Why Rabbits Run Back & Forth in Their Cages

Rabbits normally run around actively to have fun and also to get enough physical exercise. In some cases, they do so if they are frightened. Rabbits are interesting and intelligent pets that communicate through various expressions. It is quite interesting for pet owners to sit back, watch them and learn what they want to convey through their activities. If you happen to see your rabbits running back and forth in their cages, it is probably because it is playing and happy. However, there are many other reasons for a rabbit to run around.

  1. Fun and Games

    • Rabbits love to play and toss around various objects, tear paper and cardboard and also form towel bunches. If they have companions in the cage, they even chase or race each other as part of their fun activities. It is common for them to play on the couch by jumping on and off. These activities give enough physical and mental exercise to the bunny and help a lot in keeping your pet happy.

    Binky

    • This midair flip is great fun to watch. This is where the rabbits take long leaps, kick around and flip their bodies. This indicates that they are quite happy. It is quite contagious in the sense that if there are other bunnies in the cage, they start taking part in this activity.

    Panic

    • Some rabbits panic when pet owners try to pick them up in their hands and they try to wiggle away, especially when they are new pets. They start running wildly around the cage to escape. Calm your pet down by talking softly and stroking the top of the head. Rabbits generally love such pampering and will eventually allow you to get close to them. Rabbits can also panic when they sense danger.

    Circular Running

    • If your rabbits frequently run in a circle around your feet, it is a sign of sexual behavior. Sometimes they may even do so while asking for a treat from you. Otherwise, this is more like a ritual for courtship, indicating that they are sexually mature and ready for mating. It is advisable to immediately neuter the rabbit if you are not interested in breeding.

    Managing Night Running

    • Rabbits are nocturnal animals, which mean that they are awake at night. If your rabbit runs around the cage during the night when you are resting and it is disturbing you, you need to make a conscious effort to train it to run around during the morning and evening hours, as soon as you are awake and just before you go to bed. This will help your rabbits stay relatively quiet during the night. Furnish the cage with interesting things like vegetables, hay and different types of toys to keep your rabbits occupied at night.