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Bunny enrichment: 8 boredom busting ideas for pet rabbits

Hey! It's TJ from The Gibbons House—it's great to see you! Today, we're diving into the wonderful world of bunny enrichment and how to keep our furry friends happy and engaged.


We all know that rabbits are curious creatures, and like us, they get bored if there's not much happening. So, whether you are a seasoned bunny parent or you are thinking about adding one to your family, here are 8 ways to add enrichment into your buns life.


To fully understand why enrichment is so important for a rabbits well-being, we first need to understand their natural behaviours. Bunnies are crepuscular which means they are more active at dawn and dusk than any other times, though when they live in our homes, some may adapt their natural clocks to match ours. In the wild, rabbits spend their time foraging for food, digging warrens (burrows) and interacting with fellow rabbits. They are sociable animals and thrive off connection. This natural curiosity and energy makes for a great pet that is always entertaining you and loves a head scratch, but it also means they require a lot of stimulation so they can thrive in the home.

When rabbits become bored, they can become depressed, aggressive and destructive. Some signs of a bored rabbit are:

  • Chewing on furniture, digging up carpets or eating wires.

  • Over-grooming themselves or their bonded partner.

  • Loss of appetite.

  • Depressed and not engaging.

  • Aggression towards fellow rabbits or to you.

  • Lack of energy


By creating stimulating environments and letting our rabbits express their natural instincts, we can give them the best chance at a happy life. Rabbits are prey animals, which means that they very rarely show signs of being distressed or ill, so if you notice any changes in you buns behaviours, a trip to the vet would be the best place to start. If there are no obvious medical issues, you may have a bored bunny on your hands.

Knowing what a happy rabbit looks like can help, too. If they are healthy and enjoying life, they may Zoomies, Binky (a jump and twist in mid air) or flop (lying on their side and looking dead when they are very much alive). Happy rabbits also chomp their teeth, lick you and play with their toys.

A black pet rabbit sits among some pumpkins and fake bones for a halloween photoshoot
Happy rabbits are playful rabbits

Stressed rabbits may thump, hide or be aggressive.

Recognizing these signals can help you better cater to their needs and create a more enriching environment.


These are great ways to add enrichment to your rabbits life to ensure their happiness! Not only do these enrichment ideas improve your buns overall well-being, but they also give you wonderful ways to spend more time with them and bond with them, creating a relationship that will serve you both well over the years.



1 . Toys

Toys are a fantastic way to add stimulation to your rabbit's life, enhancing their mental and physical well-being. You don't have to go out and buy all the super expensive, rabbit-specific toys! In fact, many bunnies often prefer toys that cost you nothing or next to nothing.

a bunny playing with a willow ball
Cosmo and a willow ball

Some creative ideas for toys include cardboard boxes, which can be transformed into tunnels or forts; kiddie stacking cups, which can be fun to knock over; and treat-dispensing balls that encourage foraging behavior. Hiding treats inside these toys can stimulate your rabbit's curiosity and encourage them to interact with their environment.

Additionally, rabbits love to chew and dig, so providing items like paper towel rolls filled with hay or shredded paper can keep them entertained for hours. My rabbits often throw things around and enjoy the satisfaction of destroying items, so allowing them to engage in these natural behaviors not only makes them very happy but also contributes to their overall health and happiness. Regularly rotating toys and introducing new ones can keep their environment fresh and exciting, ensuring they remain active and engaged.



2 . Chews

Rabbits have teeth that grow constantly, which is a natural trait that requires them to chew regularly to keep their teeth properly worn down. In the wild, they would chew on wood and other natural materials to help grind their teeth down, so it’s essential to encourage this behavior when they live with you. If you don't provide them with appropriate items to chew on, they may resort to gnawing on household items such as skirting boards, doors, or furniture, which can lead to damage and potential safety hazards.

You can find rabbit chew toys at local pet stores or online, but many rabbits actually prefer natural materials like sticks and roots. Pre-cut apple wood and willow sticks are excellent options, but cutting your own can be more economical, and the wood will be fresher for your chomping friend. However, it's crucial to ensure that you can accurately identify the trees from which you are harvesting, and you should always obtain permission from the landowner before taking any twigs.

Another safe option is to collect fallen twigs after a windy day, but again, it’s important to double-check that you are picking from the right type of tree to avoid any health issues for your rabbit. Some safe woods that rabbits can enjoy include apple and pear, ash, willow, hazel, and maple.

