*Keep in mind most rabbits do not enjoy being picked up. *Do not try to rough house with your rabbit. You want your rabbit to associate you with feeling safe Some rabbits also respond to rhythmic talking like reading aloud. *Speak softly & happily whenever you are with your rabbit, even just to clean their cages. Unless your rabbit is already comfortable with your dog or cat, don’t let them in the room during playtime and try to minimize dog barking. *Rabbits are naturally timid, avoid sudden movements and loud noises. Don’t push it if your rabbit seems uninterested, but try again the next day or at another time. *Be patient, especially with a new rabbit or if you are just starting to introduce play. *When your rabbit loses interest in a toy or in playing with you, let him go.Ĭlick here to read more about understanding rabbit behaviors Go Slow & Be Patient
She needs to feel safe & comfortable before she will drop her guard. Sit, or better yet, lay down on the floor and wait for your rabbit to come to you. If you are standing, your rabbit sees you as a giant and will be less likely to approach you or let her guard down to play with toys. Leave some toys out and let your rabbit approach them when she is ready You will know she wants to play when she is tugging at your sleeves or pants leg, circling your feet, or maybe booping your leg then running away. *Let your rabbit tell you when she is ready to play. Most rabbits are active early in the morning and at night *Take advantage of your rabbit’s most active times to schedule “play dates”. The more you often you play, the more your rabbit will trust you Play on your rabbit’s terms The two most important things to remember when playing with your rabbit are Playtime with your bunnies helps build a bond between you and provides them with mental stimulation & exercise.
They would love the opportunity to interact with you or play with toys. But the truth is, rabbits are really social animals. Rabbits are fiercely independent animals, combine that with prey animal instincts that tell them to run & hide and it’s easy to see why many people think rabbits make stand-offish, boring pets.
*This post may contain affiliate links, which means as an Amazon Associate I may receive a small percentage from qualifying purchases if you make a purchase using the links, at no additional cost*