Rabbits can make wonderful, loving, playful pets, but it is important to keep in mind that they are very curious animals that need mental stimulation to prevent boredom. A bored rabbit may become destructive to occupy their time. If you like your carpet, baseboard, clothes, and furniture, you do not want to let your bunny get bored.
Luckily, there are plenty of things rabbits usually adore that are free or inexpensive, and will help them pass the time when you're not there to provide company.
Please remember, though, that rabbits are very social animals. Toys are not a replacement for human interaction.
:- Cardboard toilet paper tubes
My bunny adores these! He will flip them, throw them, and roll them for hours. They're even better when filled with timothy hay, and maybe a treat hidden in the center.
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An empty cardboard box:
Ever bought a present for a young child, only to have the child spend more time playing with the box? Rabbits love them too. Make sure there's no tape or anything on them, and cut a few rabbit-sized holes in them for tunneling and burrowing.
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A small cardboard box filled with hay or treats:
Rabbits will love shredding the cardboard to get at the hay and treats inside.
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Twigs from an apple tree:
Make sure there are no pesticides on them. Rabbits will devour them.
- Untreated grapevine or willow wreathes, wicker baskets, and grass mats:
Again, rabbits will devour these. Gnawing toys are good because they allow a rabbit to wear down his or her teeth. Their teeth are continually growing, so if they are not kept in check they can cause serious and painful health problems.
A note on treats:
Be careful with sugary treats. Rabbits have a sweet tooth, and will almost never turn down a sugary snack, but too much sugar can cause gastrointestinal issues. Great treats are fresh or dried herbs (mint is a favorite of my bun). If you want to treat your bunny to something sweet, try a raisin, small piece (no larger than one inch) of banana, or a dried cranberry or piece of papaya.
And remember, rabbits crave social interaction, so don't be too shy to get down on the floor and play with them! It will make them happy and strengthen your bond.