Cardboard boxes also make for great chew toys, and are easy to get hold of!



3 . Dig box

A small mini rex rescue bunny is in a diy dig box to encourage natural behaviours
Cosmo by his dig box full of grass and hay

Bunnies live underground in the wild in Warrens, and to make these they have to dig. Therefore, a rabbit will have natural instincts to dig, and that could be anywhere from ruining your carpets to creating mini craters in your garden. You don't want to stop them from digging altogether, and I'm not sure you'd be able to, anyway! But you can encourage that behaviour in a place where it's not causing any damage. One way of doing this is to provide a safe outlet for them to dig to their hearts content by creating dig boxes. For my rabbits, I made dig boxes out of long plastic plant pots, which I filled with a mixture of mud, small stones and straw, you can also use other materials like hay, cardboard, shredded paper and various natural items.

If your bun needs to be encouraged to use the box, a simple trick is to sprinkle some treats on top of the digging materials and this can entice them to use their natural digging skills!



4 . A varied diet

Having a healthy diet for your rabbit is crucial for their overall health and ensures they receive all the necessary nutrients. Additionally, providing a variety of foods offers sensory stimulation, which is vital for their mental well-being. While it may be tempting to feed your bunny the same lettuce and herbs every day for convenience, doing so could limit their enrichment and overall health.

It's always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian if you need advice on how much to feed your rabbit. A general rule of thumb is to provide one to two large handfuls of mixed greens daily, alongside their regular intake of pellets, while ensuring they always have access to fresh hay and water. Hay is essential for their digestive health and helps wear down their continuously growing teeth.

To promote a varied diet and ensure they receive a broad spectrum of nutrients, it's recommended to feed at least four different greens each day. Different greens provide various vitamins and minerals, contributing to a well-rounded diet. It's also suggested to vary what you feed from day to day.

Some greens you can feed your bunny include herbs like basil, rosemary, dill, thyme, parsley (but only in small amounts and not often), coriander and other greens like dandelion leaves, carrot tops, lettuce (not iceburg), kale and spinach (in small amounts and not very often), apple and pear leaves, willow leaves, hazel leaves, ash leaves, maple leaves and hawthorn leaves, strawberry leaves, rose leaves, raspberry leaves, blackberry leaves and many many more!

When foraging for greens, it’s crucial to be 100% sure you can identify the plants correctly. Always wear gloves, wash the leaves thoroughly before serving, and only pick from areas that you know are free from chemicals or pesticides, as these can pose serious health risks to your rabbit.



two rabbits snuggle, they are a bonded pair of pet rabbits
Eclipse and Caspian - a bonded pair of rabbits

5 . Social interaction

As mentioned before, rabbits are sociable creatures, meaning they need contact with other rabbits and/or humans to be happy. While some rabbits may thrive as solo pets, it is generally recommended that they live in pairs or groups. This social structure allows them to communicate and bond with each other in ways that humans cannot fully understand, providing them with companionship and emotional support.

Even if you spend plenty of time with your rabbit, having a buddy can enhance their overall well-being. Rabbits are social animals by nature, and their interactions with fellow rabbits can help reduce stress and boredom, leading to a happier and healthier life.

In addition to considering companionship, it's crucial to spend quality time with your rabbit. Regular grooming, health checks, and affectionate interactions are important for their happiness and health. Spending time together helps build trust, which is essential, especially if your rabbit ever needs medication or veterinary care.

It's important to recognize that not all rabbits enjoy the same types of interaction. Many rabbits do not like being picked up and may prefer gentle petting or head scratches instead. Always pay attention to your rabbit's cues and body language to understand their preferences. For example, I have one rabbit who is still figuring out their feelings toward me, another who acts like the boss but enjoys a good head scratch, one who is a cuddle bug and melts when picked up, and another who loves a head scratch but prefers to keep things brief.

Understanding each rabbit's unique personality and preferences allows you to create a nurturing environment that meets their social and emotional needs.



6 . Tunnels, obstacles and things to jump on.

In the wild, rabbits have to dodge all sorts of obstacles just to munch on their favorite snacks. They’re always on the lookout for predators and hustling around to find food and shelter. But pet bunnies are limited to what’s in their space, which can be a bit boring for them.

