Watching happy rabbits is pretty cool! If you have never witnessed a celebratory 'binky' (when a happy rabbit jumps spontaneously, often twisting or kicking their back legs) or a relaxed flop to one side, then you ought to make it your mission to help your rabbit into more happy activities.
Many rabbits will also grind their teeth quickly and close their eyes upon having their cheeks rubbed if they are happy. So here are 5 simple tips to make sure you have a happy bunny!
1. Safety First
Understanding that rabbits are prey animals means that they can be scared of anything - a new sound or something falling off a bookshelf can startle your rabbit so much he runs off scared. Reducing these fears and providing security is the first step. Rabbits like to work out early on where they can hide if a 'predator' appears. If they know they are within range of a safe hidey-hole, they will be much more relaxed. Provide places for your bunny to hide. Cardboard boxes with two exit holes or 'cat tunnels' work well. Rabbits like knowing they can't be trapped, so by giving them two exits they can always escape. If you have a house rabbit make sure you setup a hiding place in every room bunny has access to. If you have an outdoor rabbit, make sure there are enough places for your rabbit to run to when frightened.
2. Work Out
Bunnies confined to hutches and cages for long hours will grow bored, overweight and frustrated. There's a popular saying "a hutch is not enough" - we're not saying that overweight rabbits don't have fun but being locked up all day doesn't allow for much fun (and of course being obese shortens life spans). So let your bunny out of their hutch! Outdoor rabbits can have a run or let out into a pen. If you are busy but want to let your rabbit out during the day, you can attach a run to your hutch with some careful DIY. House bunnies can be allowed out around the house to exercise when you are at home. Otherwise, play pens are great for making an area for your rabbit (indoor or outdoor) to hang out in when you are not at home. Throw in some toys, chew things and bingo... happy bunny!
3. Food
Bunnies are natural grazers and happy rabbits graze all day long. Just like some of us, rabbits can combat boredom by eating. Providing ample premium quality food is a great way to prevent boredom and up that happiness level. Make sure your bunnies always have unlimited, fresh, clean hay for grazing fun. Clean and safe veggies should be given every day - a quick google search will provide you with 'bunny safe' veggies - try as many as possible to see what your bunny loves the most! Reduce pellet food to a reasonable daily amount and resist the urge to 'top up' when they run out. Offer fruit and special treats only in moderation for that little boost in happiness.
4. Friendship
The well-known saying "safety in numbers" can certainly apply to your bunnies! Living by yourself can be lonely, especially if 'Mum' or 'Dad' is out at work or school all day. Bunnies can even fall in love - aww! Two companion rabbits will keep each other company, groom each other and have fun together. While most bunnies like having a friend, they can be very picky about who they get. To expand your chances of finding the right match, see if your rescue centre or breeder will allow you to bring your existing rabbit in to help you find a pair to match them with. When you see your bunny flopped on the floor next to their new friend, you know you've found the one!
5. Birds and Bees
Instincts and impulses can be very strong meaning most rabbits desire to mate and pass on their genes. However, this intuition can be frustrating for both you and your bunny. They may develop undesired behaviors such as spraying and leaving oodles of droppings outside their litter box. More importantly, there is also a much higher risk of uterine cancer in females and testicular cancer in males if they are not de-sexed. Bunnies that got along fine when young may fight when reaching sexual maturity. Frustrated bunnies may even hump things you would rather they did not - which can sometimes be a tad awkward! And, you may get an unwanted litter of baby bunnies! Head along to your vet and make an appointment for spaying or neutering once your bunny is sexually mature, usually around 4-6 months. Sooner rather than later is safer if you have more than one bunny living together as bunnies that develop a fighting habit prior to desexing have a harder time getting back together.
