Games You Can Play With Your Rabbits & Guinea Pigs
Published Tuesday 20th August 2024
Looking for some playtime inspiration with your small pets? There are several games you can play with your rabbits and guinea pigs that will delight everyone involved. From mazes to hide-and-seek, here are some playful pastimes that are sure to please your pets.
The Importance of Play
Engaging in play with your rabbits and guinea pigs not only strengthens their trust and confidence but also deepens the bond between you. It's truly rewarding to watch shy or timid pets gradually emerge from their shells through playful interactions. Being active benefits both their physical and mental health, and is an excellent way to help your small pets become more social and fit. With regular playtime, you can develop a strong, lasting connection with your rabbits or guinea pigs.
It's important to keep in mind that rabbits and guinea pigs are naturally prey animals, so they can be easily startled by surprises, sudden movements, or loud noises. Ensure that all games are played in a calm environment, and have plenty of treats on hand to encourage and reward your pets for their efforts.
Species-specific Play
Rabbits and guinea pigs have distinct differences in size and build, each bringing their own unique abilities to playtime. For instance, rabbits, with their strong, long legs, can easily leap over the sides of a homemade maze to reach the treat at the end more quickly. In the following activities, we'll provide tips on how to adapt each game to suit the size and species of your pet.
Prepare a Place to Play
The ideal spot for playing with your rabbits and guinea pigs is a safe, enclosed area. Outdoor runs and playpens are excellent for spending quality playtime with your pets, as they provide a secure environment where your pets can feel comfortable while giving you ample space to set up games. Indoor play areas can also work well, as long as the room is thoroughly rabbit and guinea pig-proofed to ensure their safety.
Hide & Seek
Rabbits and guinea pigs are naturally curious creatures, so adding a bit of mystery can capture their attention. For guinea pigs, try lying on the floor with your face in your hands - they'll soon come over to investigate. Just be cautious not to startle them as you reveal yourself, and reward their curiosity with a treat.
For rabbits, hide under a soft blanket and call your bunny. Since rabbits love to burrow, your bunny will be excited to dig around and find you.
Maze Running
Construct mazes using cardboard boxes, building blocks, or other household items, and place a treat at the end to entice your pets. Ensure the mazes are always at ground level, with no small gaps or spaces where their feet could get caught.
For rabbits, build a maze using Zippi Rabbit Tunnels for the ultimate, reusable adventure that will keep your bunnies safely contained and engaged.
Bowling
This game is particularly suited for bunnies, though some guinea pigs might also enjoy knocking things over. Set up small bowling pins, like those designed for toddlers, and let your bunnies nudge them over with their noses. After each successful knockdown, reward your pets with a treat before setting the pins up for another round.
For guinea pigs, toy bowling pins might appear too tall and intimidating. Instead, try using empty toilet paper tubes - they’re more appropriately sized and less daunting for your little ones.
Fetch
Think fetch is only for dogs? Think again - some rabbits and guinea pigs love carrying small objects in their mouths. Try tossing small toys like balls, applewood chews, or pieces of cardboard for them to fetch. Start by tossing the object just a few inches in front of your rabbit or guinea pig. If they pick it up, praise them and offer a treat. As they get the hang of it, toss the toy a little farther each time, encouraging them to bring it back to you.
Magic Cups
Show your rabbits or guinea pigs that you're hiding a treat under an overturned plastic cup. Then add one or two more empty cups and shuffle them around before letting your pet sniff out the hidden treat. Fresh herbs or other fragrant goodies work great for this game.
From the Rabbit Hutch or Guinea Pig Hutch to Outdoor Runs and Playpens, Omlet has worked to create the perfect atmosphere for owners and their small pets to spend quality time together. Design your own playground with Zippi Rabbit and Guinea Pig Tunnels, and add Rabbit and Guinea Pig Platforms to help your pets meet you on a whole new level. With Omlet, playtime isn’t just possible - it’s the pinnacle of quality time you spend with your rabbits and guinea pigs.
From the rabbit hutch or guinea pig hutch to outdoor runs and playpens, Omlet has worked to create the perfect atmosphere for owners and their small pets to spend quality time together. Design your own playground with Zippi Rabbit and Guinea Pig Tunnels, and add rabbit and guinea pig platforms to help your pets meet you on a whole new level. With Omlet, playtime isn’t just possible - it’s the pinnacle of quality time you spend with your rabbits and guinea pigs.
