Rabbits need a minimum of 4 hours daily exercise each day. Exercise for rabbits consists of hopping, running, jumping on and off raised areas and doing 'binkies' (jumping into the air and twisting their head and body in opposite directions).
Rabbits need a minimum of 3 hours free-range time each day for them to run about, stretch their legs, and interact with each other and the family. Keeping your bunnies as 'house rabbits' makes it easier to give them a lot of space as they have the run of your house (or designated rooms).
At a minimum, you should spend at least an hour with your rabbit every day. However, 3-5 hours (or even more) are ideal. You do not have to be giving your rabbit undivided attention during this time, but instead, make yourself available to interact with them if they want to.
Rabbits don't merely sit in a corner and munch on hay all day. They want to have fun, and playtime with you not only gives them fun and exercise and strengthens the bond between you, it also stimulates them mentally.
It's best to spend about an hour each day with your rabbit. On average, early morning is the best time to play with a rabbit, as it will be the most active. After that, the evening will be a prime opportunity for petting and cuddling. Younger rabbits may need your undivided attention as they have more energy.
Just like people, rabbit's are not meant to live alone. Rabbits who never get enough attention and are left in isolation all day will end up becoming lonely and depressed. They'll stop being curious and active, and instead they'll sit around all day with no interest in the world around them.
If your bunny remains well-behaved after several hour-long absences, lengthen their next several times alone to 2 or 3 hours.
If rabbits live in small hutches with nothing to do and no space to move, they get bored. Boredom can cause some serious health problems: Bored rabbits will fill their time by eating. If they eat too much and don't move around they'll put on weight.
Give Them Daily Roaming Time
To keep your rabbit happy and healthy, let it out of its cage at least once a day, giving it time to roam. Though at least one hour is necessary, aim closer to three or four. As a rule, never keep your rabbit cooped up for 24 hours at a time.
In the wild, rabbits live in big groups and they enjoy being with friends who will play with them, groom them, understand them and look out for them. So if these sociable animals are kept on their own, they may become bored, depressed, and very lonely.
Some rabbits like playing with footballs or basketballs, rolling them around the floor, digging at them or even running after them. Remember that rabbits tire quickly – so if your rabbit flops down after a few minutes, give it a chance to rest and recover.
Create a routine to give your rabbit hay, pellets, and fresh greens every day. You also need to clean the litter box on a daily basis and make sure to give your rabbit at least 3-4 hours of exercise. Rabbits are also social animals that require your time and attention every day. Rabbits thrive on routine.
3-5 Years Old
Rabbits tend to become a little less active by the time they reach this age. It is said that rabbits also become more affectionate during this period and they will start to trust you more.
Even if you have a pair of rabbits, 24 hours is the maximum time they should be alone. Like all pets, rabbits rely heavily on their owners. Domesticated rabbits lack the survival skills of wild rabbits. Your rabbit has basic needs surrounding food, exercise, and stimulation.
Unwanted Cardboard boxes and newspaper always make fun toys. Cut rabbit sized holes in two sides of a large cardboard box, then at the bottom fill with scrunched up newspaper, hay or anything rummage-worthy. Your rabbit can burrow through, searching for perhaps a few treats amongst it all.
Rabbits are amazing pets that can be great companions if we let them. They can race around our homes and spend time with us as they show their unique personalities. Letting your rabbit roam free in your home is an excellent way to make them a part of your family and an integral part of your life.
The signs of an unhappy rabbit
Pulling at their fur and over-grooming - or not grooming at all. A change in feeding or toilet habits. Drinking a lot more. Repeated circling or pacing up and down.
Rabbits shouldn't be kept in small cages
"They should be able to run back and forth, and have separate spaces to sleep, eat, and use the bathroom." Rabbits that are held in small cages often become depressed, and a lack of exercise can lead to health problems such as obesity and muscle weakness.
Normal rabbit body temperature is between 101-103°F. If their temperature drops below 100°F, they are at the beginning stages of hypothermia. If your rabbits has hypothermia and can't keep their body temperature up, wrap them in a towel to keep them warm.
Rabbits are not particularly independent, so they can't be left on their own for more than two days. However, if it's just a weekend or a working day, we can make sure they get everything they need, so we can spend time away from home without worrying too much about their health.
Objects to play with or throw - such as untreated straw, wicker, sea-grass mats and baskets, balls and plastic flower pots. Solid plastic baby toys such as 'key rings', rattles, stacking cups and some robust cat and parrot toys can make good rabbit toys.
Rabbits can only be left alone for a maximum of 24 hours. If a rabbit doesn't eat for 24 hours it can die. 8-12 hours is more optimal, especially if they have a companion, space to exercise, and food to eat. Bunnies kept alone, or who crave more attention and care, will do best when left for 3-6 hours at most.
Average sized bunnies will make 200-300 poops per day. They should be uniform in size and shape which means rounded and pea to garbanzo sized. The size of your bunny won't always predict the size of their poops.
Although your rabbits may be perfectly happy to hop around your garden and explore and eat, you should still make sure they have lots to keep them occupied. A bored bunny may look for escape routes, so the more you can give them to do the better!