When I first adopted my rabbit, Hazel, I quickly realized that she was a curious little creature who loved exploring, chewing, and playing. However, finding toys that kept her entertained and didn’t break the bank was another challenge entirely. That’s when I discovered the magical versatility of toilet paper rolls. Who would have thought such a simple household item could turn into endless hours of fun for a bunny?
Toilet paper rolls are a rabbit owner’s best-kept secret. They’re cheap, readily available, and completely customizable to your bunny’s preferences. Plus, using them for DIY toys is a great way to reduce waste and keep your rabbit mentally and physically stimulated. In this article, I’ll share some of my favorite DIY bunny toys made with toilet paper rolls, complete with personal anecdotes and step-by-step instructions. Get ready to make your bunny’s day!
Why Use Toilet Paper Rolls for Bunny Toys?
Toilet paper rolls are perfect for creating rabbit-friendly toys because they’re:
Safe to Chew: Cardboard is non-toxic and gentle on your bunny’s teeth, making it a great material for chewing and nibbling.
Eco-Friendly: Repurposing toilet paper rolls is an excellent way to recycle and reduce household waste.
Affordable: You don’t need to spend a fortune on fancy toys when you can use what’s already in your home.
Customizable: You can make countless designs tailored to your rabbit’s personality and play style.
When I introduced Hazel to her first toilet paper roll toy, I was amazed at how much she enjoyed it. She spent hours tossing, chewing, and nudging it around. From that moment on, I started experimenting with different designs, and each new creation seemed to bring her even more joy.
DIY Bunny Toy 1: The Classic Hay-Stuffed Roll
This simple yet effective toy combines two things rabbits love: chewing and foraging.
Materials Needed
1 empty toilet paper roll
A handful of hay (Timothy, orchard grass, or meadow hay)
Optional: Small rabbit-safe treats like dried herbs or pieces of apple
Instructions
Take an empty toilet paper roll and stuff it with hay until it’s packed tightly.
If desired, sprinkle a small amount of dried herbs or hide a treat in the middle of the hay for added excitement.
Place the stuffed roll in your rabbit’s play area and watch the fun begin!
Why Rabbits Love It
This toy taps into your bunny’s natural foraging instincts. Hazel loved pulling out the hay bit by bit, often flipping the roll around to get to the hidden treat inside. It kept her entertained for hours and encouraged healthy chewing behavior.
DIY Bunny Toy 2: The Chew and Toss Tube
If your rabbit loves to toss things around, this toy is sure to be a hit.
Materials Needed
1 empty toilet paper roll
Scissors
Instructions
Flatten the toilet paper roll and cut it into 3–4 circular rings.
Reassemble the rings by overlapping them to form a ball shape.
Toss the ball into your bunny’s play area and let them explore it.
Why Rabbits Love It
This lightweight ball is easy for rabbits to toss and chew, providing both mental and physical stimulation. Hazel often picked it up with her teeth, tossed it in the air, and then chased after it. It was adorable to watch!
DIY Bunny Toy 3: The Treat Puzzle Roll
This interactive toy challenges your bunny to work for their treats, keeping them mentally engaged.
Materials Needed
1 empty toilet paper roll
Scissors
Rabbit-safe treats (small pieces of fruit or herbs work well)
Instructions
Flatten the toilet paper roll and cut 1-inch slits on each end.
Fold the slits inward on one end to close it.
Fill the roll with a few rabbit-safe treats.
Fold the slits on the other end to seal the roll.
Give the sealed roll to your bunny and watch as they figure out how to get to the treats inside.
Why Rabbits Love It
This toy encourages problem-solving and rewards your bunny’s curiosity. Hazel quickly learned how to nudge and chew her way into the roll to get to the treats. It was fascinating to see how her technique evolved with each new puzzle.
DIY Bunny Toy 4: The Hay Garland
This decorative yet functional toy doubles as entertainment and a snack.
Materials Needed
Several empty toilet paper rolls
Scissors
Twine or sisal rope (rabbit-safe)
Hay
Instructions
Cut each toilet paper roll into rings about 1–2 inches wide.
Thread the rings onto a piece of twine, alternating with clumps of hay.
Tie the ends of the twine securely and hang the garland in your bunny’s play area or attach it to their enclosure.
Why Rabbits Love It
The hanging design encourages rabbits to stretch and reach for their snacks, providing both exercise and enrichment. Hazel loved pulling the hay out of the garland and occasionally chewing on the cardboard rings for good measure.
DIY Bunny Toy 5: The Digging Box
If your rabbit loves to dig, this toy will provide them with a safe and satisfying outlet for that behavior.
Materials Needed
Several empty toilet paper rolls
A shallow cardboard box
Hay or shredded paper
Instructions
Line the bottom of the box with hay or shredded paper.
Cut the toilet paper rolls into halves or thirds and arrange them upright in the box.
Sprinkle some hay, herbs, or small treats into the rolls and around the box.
Place the digging box in your rabbit’s play area and let them explore.
Why Rabbits Love It
This toy provides endless opportunities for digging, chewing, and foraging. Hazel would spend hours rearranging the rolls, digging through the hay, and searching for hidden treats. It became her go-to activity whenever she needed to burn off energy.
FAQs: DIY Bunny Toys with Toilet Paper Rolls
1. Are toilet paper rolls safe for rabbits to chew on?
Yes, toilet paper rolls are generally safe for rabbits to chew on as long as they are plain, uncoated, and free from any glue or excessive printing. Cardboard is soft enough to chew without damaging a rabbit’s teeth but still helps keep their ever-growing teeth naturally trimmed.
