Entertaining
As lagomorphs, rabbits will sleep during the day and eat, drink and play at dawn and dusk.
By bringing home a bunny you are committing to giving it at least three hours of exercise time every day and as part of this your bunny will need mental stimulation provided by toys and company from yourself or another bunny (see the British Bunnies Bonding section).
Entertaining your bunny will reduce any destructive behaviour, improve its physical health and help prevent depression and boredom.
Bunnies love variety when it comes to entertainment, so you can never provide too many toys. Try to rotate them so your bunny doesn't become bored with the selection.
It is very easy to make simple toys. Try:
- Cardboard tubes from toilet rolls - these can be stuffed with hay and treats
- Cardboard boxes - these can be hidden in, jumped onto and chewed. Rabbits prefer boxes to have two holes, one for entrance and one for exit.
- Dried out pine cones - bake in the oven for a short period to remove any resin
- Old telephone books - great for rabbits who love to dig and chew
- Empty plastic bottles - to be tossed and rolled
- Apple tree branches and twigs - to be chewed as would naturally happen in the wild
Baby toys and cat toys can also be great entertainment.