Rabbits need exercise just like we do! Or maybe even more than we do. According to The House Rabbit Society, “a bored rabbit is a naughty rabbit.” Rabbit exercise can free your pet from boredom and lower their stress! Which in return, lowers yours.
Rabbits require a minimum of four hours of exercise for optimum physiological health. One major risk of little exercise in rabbits is obesity, which can lead to other secondary problems, such as cardiovascular, muscular, and skeletal issues. Sedentary lifestyles aren’t good for people or rabbits.
Sara is taking you through her morning routine with her rabbits on YouTube!
Rabbit Exercise Outside Of Their Enclosure
Your rabbit’s enclosure is its “nest” or “home base” where it may feel safest. A rabbit enclosure usually doesn’t have the necessary square footage for significant exercise. Some house rabbits have been adequately trained to freely roam large spaces shared with their humans.
A rabbit who is allowed to free roam (especially a newbie to free roaming) is in danger of chewing cables and wires. Households with rabbits should consider investing in a Small Pet Heavy Duty Cord Cover to avoid injuries.
Regardless, it’s important to supervise your rabbits the best you can when they’re outside of their enclosure.
The first time a rabbit is in a new space, it’s exciting for them! New sites and smells to check out. Once they get used to their home with you, they’ll appreciate you changing the space up a bit to allow more room for curiosity and activity!
Tunnels and Hideaways
Your rabbit needs a hideaway in their enclosure but do you have one in their free-roam space as well? This gives them a spot to run to when the TV gets loud but it also gives them something to jump on or through for more rabbit exercise!
Wooden hideaways and tunnels look really nice and the buns love them! You can also use something as simple as cardboard boxes to give your rabbit something to hop around, in, and on.
Ramps can be a lot of fun especially when they lead to the top of their hideaway!
Use Code HABITAT10 to get 10% OFF any habitat item. Your little one will thank you for it - we promise.
Toys That Roll
The best toys for outside of your bun’s enclosure are the toys that roll. Because here they have the space to push and chase! Rabbits love natural balls that they can roll but also safely chew on as well!
Nothing Gets Us Up and Moving More Than Friends
Having more than one rabbit adds to the fun but whether you have one rabbit or four rabbits, you need to get down and interact with your bun!
Toss them a ball and see if they get curious. Hide some treats in their hideouts for them to find while exploring. Move a new mobile around for them to hop to get a nibble of. Make the space interesting for rabbit exercise but also be interesting!
Did you know that some rabbits can learn to come when called? Grab some treats and give it a try!
Can My Rabbit Play Outside?
On first thought, the outdoors may sound like the perfect place for rabbit exercise. However, the outdoors brings risks that aren’t usually worth taking.
The danger of playing outside is more than just the possibility of your rabbit getting lost. There are viruses and diseases carried by insects that are life-threatening to your bun. There are also predators, toxic plants, pesticides, and fleas that can all pose a risk to your pet.
Some owners choose to have time outdoors with their rabbits and if these concerns are addressed, the risk may be low enough to make it worth it. However, never let your rabbit outside without supervision and a securely enclosed space.
Keep in mind that rabbits can suffer from heat stroke if the weather is too warm. Make sure they have shaded space in the summer.
Keeping Your Rabbit Active Indoors
Rabbit parents with indoor rabbits know that the best way to keep their bun happy is to bring a bit of nature inside to them! No, I don’t mean collecting anything from the backyard.
Natural toys and chews give your rabbit something to explore, tug, taste, pull, and push. A lot of the movements that wild rabbits do outside when foraging for food.
It’s also important to have these natural chews inside their enclosure for the hours when you aren’t focused on your bun. Give them a reason to wake from their slumber. Keep fun and rabbit exercise a part of their house.
The most important component of their enclosure is space. Make sure your rabbit’s enclosure is large enough for them to get a good amount of movement in, as well as enough space to fit all the toys!
Foraging is Rabbit Exercise
Wild rabbits look for food in order to survive but I know there’s also a scavenger hunt mindset that these fluffy adventurers can’t get enough of. I mean if the wild bun is all filled up, they know if they keep looking they might find their favorite clovers or even a berry to make their whole day!
Providing your rabbit with foraging opportunities keeps them hopping. Scatter feeding is one way to encourage your bun to move around as they collect their pellets and hay. That can be a messy option. Using herbs or hay cubes gives you a better chance of your bun cleaning up after you set up the hunt.
Alright, fitness coaches! Remember, rabbit exercise is inspired by foraging and fun. Get down on the floor with them and play! Use plenty of toys and habitat accessories to fill up their space and keep some food somewhere they need to move to eat it.
We are not veterinarians, and none of our information should be construed as veterinary advice.
Before adding any new product, please consult your exotic veterinarian. If your pet is acting unwell and you have concerns for their well being, please contact your vet immediately.