When I first introduced Hazel to a toilet paper roll toy, I was a bit cautious. I made sure to remove any leftover bits of glue or tissue paper before handing it over. She loved chewing on the cardboard, and it was reassuring to know it was a safe and enriching activity for her.
However, always supervise your rabbit when they’re playing with toys to ensure they’re not swallowing large pieces of cardboard. Small nibbles are fine, but consuming too much could lead to an upset stomach.
2. How do I make toilet paper roll toys more exciting for my bunny?
The beauty of toilet paper rolls is how customizable they are! Here are some ideas to keep things fun and fresh for your rabbit:
Stuff Them with Treats: Hide small pieces of dried apple, banana, or herbs inside a hay-stuffed roll to create a foraging toy.
Add Variety: Combine toilet paper rolls with other materials, like sisal rope or cardboard boxes, to create complex toys like hanging garlands or digging boxes.
Switch Up Shapes: Flatten the rolls, cut them into rings, or fold the ends to make puzzle toys.
I found that Hazel loved surprises, so I would change the contents of her toys every few days. Sometimes it was just hay, other times it included her favorite herb—parsley. The anticipation of discovering something new kept her engaged.
3. How often should I give my rabbit toilet paper roll toys?
You can offer toilet paper roll toys as often as you’d like, as long as they don’t replace other important activities like eating hay or interacting with you. For variety, try rotating the toys every few days to maintain your rabbit’s interest.
For Hazel, I kept 2–3 toilet paper roll toys in her play area at all times. Each week, I’d swap out older toys for new designs, which kept her from getting bored. Because toilet paper rolls are so easy to make, I always had a fresh stash ready to go!
4. Can I use paper towel rolls instead of toilet paper rolls?
Yes, paper towel rolls work just as well as toilet paper rolls! In fact, their longer length can make them even more versatile for certain toy designs. For example:
You can create a larger treat puzzle by sealing both ends of a paper towel roll and filling it with hay and treats.
Use a longer roll to create a hanging garland toy with more room for hay or herbs.
Just make sure the paper towel roll is plain cardboard with no adhesive, dyes, or plastic coatings. I occasionally used paper towel rolls for Hazel when I wanted to make larger toys, and she seemed to enjoy the extra challenge of maneuvering them around.
5. How do I know if my rabbit likes their toilet paper roll toys?
Rabbits show their interest in toys in several ways. Look for these behaviors to determine if your bunny enjoys their toilet paper roll creations:
Chewing: If your rabbit starts nibbling on the toy, that’s a great sign they’re engaging with it.
Tossing: Some bunnies love to pick up and toss lightweight toys like a chew-and-toss ball.
Foraging: If your rabbit is pulling out hay or treats from the toy, they’re having fun while tapping into their natural instincts.
When I first introduced Hazel to toilet paper roll toys, she took her time inspecting them. Once she realized there were treats hidden inside, she became much more enthusiastic, flipping the rolls and tugging at the hay. Watching her figure out how to “solve” the toys was always a joy.
If your rabbit doesn’t seem interested, try adding a stronger incentive, like a favorite herb, or experiment with different toy designs to find one they prefer.
6. How can I keep toilet paper roll toys clean and safe?
To ensure your rabbit’s toys stay clean and safe, follow these tips:
Replace Regularly: Cardboard can get soggy or dirty over time, so replace toilet paper roll toys every few days, or sooner if they’ve been chewed heavily.
Avoid Treated Cardboard: Don’t use rolls with glossy coatings, colored ink, or glue residue, as these can be harmful to rabbits.
Store Rolls Properly: Keep extra toilet paper rolls in a dry, clean area to avoid contamination from dirt or pests.
I used to store a small collection of clean, plain toilet paper rolls in a box next to Hazel’s play area. This made it easy to create new toys on the spot whenever she needed a fresh distraction.
Tips for Using Toilet Paper Roll Toys
Supervise Play: Always keep an eye on your rabbit when introducing new toys to ensure they’re using them safely.
Switch Things Up: Rotate toys regularly to keep your bunny engaged and prevent boredom.
Avoid Glue or Tape: Stick to plain, unadorned toilet paper rolls without any glue, tape, or excessive printing.
Incorporate Variety: Mix and match designs to cater to your rabbit’s changing preferences and play styles.
Personal Reflections: Why DIY Toys Are Worth the Effort
Making DIY toys for Hazel became one of my favorite ways to bond with her. I loved watching her excitement as she explored new creations, and it felt good knowing I was providing her with safe and enriching entertainment. Plus, it was a fun creative outlet for me, too!
Over time, I noticed that these homemade toys also helped strengthen Hazel’s confidence. She became more curious, playful, and interactive, which made our relationship even more special.
Final Thoughts: A Fun and Budget-Friendly Solution
DIY bunny toys made from toilet paper rolls are proof that you don’t need fancy or expensive supplies to keep your rabbit happy. With just a few simple materials and a little creativity, you can create endless hours of fun for your furry friend.
Whether it’s a hay-stuffed roll, a treat puzzle, or a digging box, each toy is an opportunity to engage your rabbit’s natural instincts and enrich their daily life. So why not give these ideas a try? Your bunny will thank you with plenty of happy hops and nose twitches!
Remember, every rabbit is unique, so don’t be afraid to experiment and discover what works best for your little companion. Happy crafting! 🐰
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