In the years I have had rabbits (usually only one at a time), I have found a lot of enjoyment from their playing games with me and with each other. These games are often recognizable as games we played when we were children.One game I found myself playing with my first rabbit was “hide and seek.” She would go hide under a bush or something, but as soon as we made eye contact, she would come out. After I did this one time, I went back into the house into the bathroom. Soon the rabbit, who did not usually go into the bathroom, came looking for me. I realized that it had been my “turn” to hide, and she had “found” me.
Another time she led me on a chase up hills and through bushes, and when I was about worn out I spied a flash from the corner of my eye. When I staggered back into the house, she was sitting smugly waiting for my return.
My next group of rabbits played follow-the-leader. One day I found Virginia, followed by the other bunnies, all in single file, going up and down the furniture and in and out of the lower kitchen cabinets.
The rabbit I have now is more aggressive than the others I have had. His game is “bull and bullfighter.” He charges at me with a growl and bumps me. I clap my hands and he wheels and goes back to make another charge.
In each of these cases, there was no training involved–the games were their idea. But it has made my rabbits really fun to be around.
John B. Miller
House Rabbit Journal Volume III, Number 1, Winter 1994