To keep them happy and healthy, it’s super important to make their space fun and enriching! Rabbits love to hop, run, and explore, so why not add some cool obstacles for them? Things like logs, ramps, boxes, and tunnels can provide great entertainment for both your bunnies and you. Plus, it’ll help them stay fit and maintain a healthy weight.

You can also throw in some foraging games or toys to encourage them to use those obstacles. Hide some treats in boxes or create a little treasure hunt for them! This way, your bunnies get to enjoy their natural instincts while having a blast in their own little adventure zone. They’ll definitely appreciate the extra effort, and you’ll love watching them play!


7 . Outdoor time

If your bunny lives indoors, another great way to add some excitement to their day is to let them enjoy some time out in the garden!

A white and black pet rabbit enjoying an apple stick in the garden
Combining enrichment ideas can switch it up for your bunny and keep them engaged

You can either let them roam freely or set up a safe pen for them to explore. Just make sure you keep an eye on them the whole time to ensure they’re safe and can’t escape or hurt themselves. Being outside changes up their environment and gives them new sensory experiences to enjoy. If you have grass or rabbit-safe plants, they’ll love foraging for tasty treats to nibble on, making their outdoor time even more enjoyable.

Just remember to check for any potential hazards in the garden, like toxic plants or small gaps they might squeeze through. With a little supervision and a safe space, your bunny will have a blast exploring the great outdoors!

However, it’s important to note that some rabbits might not enjoy this type of stimulation and could feel overwhelmed or scared. It’s your job to watch their behavior and see if they’re feeling comfortable or not. Rabbits are prey animals, and they can easily become frightened, which can lead to stress. Stress can cause digestive issues and, in some cases, can be quite serious for their health.



8 . Foraging opportunities

Feeding your rabbit in a bowl is super easy and convenient, but it kind of takes away their natural instinct to forage for food. I get it—sometimes you just need to get dinner sorted quickly, especially on busy workdays. But honestly, making forage boxes for my bunnies is one of my favorite things to do! It’s so much fun to watch them get excited and busy digging around for their food.

To whip up a forage box, all you need is a cardboard box (just make sure it’s free of tape and labels). Grab some hay or grass, their regular pellets, and some mixed greens. You can even find pre-made forage mixes at pet shops or online if you want to switch things up. Oh, and shredded paper can be a fun addition too!


Some materials needed to make a forage box for pet rabbits for enrichment
Forage mixes from a pet store

When I make a forage box, I usually start by sprinkling some pellets at the bottom. Then, I pile on a layer of hay and grass. After that, I shred up the mixed greens and sprinkle those in, hiding them among the hay. Finally, I cover everything with another layer of hay and give it a little mix before serving it up to my rabbits. This way, they get to dig and forage for their food, which is way more fun for them! Plus, it helps them eat more hay, which is super important for their health. Overall, adding foraging activities to your bunny’s routine can really boost their happiness and keep them from getting bored.






A rabbit showing signs of stress with bulging eyes and flared nostrils
Eyes wide and panting: signs of stress. Eclipse was promptly returned to her safe space!

Keeping our rabbits happy and healthy is about so much more than just filling their bowls with food. It’s all about enriching their lives and understanding how they act in the wild. In nature, rabbits are always on the move, foraging for food, digging around, and exploring their surroundings. By bringing some of that wild spirit into their home life, we can make a big difference in their happiness.

Enrichment can be super fun and comes in all shapes and sizes! Whether it’s providing a bunch of toys, safe things to chew on, or those awesome forage boxes we talked about, these activities help keep our bunnies active and engaged. Plus, they help prevent boredom, which can lead to some not-so-great behaviors. Don’t forget that rabbits are social animals, so spending time with them, letting them explore, and giving them some bunny buddies can really boost their mood.

And let’s not overlook their diet! Making sure they have fresh hay, veggies, and clean water is key. A balanced diet, along with plenty of playtime and mental challenges, creates a happy, healthy bunny life.

At the end of the day, it’s all about creating a loving and fun environment where our rabbits can really thrive. By watching how they behave, learning what they need, and giving them a space to explore and play, we can keep our furry friends happy and healthy. Remember, a happy rabbit is a playful rabbit, and the joy they bring to our lives is priceless. So let’s be the best bunny parents we can be and make sure our little pals enjoy lives that are as rich and fulfilling as they deserve!


Have you got a bunny? What ways do you add enrichment to their life? I'd love to hear all about it! Comment below or connect with me on social media.



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