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It's important to keep your rabbits entertained. They require attention and playtime so they can stay happy and healthy! That attention includes giving them fresh hay and water daily, cleaning their cages regularly, and playing with them!
Rabbits are very intelligent animals who love to play just as much as dogs do. You wouldn't get so much in trouble if you provided them with plenty of toys and places to explore.
Why Should You Keep Your Rabbit Entertained?
Rabbits, when bored, can be destructive. It's important to give your bunny something to play with so it won't divert attention to some of your things.
Do you want a chewed shoelace? How about a ripped couch cover? Or tossed water bowls? Tossing food/water bowls isn't necessarily a destructive behavior, but your rabbit needs your attention.
Bunnies love to play. We can't stress that enough. It may depress them if they don't do fun activities for a long period. A happy bunny loves to explore; it is also nice to have them free-roaming in a home or apartment.
Here's how you can keep your rabbit entertained and happy.
6 Simple Ways to Make a Rabbit Happy
Let your rabbit use natural behaviors like digging, chewing, running, hiding, and socializing. The destructive behavior will lessen if you provide your rabbit with something that can stimulate its mind.
1. Toys for Bunnies
There are various toys out there that you can purchase but if you're feeling crafty, try making toys. You can use any materials that are safe for rabbits to chew. Some materials include cardboard boxes, newspaper rolls, and toilet paper rolls.
You can put the hay inside the cardboard roll so your bunny can have some snacks while playing.
You can also hang some toys because your bunny might want something to pull on. You can put treats in those toys to make it more exciting–it's like playing a bunny version of treasure hunting.
2. Feeder Toys
Feeder toys are very useful in helping your rabbit to eat. Some rabbits will not eat out of a bowl if placed on the floor; they prefer to have something else to play with and chew on simultaneously.
If you use a feeder toy, you can encourage your rabbit to eat. This toy will also help encourage your bunny to exercise and keep busy, leading to a healthier lifestyle.
3. Obstacle Course
This one is fun to design! If you are fond of obstacle courses or have tried doing it once, you can do a mini version of this for your bunny by using cardboard boxes, wood, and toys. You can create a tunnel, hiding place, or an elevated place to hop on!
The obstacle will help them maintain a healthy weight, strengthen their muscles, and prevent boredom-related issues.
4. Digging Box
If people love to play golf for leisure, bunnies love to dig! Even though you raise a domestic rabbit, digging is still part of its activity, like rabbits in the wild. If you have a wide space outside for a digging activity, it's nice to let your bunny play outside the house.
You can also create a box where you can put soil. You bunny would enjoy and appreciate that for sure!
5. Doing Your Activity Beside Your Bunny
If you are reading a book, scrolling through your phone, or doing some work on your laptop, do it beside your bunny because your presence matters. Let your bunny do its activities while you're close but don't force it to stay closer to you.
6. Adopt Another Bunny
A rabbit enjoys the company of another bunny. Two rabbits love playing together compared to when they're separated. If you want to adopt another bunny, consider getting it fixed so it can be bonded with your first bunny. Rabbits are aggressive when they are not neutered or spayed. (We have a blog about Rabbit Aggression.)
Disclaimer: We are not professional veterinarians or medical doctors. We created this blog based on our experiences with pet rabbits. We volunteered hours in the rabbit shelter, did extensive pet product research, and asked experienced peers. The purpose of this blog is to provide information about properly taking care of rabbits. Please know that it is still best to visit the vet regularly. For medical emergencies, contact a rabbit-savvy vet. Always observe your rabbits around new products or environmental changes.
Final Thoughts on Keeping Rabbits Entertained
Encourage natural behavior. Rabbits are naturally curious and playful. The most effective way to keep your rabbit entertained is to allow them to fulfill their natural desires for play, exercise, and exploration.
Provide mental stimulation. Rabbits are intelligent animals who need mental stimulation just like humans do! A bored rabbit can become destructive or aggressive without toys, enrichment, and social interactions with other rabbits (or humans).
Keeping your rabbit entertained is a great way to make them happy; it's also crucial for their health. If you have an indoor bunny who doesn't get enough exercise, it could develop health problems like obesity.
You can keep your rabbit fit and healthy by providing lots of toys and activities that allow them to stretch their legs and use their muscles! You can always try the ideas provided in this blog!