DIY vs Store-Bought Pet Toys

Whether you share your home with rabbits or guinea pigs, toys are essential for their wellbeing. But should you make DIY toys or buy ready-made ones? Let’s explore the pros and cons so you can make the best choice for your pets.

The Case for DIY Toys

DIY toys can be a brilliant way to enrich your pet’s life without spending much. Common household items can be transformed into engaging playthings, such as:

Cardboard tubes – Stuff them with hay or herbs for a simple foraging challenge.
Paper bags – Filled with shredded paper or treats, they encourage natural digging.
Shredded cardboard – A safe and inexpensive outlet for chewing and burrowing.

Not only are DIY toys budget-friendly, but they are also eco-conscious, reducing waste while keeping your pets entertained. They also allow you to get creative, making enrichment a fun activity for both owner and pet.

The Case for Store-Bought Toys

While DIY toys are useful, store-bought toys are designed with small pets’ needs in mind. They’re usually made from safe, natural materials like untreated wood, seagrass, or banana leaf.

Benefits of store-bought toys include:

Durability – They last longer than paper-based DIY toys.
Variety – From forage toys to tunnels and boredom breakers, there’s something for every pet.
Safety – Professionally designed toys avoid materials that could be toxic or dangerous.

Examples include chew-safe wooden rollers, foraging mats, and toss toys that add stimulation and variety.

Mixing DIY and Store-Bought Enrichment

The best approach is often a balance between both. Use DIY toys daily for inexpensive variety and rotate them regularly. Meanwhile, invest in durable store-bought toys for consistent, long-term enrichment.

This combination ensures your pets never get bored while still benefiting from professionally designed, safe play options.

Safety First

No matter which toys you choose, safety must come first. Always avoid:

Painted or treated woods – Risk of toxins.
Plastics – Can break into dangerous shards.
Small parts – Choking hazards if swallowed.

Supervision with new toys is always a good idea until you’re confident they’re safe for your pets.

Recommended Store-Bought Options

At Twigs & Burrows, we stock a wide range of safe and engaging toys for rabbits and guinea pigs. Some popular choices include:

Snuffle Forage Mat – A fantastic way to recreate natural foraging.
Loofa Toss 'n' Treat Roller – Doubles as a toss toy and a treat dispenser.
Trio of Fun Balls – Lightweight balls made from safe natural fibres.
Sea Grass Tunnel – A hideout and chew toy in one.
Treat 'n' Gnaw Donuts – Fun, chew-safe rings for gnawing.
Wacky Wobblers – Interactive toys to spark curiosity and movement.
Chill 'n' Chew Mat – Comfortable, safe, and ideal for nibbling.

For extra variety, our Toys & Enrichment Collection also includes toy and treat hampers that make the perfect all-in-one enrichment gift.

Final Thoughts

DIY toys are excellent for budget-friendly enrichment and daily variety, while store-bought toys provide durability, safety, and unique play experiences. By combining both, you’ll create the best environment for your rabbits and guinea pigs, keeping them happy, stimulated, and safe.

Explore the Twigs & Burrows Toys & Enrichment Collection to find the perfect mix of safe and exciting toys for your small pets.