Rabbits are natural diggers. If you don’t give them an outlet, they’ll happily dig up your carpet or garden. Fill a shallow box with shredded paper, straw, or even child-safe sand. Toss in a few hidden treats, and watch your rabbit go to town. Think of it as their own little treasure hunt.

4. Forage Bottles​

Take a clean plastic water bottle, cut a few holes just big enough for pellets or tiny treats to fall out, and let your rabbit nudge it around. It becomes a rabbit-friendly version of those dog puzzle toys. It keeps them moving, thinking, and motivated.

5. Apple Tree Branches​

If you’ve got an apple tree or know someone who does, grab a few small branches. Rabbits adore chewing on safe wood, and apple is a favorite. It’s healthy for their teeth, which never stop growing, and it gives them something natural to gnaw. Just make sure the branches are pesticide-free.

6. Homemade Tunnels​

Rabbits love running through tunnels. You don’t need to buy fancy ones. A cardboard box with both ends cut open works just fine. You can also tape a few together to make a maze. It gives them a sense of adventure, like they’re exploring underground burrows.

7. Stuffed Hay Socks​

Take an old, clean sock, stuff it with hay or dried herbs, and tie the end. Rabbits will toss it around, chew on it, and pull out the hay bit by bit. It’s basically a rabbit toy and snack in one. Just make sure they don’t eat the sock fabric.

8. Phone Book Shredder​

Got an old phone book lying around? Hand it to your rabbit. They’ll shred those pages like nobody’s business. To them, it’s hours of entertainment. To you, it’s free enrichment and a funny show to watch. Just check that the ink is non-toxic.

9. Hanging Treats​

Tie a bit of string across their pen and clip some leafy greens to it with clothespins. Suddenly mealtime becomes a workout. Rabbits have to stretch and tug to get their snack. It’s like bunny CrossFit, but a lot cuter.

10. Simple Obstacle Course​

Use items from around the house, like low stools, cardboard boxes, or broomsticks balanced on books, to set up a mini obstacle course. Encourage your rabbit to hop over or around things. It stimulates both their body and brain, and you might just discover your rabbit has Olympic-level jumping skills.

11. Pine Cones​

Collect some clean, pesticide-free pine cones, wash them well, and bake them at a low temperature to kill any bugs. Rabbits love chewing on them. They’re natural, safe, and keep teeth in check. Plus, they double as free toys straight from nature.

12. The Treat Hunt​

Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. Hide small treats or bits of veggies around their space. Behind a box, under some hay, or in their digging box. Rabbits will sniff them out and enjoy the thrill of the hunt. It’s enrichment that taps into their natural foraging instincts.

Why Enrichment Matters​

Here’s the thing. Rabbits are prey animals, which means in the wild they spend a lot of their day foraging, digging, and staying alert. A bored rabbit isn’t just unhappy, they can also become destructive or even sick. Giving them things to do helps them stay healthy, both in body and in mind.

Think of it like this. If you had nothing to do all day except sit in one room, you’d probably go a little stir-crazy, right? Rabbits are the same. Enrichment gives them a reason to move, explore, and feel like rabbits should.

Final Thoughts​

Keeping rabbits happy doesn’t have to be expensive. With a little creativity and a few things you probably already have around the house, you can give your bunnies a world of fun. From cardboard castles to pine cones, the options are endless.

At the end of the day, a busy rabbit is a happy rabbit. And a happy rabbit makes for a happier farmer, too. After all, there’s nothing better than watching your bunny zoom around, binky in excitement, or flop down content after a good play session.

So, what about you? Have you tried any fun DIY enrichment ideas for your rabbits? Share your favorites; I’d love to hear what works for your furry friends.