Rabbit Exercise and Enrichment Guide

Daily movement

Rabbits^★ need opportunities to move and behave naturally rather than being confined for most of the day. Exercise areas should allow running, jumping, stretching, standing upright and changing direction safely. RWAF describes rabbits as active, social animals and recommends a permanent living area large enough to support these behaviours. Exercise should therefore be built into the normal housing arrangement rather than treated as an occasional activity.

Foraging and exploration

Enrichment can include safe tunnels, cardboard boxes, platforms where appropriate, hiding places, digging areas, scattered forage and food presented in ways that encourage natural searching. Hay can be placed in several safe locations, while suitable branches or rabbit-safe items may provide additional exploration. The goal is not to buy the largest number of toys; it is to create varied, safe opportunities for movement and problem-solving.

Safe enrichment

Watch how each rabbit uses the environment and change activities when they become repetitive or are ignored. Avoid items that can be swallowed, contain unsafe chemicals, have sharp edges or create entrapment risks. Harness-based exercise should not be assumed to be necessary; a secure rabbit-proofed area is generally a better basis for movement. Enrichment works best when combined with appropriate companionship, good diet and spacious housing.