Rabbits NEED Toys to Stay Healthy and Happy
What some people don't understand is that rabbits are just like any cat or dog. They like to play. They have emotional and physical needs; they need to be active, and to exercise their minds.
In the wild, rabbits are naturally very brainy creatures. When I say "brainy", I don't mean they are particularity smart (which they are), just that they have to use their minds for staying alive. Most of it is instinct; however, a dumb rabbit with no brain isn't saving itself from anything.
Domesticated rabbits have to use their minds a little less than they would have to if they lived in the wild. They don't need to be constantly aware of their surroundings; they don't need to forge food for themselves; they don't dig for burrows, food, or nesting; they don't (hopefully), need to run from predators; they don't need to protect their young from danger.
Toys that hide treats bring out a part of the rabbit that might otherwise be concealed. Searching and smelling out the treats stimulates their minds, and brings out their instinctive foraging behavior.
Some rabbits have just a feeder and water in their cages. What do they do all day? How do they exercise their minds and stay happy? In my opinion, a happy rabbit is one that will breed easier; take care of its young better; and be, overall, funner to play with and be around.
I don't have rabbits just because they're cute and easy to make a quick dollar on. I raise rabbits because I truly enjoy this little creature that God put on the earth. And if we TRULY enjoy rabbits, we want them to be happy, right?
In the wild, rabbits are naturally very brainy creatures. When I say "brainy", I don't mean they are particularity smart (which they are), just that they have to use their minds for staying alive. Most of it is instinct; however, a dumb rabbit with no brain isn't saving itself from anything.
Domesticated rabbits have to use their minds a little less than they would have to if they lived in the wild. They don't need to be constantly aware of their surroundings; they don't need to forge food for themselves; they don't dig for burrows, food, or nesting; they don't (hopefully), need to run from predators; they don't need to protect their young from danger.
Toys that hide treats bring out a part of the rabbit that might otherwise be concealed. Searching and smelling out the treats stimulates their minds, and brings out their instinctive foraging behavior.
Some rabbits have just a feeder and water in their cages. What do they do all day? How do they exercise their minds and stay happy? In my opinion, a happy rabbit is one that will breed easier; take care of its young better; and be, overall, funner to play with and be around.
I don't have rabbits just because they're cute and easy to make a quick dollar on. I raise rabbits because I truly enjoy this little creature that God put on the earth. And if we TRULY enjoy rabbits, we want them to be happy, right?
Toilet Paper Tube Toys
If you are like me, you don't have much money to spend on rabbit toys that are demolished the day after you buy them. But you still love watching them play and exercise their minds while they're playing, right?!
I live in a house of 7 (Humans, that is), and we go through a lot of toilet paper. We always have toilet paper tubes to sacrifice to the bunnies. At first I was just giving them the tubes, and they love that. But I came across some great pictures on Google and I got some great ideas! Easily replaced, edible, super fun toys for your rabbit!
I will add more to this as I discover more fun ways to use toilet paper tubes as toys for bunnies!
I live in a house of 7 (Humans, that is), and we go through a lot of toilet paper. We always have toilet paper tubes to sacrifice to the bunnies. At first I was just giving them the tubes, and they love that. But I came across some great pictures on Google and I got some great ideas! Easily replaced, edible, super fun toys for your rabbit!
I will add more to this as I discover more fun ways to use toilet paper tubes as toys for bunnies!
My bunnies love balls, and these toilet paper tube balls are no exception! My house rabbit enjoyed throwing them around and having fun. I stuffed them with a piece of carrot, and the bunnies smelled it right away and went crazy! Not only is adding the treat a fun, yummy toy for them, but it stimulates their minds and keeps their teeth neat and worn down!
They are really easy to make. All you need is one toilet paper tube per ball.
They are really easy to make. All you need is one toilet paper tube per ball.
- Cut the toilet paper tube into eighths (eight strips).
- Take one of the eighths and overlap it with another strip.
- Continue overlapping the strips until you've used up all the toilet paper tube.
- And there you have it!
This next one I'm about to show you takes about four toilet paper tubes.
Below are some Youtube videos (none by me), on how to make DIY rabbit toys. I love all of these!