Things to Do With Your Rabbit

Rabbits are popular pets, especially with kids, but many owners keep the animal in his hutch and don't interact with him much. While a rabbit is never going to be a faithful companion like a dog, an owner is still able to engage in activities with his rabbit. Some rabbits enjoy certain activities more than others, so experiment to find what works best.

  1. Toys

    • Playing with the rabbit is not only entertaining, it is physically and mentally stimulating for the pet. Purchase toys from pet stores or, if on a budget, suitable playthings are easily created from household items. For example, give an empty toilet paper roll to the rabbit for it to chew on or nudge. Rabbits also enjoy a toy Slinky. Be warned, however, that a small or dwarf rabbit is able to get entangled in a 3-inch Slinky.

    Let Them Explore

    • Many rabbits are just as entertained by their environment as they are by toys. Since rabbits are curious creatures, they enjoy exploring cardboard boxes or rolled up sections of carpet. Lay out such objects with which the rabbit is able to interact. Play a game with the pet by hiding small pieces of food inside objects, and waiting for the rabbit to sniff out the treat.

    New Surroundings

    • Take the rabbit out of her usual haunt and allow her to explore another part of her surroundings, such as a fenced off room in the house, a sandpit or the garden. Watch as the rabbit's curiosity leads her around the new environment.

    Tricks

    • With dedication on part of the owner, plenty of treats and lots of repetition, rabbits are able to be taught a few simple tricks. A basic trick to begin with is to teach the rabbit to sit up on command, which is a natural movement for the pet. Purchase or prepare a bunch of treats beforehand to offer the rabbit. Move the treat a little upward each time, so the rabbit sits up to receive the treat. Later, delay giving the treat a second or two so that the rabbit remains sitting up. Accompany treat-giving with the same command word each time. Eventually, the rabbit learns to obey this verbal command.

    Hand-feed

    • By offering treats to the rabbit, it'll soon be worked out what he likes best. Feeding treats is not only rewarding for the animal, but also a suitable way to spend quality time with the pet. Over time, a rabbit is often able to be called by name and rewarded with a treat for responding and approaching his owner.