I have been rearing rabbits for the past many years. From my many years of experience raising rabbits, I have found that there are a few things in this world that rabbits love more than food. In this article, we will discover 14 things rabbits love the most.
Number 14: Bananas.
Although many cartoons have misconstrued that rabbits are obsessed with carrots, the truth is that carrots should have been switched out with bananas. This is because rabbits love bananas more than any other fruits or vegetables in the world. But remember, fruits like bananas are high in sugar, which is bad for your bunny’s teeth and general health. They should be given as a treat and in moderation to your rabbit. An average adult rabbit should have no more than two tablespoons of banana every other day.
Number 13: Small dark hiding spots.
Rabbits are prey animals, and they find the most comfort in small dark places where they can hide and feel safe. In their natural habitat, rabbits protect themselves from predators with underground tunnels they can run into and hide. Whether it’s under the couch, under the bed, or in an empty box, these hiding spots will simulate their tunnels or burrowing systems and allow them to shelter when they get spooked or feel threatened. Make sure to make your rabbit a hideout like a wooden house in the style of a small kennel so that they can have alone time and feel safe when needed. And remember not to disturb or enter their hideout, as it’s your rabbit’s safe place to rest. Having nowhere to take cover will make your bunny scared, stressed, and anxious.
Number 12: Chewing.
Rabbits’ teeth will grow continuously all their lives, and they’re designed to be worn down to the right length by grinding away at food. In the wild, a rabbit’s buffet menu often includes hard vegetation such as hay, twigs, tree bark, and other material that requires lots of chewing. The extensive chewing keeps their growing teeth under control. That’s why it’s important to provide your pet with unlimited access to grass hay, which they can graze on throughout the day.
Number 11: Spreading their scent.
Like many other animals, rabbits are territorial creatures, and they love marking their territory by spreading their scent. In order to mark their territory, a rabbit will often do something called chinning. Chinning is when a rabbit rubs their chin against an object, such as a toy. Rabbits have scent glands under their chins. When they rub their chin against something, a tiny amount of their specific scent is deposited on that object, essentially marking it as theirs. Believe it or not, chin marking is a serious business for rabbits. After all, rabbits love everything that smells like them. It is their scent that helps them know it’s their territory, and they will feel at ease in their environment. Rabbits also mark their scent through their droppings, urine, and licking.
Number 10: Being clean.
Rabbits are very clean animals, and they will spend a lot of time grooming themselves. This is why bunnies never smell bad. They don’t like your greasy or dirty hand on their fur, and their breath or body doesn’t release any bad odors noticeable to a human nose. And keep in mind that a smelly soiled litter box could cause your rabbit to choose another place to do their business.
Number 9: Exploring.
Rabbits are curious creatures, and they love having the chance to explore new places and run around. Make sure to provide your bunny a large enough space to run around and satisfy their explorative nature. You can even build a nice playground area for them. Cat tunnels are a great gift for your rabbit, as they simulate their tunnels and burrowing systems. You can also use cardboard boxes to make them someplace to chew, hide, and explore. Your rabbits also love to run in a safe outdoor enclosure and explore the grass or plants.
Number 8: A good massage.
Studies have shown that petting is beneficial to the health of both you and your bunny. Petting your bunny decreases their heart rate and increases a happy molecule in them called serotonin. Petting also provides them with a soothing overall sensation. The best places to pet rabbits are their forehead and behind their ears. They also love getting strokes down their back or around the shoulders. With that said, they dislike being touched on their bottom feet, stomach, or tail. On that note, a rabbit will not immediately accept pets from new owners or strangers. That’s because rabbits are slow to build trust. Rabbits are prey animals, and having evolved under the pressure of surviving predators, many actions that you take can frighten them. Difficult as it might be, it’s important to be patient and let your new pet rabbit come to you first when they are ready and feel comfortable with you.
Number 7: Socialization.
Rabbits are highly social animals. In the wild, they live in large colonies that have intricate rules and hierarchies. As pets, they still have these social instincts, and they love to spend time with the other members of the household. The best companion for a rabbit is another rabbit of the opposite gender and approximately the same age. But if you have a single rabbit, then make sure the company comes from you.
Number 6: Fresh hay.
It’s important to give your rabbit high-quality hay. It needs to smell nice and be dust-free. Fresh and greenish hay is better than brown hay. Be careful of some bagged hay from pet shops; many have not had the dust extracted. It is best to find a local hay merchant and buy a bale of soft meadow hay. And make sure to give your bunny additional hay types like timothy and grass hays. Remember, hay is the most important part of a rabbit’s diet, as it provides the fiber necessary to keep their digestive systems healthy.
Number 5: Being active.
Rabbits are very active and energetic animals. Their bodies were built to run fast so they can escape from predators. To maintain their health, pet rabbits need a lot of space and time to exercise. Providing your rabbit with a variety of supervised exercises, such as playing, running, and digging, will ensure their mental and physical well-being.
Number 4: Eating their cecotropes.
Have you ever caught your rabbit doing this? Well, your bunny is eating their cecotropes, which are soft feces that are nutrient-rich. When your bunny appears to be bathing their belly and they come up chewing, they are actually eating a cecal pellet. Interestingly enough, bunnies produce two types of droppings: fecal pellets and cecal pellets. It is from the cecal pellets that rabbits get the majority of their nutrition. These pellets are partially digested foods that are passed from the bunny and are then re-ingested. It’s important that you as a loving pet parent respect your rabbit’s nature, so if your rabbit eats their own droppings, let them, as preventing them from their own nature can cause anxiety and confusion. Rabbits hate constant correction from you, and it is important that you love your rabbits just as they are.
Number 3: A little sunshine.
Recent research suggests that sunlight is important for a rabbit’s health. Like many other animals, rabbits need sunshine to get their vitamin D, which keeps their bones and teeth healthy. But always make sure your rabbit can move away to shade when they need to cool off. Rabbits prefer temperatures of about 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, and temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit are hazardous to domestic bunnies. If your rabbit is stuck in sunshine for long periods, they will overheat and suffer from heat stroke, which can be life-threatening.
Number 2: Being with you.
Rabbits might be just a small part of our lives, but to them, we are their whole life. They appreciate you and try to show their affection in many ways. Spending time with them will make them happy and will lead to a longer-lasting and trusting relationship. Make sure not to isolate yourself from your rabbit; this will make them feel alone and neglected.
Number 1: Digging.
Some dirt. Rabbits love to dig. In the wild, they dig holes for shelter, for maternal reasons, to create warrens, to hide from predators, and to regulate their temperature. And beyond instincts, bunnies also dig for fun. It helps them let off some energy. While rabbits in the wild dig all the time, pet rabbits rarely have the opportunity to. Luckily, you can bring the digging to them. All you need to do is fill a container or cardboard box with dirt, shredded paper, or child-friendly sand that your rabbit is allowed to dig in. A digging box is one of the best free toys you can make for your little pet.
Now that you know what your rabbit loves the most, make sure to make time to incorporate these activities into their daily lives to keep them healthy, happy, and engaged.