10 Ways to Play With Your Pet Rabbit - Rabbit Care for Your Bunnies

Do you want to strengthen your bond with your pet rabbit and keep them active and engaged? Playtime is one of the best ways to do that! Rabbits crave mental stimulation and exercise, so it’s important to interact with them frequently in fun ways. In this article, you’ll discover 10 enriching games and activities to try with your pet bunny. From training your rabbit to play fetch to letting them forage for hidden treats, you’ll find ideas that tap into your rabbit’s natural instincts for exercise and discovery. Follow the tips to learn how to engage your rabbit while respecting their perspective and cues. With a mix of DIY toys and active games, you can enjoy rewarding playtime and connect with your rabbit in new ways!

How to play with a rabbit

Playing with your pet rabbit is a great way to bond with them and provide mental stimulation. Rabbits are intelligent, social animals that need activities to keep them engaged and prevent boredom. When playing with your rabbit, it's important to keep a few things in mind. Rabbits have delicate spines so you want to avoid any rough housing or chasing games. It's best to let your rabbit approach you and initiate playtime. Have patience and let them explore toys at their own pace. Providing a variety of toys and frequently rotating them will keep your rabbit interested. Simple DIY toys made of cardboard and paper are great boredom busters. You can also try scattering treats in cardboard boxes or paper bags for your rabbit to forage. Offer praise and affection when your rabbit engages with a toy to reinforce the behavior. Frequent play sessions are ideal but even 10-15 minutes a couple times a day can go a long way in providing enrichment. Pay attention to your rabbit's body language to ensure they are comfortable during playtime. With some creativity and knowledge of your individual rabbit's personality, playtime can be fun for both pet and owner!

Think about the rabbit's perspective

When playing with your pet rabbit, it's important to think about things from their point of view. Rabbits are prey animals, so they may become frightened by loud noises, sudden movements, and being chased or held. Get down on your rabbit's level and approach them calmly. Let them come to you and initiate play rather than forcing interaction. Provide spaces for your rabbit to hide if they need a break. Keep playtime areas free of dangers like electric cords, poisonous houseplants, and small objects that could be chewed and swallowed. Monitor your rabbit's body language for signs of fear, anxiety or aggression like flattened ears, stomping feet, teeth grinding, or lunging. If you notice these behaviors, give your rabbit space and try again later when they are calm. Your rabbit may enjoy gentle petting but dislikes being picked up. Offer treats by hand instead of from above to avoid startling your pet. Simple, quiet toys and activities are ideal for rabbits. Provide boxes, tunnels, and grass mats for hiding and chewing. Scatter treats in paper bags or cardboard tubes for mental stimulation. Short, low-key play sessions will make your rabbit feel most comfortable. Thinking about your pet's perspective will lead to playtimes that are fun and enriching for you both!

Learn about rabbit body language

Understanding your rabbit's body language is key to safe, enjoyable playtime. Here are some common rabbit behaviors to look for:

Relaxed posture – Your rabbit feels comfortable if they have flat ears, are grooming themselves, and resting with legs tucked under the body.
Perked up ears – This signals your rabbit is alert and curious about their surroundings. Perked ears during play mean they are engaged.
Nose twitching – A rabbit's nose moves constantly as they sniff the air. Faster twitching may indicate excitement or anxiety.
Tooth grinding – Light teeth grinding is normal but loud grinding can signal pain, fear or stress.
Stomping feet – Stomping or thumping feet is a warning sign your rabbit feels threatened. Give them space if stomping occurs.
Circling your feet – This is a common courtship behavior. Your rabbit may be asking for affection.
Licking your hand – Licks are affectionate gestures and a sign your rabbit is bonded with you.
Nipping – Light nips are exploratory but hard bites express disapproval. End playtime if biting occurs.
Running away – Your rabbit is communicating they need space if they quickly hop away from you.
Urinating – Dribbles of urine can mark territory or signal fear or submission.
Lunging – A rabbit may lunge with their teeth if angered or threatened. Keep your distance if this happens.
Flopping over – A relaxed rabbit may happily flop on their side during playtime.

