Whilst most people are aware of the need to exercise their dogs and horses, few understand the importance of exercising smaller pets, such as rabbits.
Unfortunately, rabbits are often seen as easy pets. The common myth is that they don’t take up much room and need little in the way of exercise. This idea has led to many rabbits being caged for most of their lives with the distinct possibility of developing both physical and behavioral disorders.
From obesity to poor bone density, poor muscle tone and behavioural problems to Pododermatitis and gastrointestinal complications, lack of exercise can cause a whole host of problems for your bunny. So we have created a small list of suggestions of ways you can get your rabbit more active:
- Exercise Pen – This is an easy way to provide an open area for your rabbit. You can use dog pen fencing which comes in panels that can be connected together in to form different shapes. These panels can be used indoors or outdoors and create a safe exercise area. If you are concerned about your flooring, you can place old carpet or rubber matting under the pen to protect carpets and hardwood floors from being damaged by the rabbit’s claws.
- Short Periods of “Confinement” – Some rabbits who are free to roam 24 hours a day, 7 days a week become lazy and don’t move from their favorite spot. For these bunnies it can be helpful to confine them for a few hours a day and then let them loose to roam and explore again.
- Toys – Rabbits like interaction, so why not give him various objects to play with. Large cardboard tubes and cardboard boxes are easy and inexpensive. You can put wadded pieces of newspaper in the box and cut a hole in the side for him to make a nest and if you move these objects around daily it will encourage him to investigate. Rabbits are curious by nature and even small changes will prompt interest!
- Foraging – Rabbits are natural foragers and you can encourage this instinct by hiding and distributing his daily food and dried fruit allowance in scrunched up pieces of newspaper or toilet paper and kitchen towel tubes with the ends folded shut. And unpainted or unvarnished baskets stuffed with hay can create a great way for them to root around and have a healthy snack.
- Digging Box – Rabbits love to dig. A large cat litter box with layers of paper in the bottom and crumpled sheets of paper on top give them a shredding project which will keep him occupied for days!
- Get on the floor! – Get on the floor with your bunny and play with various objects. Just being on the floor with him will encourage investigation and movement. Move from place to place around the room and entice your bunny to visit you with healthy treats.
All animals require exercise and interaction. Small animals like rabbits are used to roaming and digging in the wild, so as domesticated animals we need to be sensitive to these instincts to provide them with a healthier, happier life.