Do pet rabbits play? If so, how? Do they play games? Do rabbits need toys? How can you help your rabbit have more fun?
Rabbits don’t play like other pets, but that doesn’t mean they don’t love to play and have fun. Not only is it thoroughly enjoyable for them, but play and enrichment are a huge part of giving your pet rabbit his best life.
Today, we’ll go over why playtime is so important for your rabbit and how you can play with him to encourage a happy life for your bunny. Let’s hop in, shall we?
Why You Need to Play With Your Rabbit
First things first. Playtime is crucial for daily enrichment. It should be something your rabbit can look forward to all day, especially if he lives in an enclosure full-time. But that’s definitely not the only important reason for playing with your pet rabbit.
Helps Forge a Strong Bond
Spending time with your rabbit is imperative to maintaining a good bond and is vital to their overall mental health. Rabbits are socially dependent, meaning they depend on social bonds with other rabbits and their human companions. That’s why I recommend having two rabbits rather than just one.
Spending an hour or so playing with your pet rabbit can help you form a stronger bond with him, giving him better social stimulation and buying yourself a lifelong furry friend.
Prevents Depression and Relieves Stress
Another reason to play with your pet rabbit is also related to his mental health. Again, social bonds are a huge factor. The bonds that come with playing help rabbits, particularly single rabbits, avoid depression. But play itself is a great way to keep your rabbit mentally and emotionally well. Plus, it’s also a great stress reliever.
Encourages More Exercise
Playing with your rabbit is more than just for mental health. It also keeps your rabbit physically healthy. Play provides extra time for exercise, helping to keep your rabbit’s weight down while maintaining bone and joint functions.
How Do Rabbits Play?
Simply hopping around and exploring can be fun for rabbits, but that’s not all that rabbits like to do for fun. Rabbits love chasing each other around, playing tag, and even fetch. My rabbit Chile enjoys playing tag with my cat George. But, his favourite thing to do is take pieces of paper and run away. (I call that reverse fetch).
How Much Should You Play With Your Pet Rabbit?
Try to play with your pet rabbit for an hour daily. Again, this is a fraction of the day, but it means the world for your rabbit’s general health.
How to Play With Your Pet Rabbit
Playtime for rabbits doesn’t mean just getting out of the cage to hop around for a while.
Free-roam rabbits need playtime, too. Play time should challenge a rabbit’s mind while giving him something fun to do.
Games
Rabbits love to play games that get them in touch with their mischievous and explorative side. Here are some of my favourite games to play with my rabbit, Chile.
- Tag: Again, playing tag is wonderful for rabbits. It’s the same as playing with another human (on a much gentler level). However, you must let your rabbit make the first move. When your rabbit “boops” you and turns to run, slowly follow him. Read your rabbit’s body language to make sure he’s playing and not running away in fear.
- Tug Of War: Rabbits love tugging and chewing on things, so Tug of War is a great way to bring out those tendencies to prevent your shoes and furniture legs from being chewed to bits. And, unlike dogs, playing won’t create unnecessarily aggressive behaviour. Again, it’s on a much gentler scale. Really, you wouldn’t be doing much tugging, but gently holding a rope or other toss toy for a few seconds.
- Reverse Fetch: Like I mentioned before, a lot of rabbits love to play reverse fetch, which is basically them just stealing something from you and running away. This will bring out your rabbit’s mischievous side, which is extremely entertaining.
- Scavenger Hunt: Scavenger hunts are “self-play”, but it’s still just as fun for your rabbits! Hide some treats around the room and watch your rabbit explore to find them. This is the perfect way to exercise your rabbits smelling and foraging abilities.
Toys
- Toss/Chew Toys: Toss toys, like these Woven Balls, are great for rabbits for a few reasons. You can just toss them for your rabbit to play with. It helps them release their chewing habits (keeping their teeth in good shape), and you can play multiple games with them, like Tug Of War or Reverse Fetch.
- Puzzle Toys: Rabbits LOVE puzzles. So it’s always fun when they can use their problem-solving and scenting abilities. My rabbit’s favourite is this Flip Board that dispenses treats.
- Tunnels: Being natural tunnelers, getting your rabbit a tunnel to play (or hide) in is a no-brainer. It’s not just for play, either. This may also become a “safe space” for your rabbit, especially if he’s free-roam.
Tips for Playing With Your Rabbit
Unlike dogs or cats, you can’t just jump into playing with your pet rabbit. It’s always good to start with a good bond by offering treats and grooming your rabbit. And, for the time being, self-play and having another rabbit are crucial. When your rabbit’s comfortable enough with you, use some of these tips to help.
Offer Treats & Healthy Snacks
Nothing gets a rabbit’s attention more than food. So, if you need help getting your rabbit to play along, offer some treats. Or, even better, healthy snacks like fruits and veggies to lure him in.
Read Your Rabbit’s Body Language
Knowing your rabbit’s body language is a huge asset. This helps you figure out when it’s a good time to play (or not) and gauge how your rabbit’s feeling. For instance, as I mentioned, when playing tag or other games like that, you need to be able to tell whether your rabbit is running away playfully or out of fear. This can help you tone down your approach if you’re coming on too strong.
Play on the Ground
It’s best to play with your rabbit while sitting or lying on the floor, especially if your rabbit doesn’t fully trust you yet. Getting on his level will help your rabbit to feel more comfortable playing with you. Otherwise, he’ll likely be scared, and you’ll have to spend more time bonding to gain his trust.
Know When Prime Playtime Is
Rabbits are crepuscular, meaning they’re most active at dawn and dusk. However, some pet rabbits have different “prime times” for playing. Take note of when your rabbit is most energetic, and try to align with that.
Conclusion
Pet rabbits LOVE to play, whether with you, or another bunny. When you learn how to play with your rabbit, you’ll discover how mischievous (and downright entertaining) they can be! Plus, you’ll have a stronger bond with your pet rabbit, which has unlimited benefits.