Your Rabbit's Health - Exercise
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Rabbits will normally be active for a relatively short period of time, then take a short break. The break can consist of sitting quietly, grooming, or lying down. After the break, they’ll be active again. The cycle will repeat itself. So, if your bunny is exercising and takes a break, it doesn’t mean they're done exercising and needs to go back into the pen.
Rabbits need plenty of exercise. Their personality will come out the more they are allowed to exercise and explore. Furthermore, their digestive system needs the motion of hopping in order to function properly. A rabbit that is not sufficiently active has a good chance of developing stasis - a kind of shutting down of the digestive system that can be fatal. (See Health section for more information.) Place the rabbit’s pen in a room you frequently use, so that when your rabbit is exercising, they can interact with you. They’ll like the stimulation your activities provide. A room where you read or watch television can make a good room for your rabbit. Some bunnies will even hop up on the couch to be with you! Your rabbit's time outside the pen is essential to good health. So, it is essential that you provide your rabbit several hours a day outside the pen. A rule of thumb is that the smaller the pen, the more time they'll need outside of it to get sufficient exercise and stimulation. Give your bunny run time during active hours - usually early in the morning and later in the evening. Make that free time count! Rabbits will be active throughout the night as well. Once you are comfortable with your rabbit being in the bunny-proofed room, you can leave the pen door open all night long. Also provide plenty of toys (see sidebar to the right for specific suggestions.) You want your rabbit to have several things to play with (chew) so that they don’t become bored with the same old thing. Every once in a while, give them something new. Be sure to try lots of different types of toys so you learn what they like. |
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Toys Promote Exercise
Providing lots of toys will keep your bunny stimulated, active and exercised. Remember, the more he is interested in chewing on toys the less interested he'll be in your belongings! Different rabbits like different toys, so experiment until you find what your bunny likes. These items are frequently enjoyed by rabbits:
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