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Author: Sarah Giers
Just like a dog, a cat, or a child, rabbits love to play.
They need mental, physical, and social stimulation just like
any other pet does. A rabbit cooped up in a cage all the time
with nothing to do is a bored rabbit. Some breeds in particular
are apt to get bored. These include Tans, Checkered Giants,
and
Britannia Petites, among others.
Toys keep your rabbit from being bored, and they also keep
its mind sharp. Toys that make your rabbit think are the best.
Some parrot toys are exellent because they are designed to
keep a parrot thinking, which keeps it from being bored.
Toys keep a rabbit active, which in turn keeps it in good
physical condition. This promotes health and vigor which can
lead to a longer lifespan foryour bunny.
If you use toys to play with your bunny, your bunny will
associate fun with you. This will cause it to bond more closely
with you. Try rolling a ball toward it and watch how it will
curiously approach the ball.
When choosing a toy, make sure that there are no chemically
treated pieces that could harm your bunny. Avoid painted toys
as they may be toxic. Dye is okay so long as it is natural
dye such a food colouring. Anything safe for parrots is usually
safe for rabbits. Rabbits love to chew, so blocks of wood
are great.
String a bell to the top of the cage, and your bunny may soon
be reaching up to ring it with its nose. Experiment and see
what your rabbit likes. Every rabbit, like every human, has
its own preferences.
Rabbits also love to play games without toys. I have had
rabbits who learned how to play tag. I would get down on my
hands and knees and crawl after them. They would run, and
when I tagged them, they knew they were "it." They
would then come chasing after me until they tagged me. Rabbits
are also good at hide-and-seek. They love to hide and be found.
Just make sure to keep track of where your rabbit is so that
it does not hide too well and get lost!
About the author:
Breeder and exhibitor of show rabbits for 11 years, member
of the American Rabbit Breeders Association, and fan of all
animals. |
