Rabbits are social animals and love to play with their owners. If you're a new owner of a rabbit, or can't get your pet to play, there are lots of tips you can use to entertain your bunny. Pay attention to your pet's personality, as that can influence what kind of games he enjoys, and try to figure out the best method to play.
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Part 1 of 3: Choosing Toys for Your Rabbit
Step 1. Get to know your rabbit
The rabbit's personality will determine the toys he likes and doesn't like. Before you start collecting toys for your rabbit, get to know him and find out what he likes. Knowing what stimuli he will respond to can help you plan playtime.
- First, let your rabbit out of the cage or fenced space and come to you. Let him explore areas that are safe for him.
- Pay attention to what and how he interacts. Some rabbits like to break things, which means they like to tear paper and tissue while playing. Some threw toys with their teeth and chased after them. Others like to drop something. Watch your rabbit's behavior and see what kind of games he likes.
- Rabbits get scared easily, so try not to make sudden movements. Never yell at the rabbit, as this will drive the rabbit away from you.
Step 2. Choose toys for your time at home
Choose a variety of toys that you can use to play with your rabbit at home. Make choices based on your rabbit's specific personality.
- For a bunny who likes throwing things, you can buy rabbit-safe toys at your local pet store or shopping center. Bird toys are also good for games like this, as they are made to be easy to hold. If you're on a budget, you can use cardboard tubes of rolls or toilet paper to save money.
- Rabbits who enjoy chewing and digging can channel this behavior into play. Straw mats and boxes full of torn or paper clippings can provide hours of entertainment. Baby toys and plastic balls are also good, because they are strong and durable to use for a long time before having to be replaced.
- Logic toys are great for curious rabbits, and are available at pet stores. These toys usually involve a plastic or cardboard box containing an object that attracts the rabbit, such as a rubber ball or a treat. The rabbit has to figure out how to open the box to get the prize.
- Since some rabbits like to drop things, consider buying a kids bowling pin. Rabbits will love dropping it and having you put it back in its original position.
Step 3. Choose toys for when you're not at home
While playing with your rabbit is great fun, you should make sure your rabbit is entertained even when you're not home. This way, your rabbit won't feel stressed when you go out and act by biting, chewing, or crushing something.
- Many rabbit owners suggest making castles out of cardboard for rabbits. That means you have to collect old cardboard boxes and assemble them, then punch holes in them to make hallways and entrances. Chewing rabbits or curious rabbits will especially enjoy cardboard castles. If you keep your rabbit in a room instead of in a cage when you go out, or if there is a fenced room for your rabbit, this can be a great option. If your rabbit is kept in a cage during the day, this can be difficult.
- If your rabbit likes to dig, add plenty of sawdust or hay in the cage when you go out. If he feels bored, he can dig it.
Part 2 of 3: Playing with Your Rabbit
Step 1. Schedule a play time period
Rabbits tend to thrive on routine. The best way to get your bunny to play with you is to have regularly scheduled playtime.
- Rabbits are generally most active in the morning, so this might be a good time to play with them, if you can. Otherwise, many rabbits are also active late at night.
- Be careful when you invite to play. Rabbits prefer to be left alone when they are eating, in the sand, bathing, or sleeping. If you see your rabbit doing these things, let him finish before asking him to play. However, it's a good idea to open your rabbit's cage or fenced room at this point as this signals that now is playtime and that he can get out of the cage when he's ready.
Step 2. Match your height with the rabbit
Make sure your rabbit feels safe and comfortable with you as a playmate. You have to make sure he doesn't think of you as a giant.
- Try to match your height with the rabbit. You can sit, bend over, or lie on the floor.
- Let the rabbit choose to sit on your lap or physically interact with you. Some rabbits love to be cuddled and will over time become cuddly bunnies, but most prefer to be independent during play.
Step 3. Be patient
Rabbits can get scared, especially in the beginning. Don't force him to play or give him a toy if your rabbit doesn't seem interested. Let the rabbit adjust according to his ability.
- Don't be as rude to a rabbit as you are to a cat or dog. Rabbits are timid by nature and this can cause your rabbit to feel fearful around you.
- Greet your rabbit cheerfully before opening the cage, calling his name and saying something friendly like, "Good morning." This way, he will associate you with fun and will be more willing to interact with you.
- Caress your rabbit while giving him positive comments, such as friendly voice cues or food rewards. You need to get him to associate your touch with security and happiness.
Part 3 of 3: Teaching Non-Aggressive Play
Step 1. Use food rewards to lure your rabbit
Rabbits can get nervous when they start playing, which can lead to aggressive behavior. To keep your rabbit happy, try using food rewards to lure him out of the cage.
- Many rabbit foods sold in pet stores are high in calories and are not good for the rabbit's long-term health. Instead, choose healthy snacks, such as raisins, apples cut into small pieces, pineapple, celery, strawberries, and grated oats without sugar.
- While food rewards are a great start, don't give your rabbit too much. Allow your rabbit to eat a few treats when he enters the play area, but don't treat him in exchange for food every time he asks for it.
Step 2. Treat the bite
Sometimes rabbits bite. That's not always a bad attitude of resistance. Sometimes it's a response to stress or a way of showing affection, but those behaviors are a problem for the owner.
- Don't get mad at the rabbit. Since rabbits are timid by nature, scolding them can do more harm than good to stop the bite.
- When the rabbit bites, gently move him away. Say something nice to him and pet him afterwards. Repeat this behavior as often as needed until the rabbit is no longer biting.
Step 3. Let your rabbit decide when playtime is over
Rabbits are independent animals, and you should respect this. Let him make his own decisions about playing time.
- The rabbit will give a signal when it is ready to play. Rabbits will circle the owner's legs or tug at the sleeves and pants. Wait for your rabbit to signal that he is ready before removing the toy.
- When your rabbit loses interest in play, and tries to get back into its cage, let it go. Rabbits often want to be alone and will refuse playtime if it feels like something to be done.
- If the rabbit is doing something else, let him finish before trying to play with him.
- Rabbits don't always want to play the same amount of time. On some days, the rabbit may want to play for an hour, and on other days it may be as little as 10 minutes. Don't force your rabbit to play longer or less than he wants.
Tips
- When you talk to your rabbit, use a calm, comfortable voice.
- While playing, make sure food and water are available in case your rabbit is thirsty or hungry.
- Let the rabbit roam as he pleases, but check that there are no wires or other hazards that could injure the rabbit as he walks around your home.
- Let the rabbit run from everyone after they carry it.
- Let the bunny lick you and don't push him because he won't hurt you, he just wants to play.
