Your Rabbit's Health - Exercise
|
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, he’ll be active again. The cycle will repeat itself. So, if your bunny is exercising and takes a break, it doesn’t mean he is done exercising and needs to go back to his 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 he is exercising he can interact with you. He’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 hop up on the couch to be with you when you are reading or watching. Your rabbits time outside his pen is essential to his good health. So it is essential that you provide him several hours a day outside his pen. A rule of thumb is that the smaller the pen, the more time he’ll need outside of it to get sufficient exercise and stimulation. Give your bunny run time when he or she is most likely to be active - usually early in the morning and later in the evening. Make that free time count! Rabbits will be active throughout the night. Once you are comfortable with him in the bunny-proof room, leave his pen door open all night long. He’ll get lots of extra exercise while you are sleeping! Also provide plenty of toys (see sidebar to the right for specific suggestions.) You want him to have several things to play with (chew) so that he doesn’t become bored with the same old thing. Every once in a while, give him something new. Be sure to try lots of different types of toys so you learn what he likes, and he has plenty of variety to keep him engaged. Its’ good for his mind as well as his body. |
Vertical Divider
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:
|