This Easter, we’re celebrating all things enrichment for small pets. So, we’ve caught up with our in-house vet Dr Lucy Robson who explains the importance of enrichment for small pets and ideas to encourage their natural foraging behaviours.

Enrichment is fundamental for small pets. It prevents boredom, encourages mental stimulation, promoted physical activity, and allows animals to express their natural behaviours – a vital part of the internationally recognised Five Freedoms of animal welfare.

Rabbits, guinea pigs and other small animals in the wild spend most of their time foraging for food. While in captivity, this essential activity is often missing, which can lead to boredom, frustration, a sedentary lifestyle, and obesity. So, adding enrichment which mimics these natural behaviours helps to keep your small pets busy and engaged.

Why Enrichment Matters for Small Pets

Rabbits, guinea pigs and other small pets are intelligent and active animals whose natural behaviours include digging, foraging, and exploring. Without opportunities to express these behaviours, they can become stressed or develop unwanted habits like excessive chewing of cables or furniture.

Our in-house vet Dr Lucy explains, “Digging and destroying behaviours are normal in rabbits. They evolved to keep warren tunnels tidy and free of roots. Providing digging boxes and tunnels directs this behaviour safely and in a controlled manner.”

Easy DIY Enrichment Ideas for Rabbits

You don’t need fancy toys to keep your small pets happy. Some simple DIY enrichment toys include:

• Toilet rolls – stuff with treats or forage to create puzzle feeders
• Cardboard boxes – Perfect for hiding and exploring
• Digging boxes – Encourages natural digging behaviour
• Tunnels – Supports exploration and exercise
• Puzzle Feeders – Makes feeding more engaging and mentally stimulating.

Dr Lucy often makes toilet roll puzzle feeders filled with treats or forage. She also recommends hanging baskets filled with hay and forage, which stimulates “periscoping” behaviour (when a rabbit stretches upwards to explore their environment).

Making Mealtime Fun

Dr Lucy recommends that feeding shouldn’t be ‘easy’ for rabbits. Simply using a bowl misses a key opportunity for exercise and mental engagement.

Better options include:

• Scatter feeding – Spread hay, forage or vegetables around the enclosure.
• Puzzle feeders – Encourage problem solving and activity
• Hanging baskets – Stimulate natural foraging and stretching.

By providing more enrichment and foraging opportunities, you’re helping your small pets live happier and healthier lives.

This week, over on our Instagram and social channels, we’re sharing DIY enrichment ideas for you to try at home. Our range of dried treats and forage is perfect for adding to your small pets’ hay or DIY enrichment toys to encourage natural foraging behaviours.