New bunny owner – activity level question

[B&A]

Good Evening, 

 I got my first rabbit on Thursday evening just past, so four days ago. He is a year old and a rescue bunny I’ve named Bertrand. I am getting him a friend, but she is arriving next week. I work from home though and live alone, so my flat is quiet and I am available for him a lot. I used to have guinea pigs many moons ago and used to let them roam free most of the time. I intend to do the same with the rabbits as I don’t like locking them in a little cage especially when they can be litter trained. Bertrand wasn’t eating a lot the first day or so – but I wasn’t sure if he was just nervous. I think that he was just nervous as his appetite has picked up and he is going to the washroom regularly ( trying to start the litter training). 

 My question though, is about the activity level of rabbits. He is out of the cage a lot and he goes through spells in the morning and evening where he runs around and he has been doing his binkies. He is only a year old though, and he spends a lot of time sitting looking like a grumpy man. He is very affectionate – he likes kisses and sits beside me on the sofa and on the floor if I am there. He does a lot of sitting though – sitting where he looks grumpy. I feel like I’m annoying him. Is it normal for rabbits to just sit so much? I am anxious for his friend to arrive next week – I’m hoping that will get him up a bit more. I just thought that rabbits had to eat continuously.. perhaps I’m being silly. Is it normal for there to be so much sitting? Or is he bored? 

 Concerned Bertrand owner

[Luna]

It’s natural for Bertrand to be laid back during the day then most active in the morning and evening because buns are crepuscular. I don’t think he is bored because it sounds like you give him lots of love, attention, and hang out time. If he looks uncomfortable when he is sitting then he might have a little gas, but if not then he’s probably just sitting. Just make sure he keeps eating and using the restroom. You’re right that buns need to eat to keep their gut moving so as to not get stasis, but a few hours of not eating here and there shouldn’t be too alarming. Luna will usually demolish her hay in the morning then will take a 2 hour break and just hang out. Also, don’t forget to introduce Bertrand to his new friend slowly and carefully so as to avoid any fighting.

[Jessica]

He probabaly also still adjusting to you and your home. Give him a week or two and the sitting watching will turn into flops. After 4 months with my little girl she now sleeps with her tummy up all stretched out on the couch with me. When I first bright her home she always sat in a bunny loaf if she wasn’t on the go, now she almost always flops

[Wick & Fable]

Like Luna mentioned, rabbits are pretty laid back during the day. I let Wick out when I’m getting ready for work from 6-7AM and he usually just eats hay and sits on the futon. During the day, he has the same behavior as well. It’s at night time when he runs around most.

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.

[sarahthegemini]

My two little monsters are most active at around 6 – 8 am, that’s when they do the majority of their bunny 500s and binky-ing. They relax during the day, they sleep, eat a bit and have a bit of a play but mainly sleep. In the evening they are more active again but not as much as in the morning.

[DorothyTheMiniSatinBun]

When I first got Dorothy, she mostly just sat in the corner and she also slept a lot during the day. When I sat next to her in her pen, she would come up to me and sniff me for a bit and even lick me at times. After the first or 2nd week, she was a lot more outgoing and more her gregarious self that she is now. I think your bun is probably just getting used to his environment and will soon warm up to you if you hang around a lot and let him get used to your presence. He will soon recognize you as non-threatening and start opening up more and more.

[Author]

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