DIY Bunny Toys – Slotted Cardboard Balls

Boxes are one of the best toys for bunnies because they are so versatile. I decided to see how many toys I could get out of just one box.

Here is the box; it’s a nice sturdy one that the printer sends my Understanding Rabbit’s Habits books in.

bunny box

Ooo, a new box for me!

The first thing I did was cut all the way around about 3″ up from the base (and removed the tape) to make a tray. It makes a nice lounging spot/hay outpost/chewing spot – I tuck these in corners to help prevent unsanctioned chewing/digging.

bunny box

What did you do to my box!

That left quite a bit of cardboard over to make some toys!

Simple Cardboard Ball

Step 1: Make Three Circles

I started by drawing around a bowl to get three circles. They can be whatever size you like, go for plates if you want something bigger.

drawing circles

Watch out for my nose.

Next cut them out with a knife or scissors.

cutting circles out of cardboard

Scamp was banned from this part because he was at risk of losing whiskers.

cardboard circles

But he wasn’t gone for long.

Step 2 Make Slots

Now you need to make slots in your circles. Unless you are using very thin card, e.g. cereal packet, then rather than just cutting a line, cut an actual slot discarding a thin piece of card so the slot width is the same as then thickness as the cardboard. It makes them much easier to put together.

Each circle needs a slightly different slot.

Circle 1. Cut  to the centre of the circle.

Circle 2. Cut to the centre and then continue half way to the other side.

Circle 3. Cut to the centre, then make a second slot from the opposite side half way to the centre.

IMG_4032b

The blue x marks the centre of the circle.

Step 3: Assemble Your Ball

Now assemble the ball by slotting the pieces together.

Start by slotting together circle no. 2 and the short slot on circle no. 3. Then take circle no. 1 and, working from the same direction, slot that over the top.

Slot together 2 & 3. Then add no. 1.

Slot together 2 & 3. Then add no. 1.

And you should have this:

slotted cardboard ball

Finished!

If you want to add a bit of extra fun, try making holes in the circles with a pair or scissors or jabbing it with a pen and then put pellets through them.

Cardboard Ball Advanced Level

After successfully completed one ball, I decided to get a bit more adventurous with a ball to stuff with hay.

Step 1: Make Six Circles

Again, cut circles but this time they need to be around 6″ or so across (or bigger) and you’ll need six of them.

cardboard circles

Step 2: Cut Slots

This time all circles need matching slots:

IMG_4043b

Step 3: Slot Together

Then you slot them together. It looks complicated but just slot the first three on, and then it will be obvious where the last two go.

IMG_4046b

Then stuff the gaps with hay and treats and hand over to your bunny!

hay stuffed rabbt toy

Okay, I forgive you for cutting up my box.

Not a bad evenings entertainment from just one box!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Tags: , ,

Learn to understand rabbit behaviour

13 Responses to “DIY Bunny Toys – Slotted Cardboard Balls”

  1. Yasmine says:

    Absolutely magical 😀

  2. Ana Aguilar says:

    You always come up with this great toys. Thanks!

  3. Roos says:

    I’m totally making these for my demolition squad!

  4. Danielle says:

    I just wanted to say that I absolutely love your blog. You have such fantastic DIYs for bunny owners and I am glad you provide such excellent content.

    🙂 I can’t wait to make this cardboard ball for my bunny, Olive.

  5. the h's and the gp's says:

    I am going to make this for my guinea pigs!

  6. . says:

    love the second one

  7. sammy says:

    This was really helpful for me and my bunnies

  8. sammy says:

    Great bunny info X

  9. Anam says:

    i wud love to make it for my bunny 😀

  10. Bonnie Walters says:

    don’t the bunnies ‘eat’ cardboard? and if they do is it harmful?

    • Tamsin says:

      They generally shred it rather than eating it. If they eat a tiny amount by mistake it will pass through fine. A few exceptions will eat cardboard in bulk but usually only if there is a lack of fibre i.e. hay in their diet. If you are good at DIY you could make the same shapes from wood.

  11. owen jenkins says:

    my 3 bunnys harry, rodger and bella) and my 7 guinea pigs (dave, bert, Sammy, thunder, will, max and bramly) love these so much thank you for making me make these toys 🙂

Leave a Reply