How to Help Your Pet Rabbit Get Its Daily Exercise

In addition to a daily healthy diet, rabbits also need daily exercise. They need time to run, jump, and generally do what bunnies do in order to help them grow properly. Regular exercise promotes good circulation and breathing along with strengthening the skeletal system. A happy bunny is less likely to be destructive or develop behavior problems such as biting. Experts suggest you allow your pet rabbit time to play anywhere from two to four hours a day.

Rabbits play in short bursts and tire easily. If your rabbit isn’t free roam or they don’t have their own spot to spread out where they have the room to play whenever they get a burst of energy, then you’ll need to give them more time out of their cage/hutch. An hour outside the confines of their living area may end up resulting in only twenty minutes of active exercise. That’s why for them to get their recommended about of play time you would need to give them lots of free time. Rabbits tend to be most active in the early morning and late evening hours, so this is the best time to get the most activity in. So, what can you do to help keep your pet rabbit entertained and exercised properly? Let's look!

Provide Toys

You can find toys meant for rabbits at most pet stores, order them from websites that specialize in rabbit toys, or even can make your own toys! Cardboard boxes, paper towel rolls, PVC pipes, etc. will keep them entertained for hours. Make sure that you either clean or change out their toys weekly.

Play Reverse Chase

The trick with this one is to get the rabbit to chase you. Being prey animals, rabbits can be easily intimidated and scared if you chase them. Try tying an item of interest to a string and pulling it behind you to have your bunny follow.

Let Them Dig

Rabbits in the wild love to dig, but you don't want them digging under your fence or destroying your garden. Try filling a child's pool or sandbox, or even a large cardboard box with soil and allowing them to dig for treats.

Teach Basic Commands

Rabbits are smart, especially when they have had a lot of human interaction. You can teach your pet rabbit to jump up, sit, chase after a ball, and other basic commands. It takes time and patience, but training will both give them exercise and strengthen the bond between the two of you.

Take a Walk

Buy a harness that properly fits your rabbit. Once you get them used to wearing it, attach a leash and take a walk outside. Unlike most dogs, you won't have much luck getting your rabbit to go where you want, but let them take the lead and see what you discover.

Create an Obstacle Course

This is great for indoors or outside. Set up platforms, boxes, tubes, tunnels, and more to allow your rabbit many nooks and crannies to explore. You can let them do this alone, such as with a homemade Bunny Castle, or set it up to where they need to follow a course that you are training them for.

Let Them Forage

Rabbits spend a lot of time foraging for food in the wild. Hide pieces of their food and a few treats in various places that you have set up in a rabbit-proof room and let them discover the treats.

Include Them in Daily Activity

By taking the time to bunny-proof your home, whether it is one room or several rooms, you can allow your pet rabbit the run of the house when you are home. They will enjoy following you as you go about your normal activities. Talk to them, give them an occasional treat, and simply enjoy their company.

Indoors and Out

Try to arrange playtime in safe areas both inside and out. This will allow your small pet to experience a variety of environments that can keep them occupied and interested. Using a child's play area can help keep them safe. You might also consider setting up a play area attached to their hutch so they can wander in and out at will, while still remaining safe.

A Happy, Healthy Rabbit

Providing plenty of play and exercise is one way to keep your bunny happy. Another is to feed them healthy, nutritious hay ordered online from Rabbit Hole Hay and shipped straight to your door. Good food, plenty of exercise, and the love of a family will see your small pet becoming a big, important part of your life.