Paying close attention to these cues will ensure playtime remains positive and anxiety-free for your rabbit. Redirect them to a different activity if you observe any distressed behaviors.

Stay on your rabbit's level

An important tip when playing with your pet rabbit is to get down on their level. Here are some key reasons why:

Rabbits feel insecure when stared down at from above. Kneeling or sitting on the floor helps your rabbit feel safe.
Your rabbit will be more likely to voluntarily approach and engage with you if you are at their eye level.
You can better observe your rabbit's body language and facial expressions when viewing them from their perspective.
Your rabbit may be frightened if you make sudden movements while standing or towering overhead.
Getting on your rabbit's level removes the threat of being picked up against their will. Many rabbits dislike being held.
Sitting calmly on the floor encourages your rabbit to climbed onto your lap or cuddle up beside you.
You can interact more gently and avoid roughhousing by playing on the floor versus while standing.
Your rabbit may ignore dangling toys held from above but show interest once placed on the ground.
Treats offered close to the ground are less scary for timid rabbits to accept.

Staying low to the ground makes playtime more comfortable and less stressful for prey animals like rabbits. Meeting your rabbit on their level fosters trust and strengthens your bond. Get down on the floor and enjoy playtime from your pet's point of view!

Don't force your rabbit

It's important not to force your rabbit to play. Here are some tips on respecting your rabbit's boundaries:

Never pick up or restrain your rabbit against their will. This can cause serious stress.
Do not corner your rabbit or restrict their movement during play. Give them room to hop away.
Avoid chasing games or rapid movements that may seem threatening.
Let your rabbit approach you first before initiating interaction.
Do not make loud noises or crowd your rabbit's space.
Read your rabbit's body language for signs of discomfort like flattened ears or hiding.
Immediately stop any activity that provokes thumping, biting or aggressive behavior.
Try a different toy or game if your rabbit seems disinterested. Don't continue forcing the same thing.
Offer treats or affection as positive reinforcement when your rabbit engages in play.
End playtime and allow your rabbit to rest if they seem tired or anxious.
Gently redirect harmful chewing behavior rather than scolding or physically disciplining.
Consider your rabbit's unique personality and preferences when selecting toys and activities.

Respecting your rabbit's boundaries makes them feel safe and secure. Being patient and letting your rabbit voluntary participate results in more mutually enjoyable playtime for both of you.

Pay attention to time of day

Rabbits tend to be most active early in the morning and later in the afternoon. Keep this in mind when planning playtime:

Early morning play allows bonding time before you start your day.
Rabbits may nap frequently during midday. Playtime may be less engaging then.
Late afternoon or early evening play helps expend energy before bedtime.
Avoid loud, boisterous games in the middle of the night when rabbits are resting.
If housed outdoors, play inside on very hot days to prevent heat stress.
Outdoor playtime on cool spring and fall days provides mental stimulation.
Monitor outdoor play closely so rabbits don't dig escape routes or ingest harmful plants.
Indoor playtime works best when children are napping or occupied elsewhere.
Arrange toys differently each day since rabbits get bored with the same old set up.

Paying attention to your rabbit's peak activity times allows you to engage them when they are most receptive to play. This helps make the most of your play sessions. Consider your family's schedule too, and find times conducive to bonding one-on-one with your rabbit.

Play with your rabbit frequently

Playing with your pet rabbit should become a frequent part of your daily routine. Here are some tips:

Aim for multiple short playtimes daily rather than one long session.
10-15 minutes is sufficient for most rabbits. Monitor for signs of boredom or fatigue.
High energy rabbits may need longer or more frequent playtimes to prevent destructive behavior.
Make playtime part of your morning ritual to start the day on a fun note.
Play after dinner when rabbits are most active and family is home to supervise.
Toys placed inside the rabbit's enclosure allow them to play independently too.
Rotate toys out regularly so rabbits don't become bored with the same thing.
Introduce new toys gradually to an anxious rabbit until they are comfortable.
Foraging toys with hidden treats provide mental exercise.
Hide-and-seek with treats encourages curiosity and exploration.
Train your rabbit to respond to simple commands as you play together.

