Rabbit Enrichment: How to Keep Your Bunny Happy and Engaged

Rabbits are intelligent, curious animals that need daily mental and physical stimulation to stay healthy and happy. In the wild, they spend much of their time digging, foraging, running, and interacting with their environment. As house rabbits, they still retain these natural instincts — which means enrichment isn’t just “extra,” it’s essential.

Without proper enrichment, rabbits can become bored, frustrated, and even depressed. Boredom in rabbits may lead to destructive behaviors like excessive chewing, cage bar biting, or even aggression. Mental stimulation helps prevent these issues and supports emotional well-being, while physical activity promotes healthy digestion, joint strength, and weight control.

Simple Ways to Enrich Your Rabbit’s Life

Rescue rabbit enjoying a cardboard toy filled with tasty hay—perfect for mental and physical stimulation.

There are many easy and inexpensive ways to provide enrichment. One of the best options is offering a variety of safe toys. These can include untreated wood blocks, cardboard boxes, hay-stuffed toilet paper rolls, and woven grass mats. Rotate toys regularly to keep things exciting — rabbits enjoy novelty just as much as we do.

Foraging games are another great activity. Hide small treats or favorite greens inside hay piles, paper bags, or treat balls to encourage natural foraging behavior. Dig boxes filled with shredded paper or hay allow rabbits to dig and toss material around safely.

Tunnels and hideouts mimic burrows and encourage your rabbit to explore and feel secure. You can purchase tunnels made for small animals or use cardboard tubes from shipping boxes. Make sure all materials are rabbit-safe and free of tape, staples, or paint.

Recommended Enrichment Ideas:

• Hay-stuffed toilet paper tubes

• Untreated wood chew toys

• Cardboard castles and tunnels

• Dig boxes with shredded paper or hay

• Foraging mats or treat balls

• Woven grass mats or seagrass tunnels

• Bunny-safe stuffed animals for solo rabbits

• Hide-and-seek boxes with multiple entry points

• DIY treat puzzles made from paper cups

  
  

Social and Sensory Enrichment

Don’t forget that rabbits are social animals. Interaction with their humans or bonded rabbit partners is another form of enrichment. Gentle petting sessions, supervised playtime, or even clicker training can build trust and boost confidence.

Sensory enrichment, like different textures, sounds, and smells, can also help your rabbit engage with their environment. Offer soft fleece blankets to dig and rearrange, natural herbs like rosemary or mint to sniff, and toys that make soft crinkly noises.

Rotate, Refresh, Repeat

Just like people, rabbits can get tired of the same routine. That’s why it’s important to rotate toys and rearrange their play area every week or so. Keep things fresh by adding new textures, scents, or layouts.

Always observe your rabbit’s preferences. Some love digging, others prefer tossing toys or chewing. Tailoring enrichment to your rabbit’s personality ensures they get the most benefit from your efforts.

Enrichment Supports Lifelong Health

Investing time into enrichment means supporting your rabbit’s health — physically and mentally. It reduces stress, encourages natural behaviors, and can even prevent destructive habits or illness caused by boredom. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to bond with your bunny and build a deeper relationship.

Whether you’re creating a dig box, hiding herbs in a hay pile, or offering a brand-new chew toy, you’re helping your rabbit live their best life.