Rabbits are social animals and love to play with their owner. If you've recently adopted this cute pet or just don't have the chance to let him play, there are a number of tricks you can use to keep him entertained. Pay attention to his character, as it affects the choice of games he might like and try to figure out the best ways to make him enjoy it.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing Toys for Your Rabbit
Step 1. Get to know your rabbit
His character greatly affects his taste in games. Therefore, before you start getting some toys, try to get to know your bunny well and understand his preferences. Knowing what stimuli it responds to, you can more easily organize its playful moments.
- At first, allow him to spontaneously come out of the cage or enclosed space in which he lives to come to you. Give him the opportunity to explore a safe area where he is not in any kind of danger.
- Pay attention to the things he interacts with and how. Some rabbits are chopper animals, meaning they love to shred sheets of paper and bits of cloth when they play. Others prefer to throw toys with their teeth and chase them. Still others enjoy rolling things around. Observe your bunny's behavior to understand what kind of games he prefers.
- Rabbits are easily frightened, so try not to make any sudden movements. Never scold him or he will start avoiding you.
Step 2. Pick a few toys for when you are at home
Decide which games you can use with your bunny when you are at home, choosing them based on his character.
- If he enjoys throwing items, you may want to purchase some safe items for your furry friend at a pet store or large shopping mall. Those designed for birds are also suitable for this type of game because they are made to be easily grasped. If you don't have a lot of money, try using cardboard tubes from toilet or kitchen paper so you don't waste money.
- If he loves to chew and dig, try addressing this behavior in the game. Straw rugs and boxes full of shredded or recycled paper can keep him entertained for hours. Plastic toys for children and plastic balls are also suitable, as they are sturdy and able to withstand prolonged use before being replaced.
- If yours is a curious rabbit, logic games are perfect. You can buy them at a pet store. They typically consist of a plastic or cardboard box that contains something that catches her interest, such as a rubber ball or a delicious treat. The rabbit must understand how the box opens to earn the reward.
- If your furry friend loves rolling things, buy baby skittles. He will enjoy dropping them and forcing you to put them back on your feet.
Step 3. Give him something to play with when you are not home
Even if you like to play with your bunny, you need to make sure he has fun even when he's alone. This way, he won't get too stressed out during your absence and will avoid engaging in bad behaviors, such as biting, chewing or destroying objects.
- Many owners recommend building a cardboard castle for these cute little animals. Basically, you should get old cardboard boxes, put them inside each other and then cut holes to create corridors and entrances. If your bunny loves to chew or is normally curious, he will have a lot of fun exploring a cardboard castle. If you leave him locked in a room instead of in the cage when you are away from home, or if you have set up a fenced space for him, this game could be a great idea. If, on the other hand, you keep him in his cage during the day, it could be more complicated.
- If your bunny prefers to dig, put a generous amount of sawdust or straw in his cage before you go outside. If he gets bored, he can spend time digging tunnels.
Part 2 of 3: Playing with Your Rabbit
Step 1. Make a decision to play at certain times of the day
The rabbit lives best when it follows specific habits. The best way to encourage him to play with you is to plan his play activities systematically.
- They are typically most active early mornings, so if you have the chance, you might want to take advantage of this time to play with them. In other cases, many rabbits are also active in the evening.
- Be careful when to start playing. Usually, these animals prefer to be left alone when they eat, do their business, groom themselves and sleep. If your furry friend is busy with any of these tasks, let him finish before inviting him to play. However, it's best to open the cage or fence gate while he's busy, so you'll let him know it's time to play and that he can go out as soon as he's ready.
Step 2. Lower yourself to its height
You will probably want to make sure that he feels safe and secure in your presence so that he considers you a reliable playmate. Therefore, you should make sure that he does not see you as a giant.
- Try crouching up to its height. You can sit, kneel or lie on the floor.
- Give him the option to sit on your lap or interact with you physically. Some rabbits are real cuddles and as time goes by they love to curl up on their laps more and more, although many of them prefer to be independent while playing.
Step 3. Be patient
The rabbit can be a very shy animal, especially in the beginning. Therefore, you shouldn't force him to play or subject him to certain toys if he doesn't seem interested enough. Let him get used to his timing.
- Don't play rough as you would a cat or dog. By nature, the rabbit is a shy and hesitant animal, so if you adopt this attitude, there is a risk that it will frighten when you are together.
- Greet him cheerfully before opening the cage, saying his name and something nice, like "Good morning!". This way, he will associate you with a feeling of affability and will be more likely to interact with you.
- Caress him while you reward him, perhaps with praise or a treat. You should make sure that you connect your physical contact with the sense of security and the feeling of pleasure and well-being.
Part 3 of 3: Teaching Non-Aggressive Play
Step 1. Use a few treats to attract your rabbit
He may get nervous when he starts playing and, therefore, engage in aggressive behavior. To keep him calm and cheerful, try using some tasty treats to encourage him to get out of the cage.
- Many treats sold in pet stores are high in calories, so they are not as healthy for a rabbit when fed for a long time. Instead, opt for some healthier snacks, such as sultanas, bits of apple, pineapple, celery, strawberries, and chopped wheat with no added sugar.
- While the rewards are a great start to making friends, don't overfeed him. Give him a few treats when he enters the play area, but don't please him every time he asks.
Step 2. Handle your rabbit when it bites
It can happen that these animals bite. It is not always assumed that this is an aggressive attitude. Sometimes it is a reaction to stress or a show of affection, but it can be a problem for the owner.
- Don't scold him. Since you are dealing with a naturally shy animal, you will do more harm than good to berate him when you intend to discourage this kind of behavior.
- When it bites, gently push it away. Tell him something nice and stroke him afterwards. Keep reacting this way whenever you see the need until he has lost the bad habit of biting.
Step 3. Give him the opportunity to decide when to stop playing
The rabbit is an independent animal and, therefore, you will have to respect this characteristic. Let him determine the right times to play.
- It will let you know when it's ready. It could go around itself, pull you by the sleeve or your pants. Wait for him to let you know when he's ready to play before taking out his toys.
- When he loses interest in a game and tries to get back to his cage, let him go. Often he prefers to be alone and refuses to play if he feels like he has to.
- If he is engaged in another activity, let him finish before proposing to play.
- Rabbits don't want to play for the same amount of time all the time. On some days, they may want to have fun for an hour, while on others it only takes 10 minutes. Don't force him to play (or quit) against his will.
Advice
- When you talk to your bunny, do it in a calm, pleasant voice.
- While playing, make sure he has food and water available in case he is hungry or thirsty.
- Let him explore freely, but check that there are no electrical wires or other dangerous objects lying around that he could get hurt as he wanders around the house.
- Let him escape after he has been held in the arms of several people.
