It’s my dream to roam freely with animals without leashes, cages or enclosures, but is it safe for me, my pets and my property? Should I lock my rabbit up at night?
Where do rabbits sleep at night in your home? Some rabbits are hyper at night. They need to relax and you might want to let them out of their cage. How do you calm a rabbit down at night?
In this article, I want to share with you what happened after I asked myself, “Should I lock my rabbit up at night?”
Should I Lock My Rabbit up at Night?
Yes. A free-roaming indoor rabbit can chew up items in your home. Outdoor rabbits can gnaw on electrical wires.
There are plenty of safety concerns for the health of your rabbit and overall environment surroundings the residences and shared spaces in your home and neighborhood.
Rabbits have started fires, escaped, damaged furniture and made plenty of messes. There are routines we keep each night to keep our rabbits calm for them to rest easy and feel safe.
What Do You Do With Rabbits at Night?
Deciding to lock up or allow my rabbit to roam freely came down to issues of safety and sound. A rabbit in the cage may create noises and disturb our sleep.
You want them to relax so you need to know how to keep your rabbit quiet at night. Here are some tips:
- Give your rabbit a consistent routine.
- Learn how to tell when a rabbit is thumping for attention.
- Give your rabbit lots of space.
- Provide your rabbit with a variety of quiet toys.
- Help your rabbit feel safe.
- Give your rabbit time to exercise before bed.
- Give your rabbit plenty of hay.
1. Give your rabbit a consistent routine.
Even after guests have left the home and you are not enjoying a typically smooth transition to a restful night of sleep, stop and make sure your rabbit feels like tonight is going to be just like any other.
2. Learn how to tell when a rabbit is thumping for attention.
Your rabbit could be making noise to get your attention. See if this thumping sound means anything urgent or simply a tool to convince you to open the cage or enclosure.
3. Give your rabbit lots of space.
Create more room or purchase a larger cage, enclosure or pen for your rabbit to feel less cramped. This may reduce the odds of rabbit noises or stress throughout the night.
4. Provide your rabbit with a variety of quiet toys.
Toys are for enrichment, prevention of boredom, wearing of teeth that constantly grow and a distraction from any perceived fear or stress from a long night of being alone. Get some.
5. Help your rabbit feel safe.
Your rabbit will feel safe with you from prolonged encounters and trust building closeness with you. Snuggle, soothe, praise and say goodnight to your rabbit.
6. Give your rabbit time to exercise before bed.
One of the best times for physical exercise is at night for your rabbit to be all tuckered out and ready to clonk out for the night.
7. Give your rabbit plenty of hay.
Hay should be copious and endless in supply. A rabbit who is awake at night will gravitate towards something to do, such as hay to munch throughout the night and early morning.
Where Should My Rabbit Sleep at Night?
Rabbits should sleep in their enclosure or cage. They will be comfortable in the place where food and toys are kept just for them. This is their territory and a safe space.
Do rabbits sleep in the dark? Sure they do. A little light doesn’t bother them either. Rabbits dig warrens and burrows under the ground and spend lots of time in the dark.
Is It Ok to Leave My Bunny Alone at Night?
As long as your rabbit has plenty of food, hay, pellets and water with some enrichment toys to gnaw on, you can leave the home for up to 24 hours at a time.
Some stimulation will help your rabbit from going stir crazy or acting hyper out of fear that you will not return.
Start slowly and gradually build up to extended periods of time that you are away from your favorite animal companion.
How Do You Calm a Rabbit Down at Night?
Try these tips to keep your rabbit calm at night.
- Play With Your Rabbit Before Bedtime.
- Cover Your Rabbit’s Cage.
- Remove Noisy Items Near Your Rabbit.
- Give Your Rabbit Toys.
Use earplugs or put on white noise if the sound of your rabbit at night is disturbing your sleep. Place your rabbit’s sleep area furthest away from yours if possible.
What Time Should Rabbits Go to Bed?
How do rabbits sleep? Rabbits are crepuscular and will sleep around 10-11 hours a day at different times. They may become active at night or the early morning where you are trying to get your much needed rest as well.
Rabbits who sleep during the day are not nocturnal. They are just dozing off at any time they feel like it.
Do Rabbits Need Light at Night?
No. Your rabbit doesn’t need a light at night. Natural light is fine, but shining artificial nights on your rabbit’s rest area at night may have adverse effects instead of keeping them calm. Think natural and avoid any extra lighting when possible.
Why Is My Rabbit Hyper at Night?
Your rabbit might be showing signs of hyperactivity in confinement. Rabbits are highly active animals and the restrained feeling at night could be making your rabbit feel irritated or frustrated. They might make noise and try to convince you to let them out, but don’t go for it.
Instead, do more exercise together tomorrow night before sleep time and make sure your rabbit has hay and toys in an enclosure that is spacious enough for your rabbit to stretch out.
Thank you for visiting PocketPetCentral.com for the best information to help you enjoy the life of your pocket pet companion in a fun, safe & healthy way.