Frequent play reduces unwanted behaviors in rabbits by providing an outlet for energy and innate curiosity. Daily play strengthens the bond between pets and owners too.

Use small pieces of treats

Using small pieces of your rabbit's favorite treats can encourage play and reward participation. Here are some tips:

Use about dime-sized portions of healthy treats like cilantro, kale or carrots.
Hand feed tiny bits to get your rabbit engaged and trusting.
Scatter treats in cardboard boxes or paper bags for foraging fun.
Hide treats around a rabbit play area or pen for seeking and finding reward.
Place treats inside tunnels or toilet paper rolls to motivate investigative behavior.
Put treats under plastic lids or boxes to teach your rabbit how to lift and uncover them.
Toss treats a short distance so your rabbit learns to return them to you in a game of catch.
Reward your rabbit with a treat immediately after successfully performing a trick or task.
Swap out edible treats for petting to avoid overfeeding.
Monitor treat quantity to prevent gastrointestinal or weight problems.

Strategic treat dispensing adds excitement and positive reinforcement to playtime while preventing boredom and behavior issues in pet rabbits.

1. Reverse fetch

Reverse fetch is a fun game to play with your pet rabbit. Here's how:

Have your rabbit sit or lay down near you to start.
Place a small toy a few feet away from your rabbit.
Encourage your rabbit to go pick up or nose the toy over to you.
Praise your rabbit verbally when they complete the task.
Immediately reward with a small treat once your rabbit returns the toy.
Increase distance over time as the game progresses.
Use different textured toys – balls, plush items, paper rolls – to keep it exciting.
Keep training sessions brief to hold your rabbit's interest.

Reverse fetch taps into your rabbit's natural instinct to forage and carry objects back to their nest. It provides great mental stimulation and physical activity for pet rabbits.

2. Tug of war

Playing gentle tug of war is a way to interact with your pet rabbit. Here's how:

Use a rabbit-safe tug rope made of cotton or grass fibers. Avoid harmful fabrics if chewed.
Sit on the floor to play at your rabbit's level.
Encourage them to grip one end of the rope in their teeth.
Gently hold the other end, letting your rabbit tug. Avoid hard pulling.
Let your rabbit win sometimes by releasing your end of the rope.
Reward with treats and praise when your rabbit engages in tugging.
Switch sides, letting your rabbit grip the middle as you hold the ends.
Monitor for chewing and end the game if your rabbit tries to consume rope fibers.
Keep sessions brief, about 5 minutes.

Tug of war satisfies your rabbit's natural urge to dig and chew while allowing energetic bonding time with you. It's an interactive game both pet and owner can enjoy.

3. Share a treat

Sharing a treat is a way to bond with your rabbit while rewarding polite behavior. Here's how:

Sit on the floor and let your rabbit approach you first.
Offer a small piece of favorite vegetable held flat in your palm.
If your rabbit tries grabbing aggressively, close your hand and wait till they are calm before re-offering the treat.
Once your rabbit gently takes the treat, offer praise and repeat.
Work up to holding treated between two fingers for your rabbit to take more delicately.
Switch roles, holding a treat to your rabbit's mouth for them to offer back to you.
Increase the sharing distance over time.
Follow with grooming or gentle petting to continue the bonding experience.

Sharing reinforces trust and polite behavior in your pet rabbit. It also satisfies your rabbit's foraging instincts in a mentally stimulating way.

