🎨🐾 Vet Guide 2025: DIY Enrichment Toys for Small Pets — By Dr Duncan Houston

Daily enrichment is vital for the well‑being of small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters & ferrets. Store‑bought toys are great, but DIY versions often offer the same stimulation using safe, household items. Let’s get creative with four simple, vet‑approved projects that promote foraging, chewing, hiding, and exploration! 😊

1️⃣ Hide‑and‑Seek Treat Boxes

• Cut a paper‑towel tube into 2–3 sections, slot in hay and treats, fold ends—see Oxbow method :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Optionally thread string for a hanging challenge—hang in cage for extra sensory fun.
• Provides foraging stimulation and gentle chewing, good for dental health.

2️⃣ Forage Tubes & Kabobs

• Stuff toilet‑paper or hay‑filler tubes with hay, shredded paper, and treats :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Fold ends or secure with untreated string; pets push and pull to extract goodies.
• Encourages curiosity and natural rooting behavior; ideal for rabbits & rodents.

3️⃣ Puzzle Feeders from Corrugated Boxes

• Glue vertical toilet‑paper tubes to a small cardboard base, fill select tubes with pellets or hay—see tutorial :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Pets sniff and paw to find treats—it builds problem‑solving skills.
• Reusable and recyclable—just replace when worn or chewed.

4️⃣ Paper‑Bag or Box Mazes + Digging Boxes

• Use shallow cardboard boxes or paper bags with shredded media (tissue, clean hay) :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Hide treats inside; pets explore, dig, burrow—excellent for chinchillas & ferrets.
• Encourages natural nesting and rummaging behavior with minimal materials.

✅ Crafting & Safety Tips

• 🧵 Use only untreated paper, cardboard, hay, and natural string—no inks, adhesives, staples.
• 👀 Supervise initial playtime—remove any small parts, sharp edges, or swallowed fragments.
• 🧼 Replace or clean toys weekly; discard if soiled, damp, or unsafe.
• 🔁 Rotate crafts weekly to maintain novelty and engagement.

🎯 Enrichment Benefits

• Enhances mental stimulation and reduces boredom or stress :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Supports natural behaviors like chewing, rooting, foraging, and hiding :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Helps dental health and promotes slow feeding through foraging challenges.
• Strengthens bonds through shared playtime and interaction.

🔟 DIY Toy Checklist

1. Create hide boxes using paper tube + hay + treats
2. Stuff forage tubes/bags with hay & treats for pulling
3. Assemble cardboard puzzle feeders with vertical tubes
4. Make dig boxes from paper bags + shredded material
5. Always use pet-safe, natural materials—no glue or ink
6. Supervise first play sessions for safety
7. Rotate or refresh toys weekly for novelty
8. Monitor wear—clean or discard when needed
9. Observe pet interaction—adjust complexity over time
10. Use **Ask A Vet** app for unique behavior or stress guidance

🌈 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

DIY enrichment is fun, cost-effective, and deeply rewarding for both pet and owner. By using everyday items to create hide boxes, forage tubes, puzzles, and dig areas, you stimulate your pet’s instincts—chewing, exploring, problem-solving—while strengthening your bond. Always choose safe materials, supervise early use, and rotate toys for sustained interest. And if you notice changes in behavior or need enrichment help, the Ask A Vet app is your trusted resource. Let’s craft a happier, healthier life together! 🐾📱