How to entertain rabbit that doesn’t like to play?

[bunnyko.official]

Hey guys!

I have a 6 year old, male, unneutered holland lop and I’m not sure how to entertain him! When he was a baby he was extremely active and played with everything. As he grew up he calmed down and became almost lethargic most of the time. I’ve tried many different toys and at most he just chins them and never touches them again. Otherwise he just does nothing all day and sits in one spot. He never binkies anymore either (although I’ve heard different rabbits vary in the amount of binkies they do).

I even took him to the pet store once in hopes of him choosing a toy himself. He had no interest in any of it and fell asleep on the shelf. Health-wise everything is good. I know he has the energy because when I bring out a treat he goes from nearly in a coma to energizer bunny. 

I feel bad because he looks so bored and miserable  But at the same time he gives me an endless amount of kisses so I’m not sure if he’s happy or not.

Does anyone have a similar bunny to mine? How do you entertain them? Do you think he’s content as is? Would getting a new rabbit to bond him with make him happier (if it’s possible at 6 years old)?

[Bam]

My bunny Bam was a lot like you describe your bun, although Bam was neutered. He didn’t like to play with anything except his treat ball, he was extremely food oriented. He too went into energizer bunny mode when there were treats around (or if the humans had fruit or peanuts or sth).

He rarely binkied, but sometimes he did. He liked lounging and hanging out and cuddling. Really big cuddler. I tried to bond him with another neutered male, but it didn’t work out, Bam got bullied, so they had to live apart. I never tried to bond him with another bun because I was afraid the stress would be too much for him. I hope he was a happy bunny. He got lots of attention.

[Asriel and Bombur]

Both of my boys are fairly docile. Bombur more so, but that’s a bit health related. Bombur would prefer cuddling up on the bed with us rather than exploring or binkying. He’s a very happy bunny overall, but just not the most active.

[FlemishDad]

My bun is very similar. Food is the only thing that gets him excited. He never plays with any toys except occasionally tossing my glasses if the are in his way. Sometimes he likes to explore places he’s not supposed to be in. Mostly though he just loafs or lies. I think he is at least content as long as somebody is around – he does not like to be alone.

[Wendy]

My rabbit doesn’t like toys that much either. I usually just give him some small human toys (like key chains) for him to throw around when he feels like it

I also hide his pellets in paper bags and other areas in the room so he can have fun searching around and ripping the bags up.

[DanaNM]

I was going through this with Bertha as she got older (although Bun Jovi has reinvigorated her with his energy!). I think sometimes part of it has to do with having the same routine every day. Is he free-roam? I actually notice my buns are more playful and active when they aren’t out all day. It’s like we open the pen and they are like “we gotta run around and get our play time in now!”, vs. when they are out all day they usually just sleep.

Since he still loves his treats, maybe you can try some enrichment activities where you hide treats within things for him to shred and destroy to mix up his routine a bit. I put my buns pellets in baby stacking cups, scattered in various places so they have to look for them, in between pages of phone books, etc. Paper towel tubes can be cut up and treats hidden inside.

And yes, it is possible to bond at 6! I just bonded two 9 year old bunnies! They act like kids together, it’s ridiculous. But you would need to get him neutered. Also very possible with an experienced vet.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[Annabelle's mommy]

Annabelle doesn’t play with her toys anymore as much either. She doesn’t binky a lot either (haven’t seen her binky in at least a month). To keep her entertained or at least stimulated, I change her hutch “design” or layout every week or so. I also bought one of those plastic tube/tunnel things they make for cats. This one isnt a single tube but three which come together with a little hole at the top. I put that in her playpen every few days or so and she loves it. I was worried Anna had become unhappy, but nothing has changed in her behaviour otherwise, she still flops and loves snuggles etc. She does spend a lot of time lounging around but I think she’s just a bit lazy.

I also try to let her watch tv with me or play music since she seems to like that.

[Annabelle's mommy]

Annabelle doesn’t play with her toys anymore as much either. She doesn’t binky a lot either (haven’t seen her binky in at least a month). To keep her entertained or at least stimulated, I change her hutch “design” or layout every week or so. I also bought one of those plastic tube/tunnel things they make for cats. This one isnt a single tube but three which come together with a little hole at the top. I put that in her playpen every few days or so and she loves it. I was worried Anna had become unhappy, but nothing has changed in her behaviour otherwise, she still flops and loves snuggles etc. She does spend a lot of time lounging around but I think she’s just a bit lazy.

I also try to let her watch tv with me or play music since she seems to like that.

[Annabelle's mommy]

Annabelle doesn’t play with her toys anymore as much either. She doesn’t binky a lot either (haven’t seen her binky in at least a month). To keep her entertained or at least stimulated, I change her hutch “design” or layout every week or so. I also bought one of those plastic tube/tunnel things they make for cats. This one isnt a single tube but three which come together with a little hole at the top. I put that in her playpen every few days or so and she loves it. I was worried Anna had become unhappy, but nothing has changed in her behaviour otherwise, she still flops and loves snuggles etc. She does spend a lot of time lounging around but I think she’s just a bit lazy.

I also try to let her watch tv with me or play music since she seems to like that.

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