Want to treat the Mini Lop in your life to an extra special day?
September 24th is National Bunny Day, so what better to spend it than
with your rabbit roommate? We've compiled a list of ways you show your
bunny they're your best buddy, from tasty treats to homemade toys.
Here's how to spoil your bunny on National Bunny Day 2023!
Feed Thumper some fancy vegetables
A fundamental part of a rabbit's diet is a variety of vegetables, so
why not spoil your bun with some exotic greens to try? Collard greens,
endive, and bok choy are all unusual vegetables your bunny will go
bonkers for. Or, treat them to some expensive hay or a sugary carrot.
Of
course, you'll want to ensure any veggies you pick are safe for
rabbits. There are plenty of myths surrounding what rabbits eat. For
example, rabbits can't eat iceberg lettuce, and carrots should be
enjoyed in moderation. You should also be aware any sudden change in
your rabbit's diet may upset their stomach.
Set up a "hopstacle" course
Rabbits will literally jump for joy, so why not set up an adorable
"hopstacle" course for them to try out? A hopstacle course will give
Bugs plenty of physical and mental stimulation, which will leave them
tuckered out this National Bunny Day.
Setting up a "hopstacle"
course doesn't have to take long. Just grab some low obstacles like
toilet paper tubes and some higher obstacles like a box and set them up
in a line. Then, use treats to encourage your bunny to jump over each
obstacle.
Give Bugs a brush and a massage
Bunnies can be very loving little fluffballs and will enjoy a brush
and a pamper this National Bunny Day. Get your rabbit to sit on your lap
and stroke them as you usually would. Then get the brush and give them a
groom. You can also try giving your rabbit a massage by rubbing in
circular motions around their cheeks and between their ears.
If
they're feeling super relaxed, your rabbit may even fall into a
trance-like state. Massages can also benefit your bunny's health by
improving circulation and
increasing joint mobility. Just bear in mind
it takes a while to build this bond, so a new rabbit may take some time
to warm up to their pet parents.
Surprise Snowball with a new playmate
Rabbits are highly social creatures with an instinctual need for
companionship, so there's no better surprise for Bugs than a new
playmate! Adorably, rabbits can actually experience love at first sight,
which means they immediately become bonded to another rabbit, making
them almost inseparable.
If you're unsure how Fluffy will take to
another rabbit, a great activity to try with your rabbit this National
Bunny Day is speed dating. Many animal shelters will let you bring your
bunny along for a meet-and-greet. Set up several meet-and-greets and see
if your rabbit falls for another bunny.
Just ensure you
supervise closely, as not all rabbits get along. Ensuring both rabbits
are neutered goes a long way to making sure they play nice.
Make a homemade toy for Hop
Nothing says "I love you, Marilyn Bunroe!" like a homemade toy.
Rabbits are pretty easily entertained — their favorite activities
include digging and shredding. One of the best and easiest toys you
could make your bunny is a dig box.
To make a dig box, all you
need to do is get a large cardboard box and fill it with old toilet
paper tubes, ripped brown bags, and some crumpled paper. Then put some
tasty treats or toys in the box, and watch as your rabbit delightfully
destroys the entire box in search of a tasty morsel or their favorite
toy.
If you've had your rabbit's cage for a few years, it might be time
for an upgrade this National Bunny Day! There are few better ways to
spoil your rabbit than providing them with extra space to snooze and
munch on hay.
Try to get your bunny the biggest cage possible,
with several different compartments for your rabbit to explore. Make
sure you take measurements of where you want to fit the cage before
heading to the pet store.
Buy some new toys for Floppy
If you're not very crafty or you're short on time, buy your rabbit
some new toys to keep them entertained. Rabbits like a variety of toys
of different shapes and textures.
Rabbits love to chew and throw
things around, so even some baby chew toys will keep your bunny
occupied. Remember to make sure the toy's material isn't toxic to
rabbits. You'll also want to change out the toys every few days, as
rabbits get bored easily.
Need more ideas for celebrating National Bunny Day?
Download the Wag! app and book a service with a 5-star Pet Caregiver!