Rabbits are cute and cuddly and make wonderful pets. Unfortunately, most people think that rabbits can only be held or that they enjoy hopping around but can’t really be played with. However, many rabbits have a playful side to their personality, and playtime is a great way to bond with your rabbit. But how do you play with a rabbit?
1. Know your rabbit
2. Announce playtime
3. Select the perfect play area
4. Look for behavioral cues from your rabbit
5. Always play on the ground
6. Keep playtime short and consistent
7. Play gently
8. Choose the right time of day for playtime
9. Incorporate treats
10. Choose the right games
Rabbits love socializing, and if they don’t have any other rabbits to keep them company, they seek companionship. Each rabbit will have a unique personality; along with this, you may find it easier to play with some rabbits and more challenging to play with others. This being said, it’s essential to know your rabbit and what games they may be interested in playing based on their temperament.
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1. Before Playing With Your Rabbit, Get To Know Your Rabbit
Some rabbits are shy and prefer to not interact much with their owners. On the other hand, other rabbits are very tame and love being petted and played with. Getting to know your rabbit before you start playing with them is crucial.
Knowing what your rabbit likes and dislikes will make it easier to play with them and decide on what type of games will suit them best. If you’ve just gotten your rabbit, it may be wiser to hold off on playtime until it becomes more familiar with you and feels comfortable playing games.
2. Announce Playtime Before Starting To Play With Your Rabbit
Rabbits are brilliant, and when they become part of a family and start forming bonds with different people, they can recognize your scent and the sound of your voice. It’s good to have a routine with your rabbit, including announcing playtime before you begin and announcing the end of playtime once you’re done playing with your rabbit.
Simple phrases like “It’s playtime, Cinnabun” work well because it’s short and lets your rabbit know it’s time for playtime. To end playtime could be a phrase like, “Hope you enjoyed playtime today, Cinnabun,” or “Did you have fun playing today, Cinnabun.”
Sometimes you’ll end playtime, while other times, your rabbit may choose to end playtime.
3. To Play With Your Rabbit, Select The Perfect Play Area
When playing with your rabbit, you’ll want to look for a safe open space to play. Avoid a crowded room where your rabbit may get distracted or overwhelmed with all the sights and sounds around them. If you have a toddler playpen, you could lay it out in the backyard on some grass and use that as the designated play area for playtime.
The rabbit must be comfortable and safe in the play area. If you have other pets that don’t get along with your rabbit or could harm your rabbit, they should be put away during playtime with your rabbit.
4. Look For Behavioral Cues From Your Rabbit During Playtime
There are a few familiar behavioral cues that rabbits display. Understanding these can help you better evaluate how your rabbit is experiencing and reacting to playtime. You can then adjust the games you play with your rabbit based on their behavior. You can also reduce the amount of playtime with them if your rabbit begins to lose interest.
A happy, curious, and excited bunny will display the following behaviors:
- Displaying curiosity. A curious rabbit will inch forward and start to sniff. The rabbit’s ears will be in a forward position, and their tall will be faced down.
- Acting confident. A confident rabbit will have a relaxed body posture with relaxed ears and sit upright.
- Jumping and running (binkying and zooming) A rabbit running around the room or jumping in the air are signs of a content rabbit.
A rabbit that is fearful or aggressive will display the following behaviors:
- Thumping feet. A rabbit may start thumping their feet if it is upset or scared.
- Running and hiding. Fearful rabbits will run and hide away.
- Fixed body posture and alert. Rabbits that look alert, with their ears up and ready to move, some may bite if provoked.
5. Always Play On The Ground When Playing With Your Rabbit
The ground is the safest place for your rabbit. Rabbits should never be placed on countertops, tables, or other high surfaces. When a rabbit is placed on an elevated surface, they risk falling or injury. If rabbits are kept on the ground during playtime, they will be safe and more familiar with their environment.
6. Keep Playtime With Your Rabbit Short And Consistent
Rabbits sleep quite a lot, and playtime with your rabbit should be at the same time daily and shouldn’t go over 20 minutes. Start with smaller play sessions to see how your rabbit reacts, and then adjust the time spent playing accordingly.
7. Play Gently During Playtime With Your Rabbit
Rabbits have delicate bones and don’t do well with rough play. So keep the games you play with your rabbit very gentle to avoid hurting them. Soft toys should also be used; lightweight objects that are easier for your rabbits to handle are best.
8. Choose The Right Time Of Day For Playtime
When learning how to play with your rabbit, you’ll also learn what time of day is best to play with them. For example, is it first thing in the morning? Or in the afternoon? Every rabbit is different and may prefer a specific time of day.
The best time of day to play with your rabbit is when they are alert but relaxed. You should never play with your rabbit when they are tired or hungry.
9. Incorporate Treats When Playing With Your Rabbit
If you know your rabbit’s favorite treats, you may want to include a few during playtime. Likewise, if you’d like to teach your rabbit a few tricks, you can reward them with their favorite treats.
When incorporating tunnels or mazes in your playtime with your rabbit, you can use treats to get them through the tunnel or to a specific section of a maze.
10. When Playing With Your Rabbit, Choose The Right Games
Each rabbit will have their own preference when it comes to games. So highly active rabbits may enjoy running games like tag while the foodie rabbits may enjoy games that use treats.
Not sure what games to play with your rabbit? There are 5 games listed below that you can play with your rabbit.
5 Games To Play With Your Rabbit
| Name of the Game | How To Play |
| 1. Rabbit Tag | Some rabbits may playfully nudge you and then run away. You then slowly and playfully run after your rabbit and gently pet them. Ensure you don’t scare them when running away and always approach them gently and slowly. |
| 2. Rabbit Hide And Seek | Take a small, lightweight blanket and gently place it over your rabbit. Your rabbit will move around underneath and try to find its way out. Once out, your rabbit will try to go back under the blanket. |
| 3. Hidden Treats | Rabbits have an incredible sense of smell, which can also be used in games. Place a few of your rabbit’s treats in hidden places and watch them find them. Another version involves hiding treats in your hand and waiting for your rabbit to come to your fist and sniff for treats |
| 4. Tunnels And Bridges | Rabbits love tunnels and hopping over a bridge. A fun and creative way to interact with your rabbit is by building a series of tunnels and bridges for them to go through or climb over. |
| 5. Rabbit Maze | Mazes are slightly more complicated and require a bit more work but can be lots of fun for you and your rabbit. Most mazes can be made out of cardboard. Guide your rabbit through the maze by placing treats strategically. |
Conclusion
There are many exciting ways to play with your rabbit. And the perfect game for your rabbit will depend on your rabbit’s temperament and personality. Therefore, it’s essential to know your rabbit’s likes and dislikes and how they respond to playtime to see which is the best way to play with your rabbit.