4. Pet your rabbit

Petting your rabbit can be an enjoyable bonding activity if done properly:

Wait for your rabbit to approach you first before attempting to pet them.
New rabbits may be shy. Let them adjust to your presence at their own pace.
Gently stroke your rabbit's head and down their back using the direction of the fur. Do not pet against the grain.
Sensitive areas to avoid include the stomach, legs and tail.
Watch your rabbit's body language. If they seem tense, still your hand and allow them to move away.
Set a routine time for daily petting to help socialize a timid rabbit.
Give verbal praise and occasional treats to reinforce enjoying human touch.
Try offering leafy greens while petting so your rabbit associates the sensation with something positive.
End the session if your rabbit nips or moves away. Do not overextend playtime.

With patience and by respecting their cues, regular petting helps create a strong bond between rabbit and human companion.

5. Train your rabbit

Training is an enriching activity that stimulates your rabbit mentally. Things to try:

Clicker training uses a clicker device to mark desired behaviors, followed immediately by a reward.
Train your rabbit to come when called by using an enticing treat lure and cue word.
Teach your rabbit to stand up on their hind legs for a treat held up high.
Guide your rabbit to circle around you or hop through your outstretched arms.
Use target sticks to train nose targeting and following.
Set up low jump bars and tunnels to practice agility-based skills.
Shape behaviors by rewarding incremental steps toward the final desired trick.
Keep training sessions brief, around 5 minutes. End on a high note with a success.
Praise and give treats liberally in early stages to motivate learning.

Regular short training sessions provide mental stimulation and helps reinforce the pet-owner bond. Clicker training is especially effective for rabbits.

6. Tunnels and bridges

Tunnels and bridges make great interactive toys for rabbits. Try these ideas:

Use open-ended cardboard boxes, tubes and pipes from home improvement stores to create tunnels.
Tip: For straight tunnels, cut out the bottom of cereal boxes lengthwise.
Place tunnels on the ground, leaning against furniture or hanging from open doorways.
Create tunnels out of phonebooks with the center pages removed.
Build ramps and bridges from wood boards covered in carpeting for traction.
Place tubes at angles to encourage exploration.
Hide small treats at tunnel exits to reward your rabbit's investigative nature.
Stuff toilet paper rolls with hay or treats to inspire nibbling inside the tunnel.

Tunnels and bridges provide hours of entertainment as your rabbit explores, hides and plays. Change configurations frequently to keep them engaged.

7. Blanket escape

Trying to escape from under a blanket is an amusing game for rabbits. Here's how to play:

Use a light cotton sheet or blanket your rabbit can burrow under.
Sit on the floor and invite your rabbit underneath by placing treats at the edge.
Once your rabbit is beneath the blanket, gently place it over them so they are loosely covered.
Watch as your rabbit scrambles to escape the blanket.
Lift the blanket occasionally to peek at your rabbit underneath before replacing it.
Avoid restraining your rabbit too tightly or holding the blanket down.
Let your rabbit retreat fully from underneath the blanket when they are done playing.

This game satisfies your rabbit's natural instinct to tunnel and emerge from burrows. Supervise play to ensure your rabbit doesn't become distressed.

8. Hidden treats

One easy way to keep your rabbit engaged is by hiding treats around their enclosure. Here's how:

Use healthy treats like hay pellets, chopped veggies and herbs.
Place treats in cardboard boxes with multiple openings.
Stuff treats into empty paper towel or toilet paper rolls.
Hide treats under plastic cups weighed down so they can be nudged aside.
Scatter treats in piles of crumpled newspaper or shredded paper for foraging activity.
Put treats in the center of toilet paper tubes and fold the ends for discovery.
Hide treats in plain view in hard-to-reach spots to encourage stretching and climbing.
Replenish treats often to prevent boredom.

Searching for hidden treats provides vital mental stimulation and satisfies natural foraging urges in rabbits. Supervise to ensure they don't ingest paper.

9. Rabbit maze

Constructing a homemade maze provides interactive play for your pet rabbit. Try these tips:

Use cardboard boxes taped together in various shapes and tunnels.
Cut doorways between adjoining boxes for traveling through the maze.
Add ramps and levels with platforms made from wooden