How to keep rabbits and guinea pigs happy and active indoors

Rabbits and guinea pigs might be small, but they still need plenty of space, stimulation and opportunities to explore. Whether your pets live indoors all year round or spend more time inside during the colder months, creating an enriching environment can help keep them happy and active.

Here are a few simple ways to make indoor life more interesting for your small pets.

Give them plenty of space to explore

Rabbits and guinea pigs need enough room to move around, stretch and explore comfortably.

Alongside their main enclosure, provide a safe exercise area where they can move freely. Adding tunnels, hideaways and small animal houses can make their environment more interesting while giving them somewhere quiet to retreat when they want to rest.

Make feeding more interesting

Mealtimes are a great opportunity to introduce extra enrichment.

Try hiding small amounts of food around their enclosure or placing suitable small animal treats in different areas to encourage natural foraging behaviours.

You can also choose species-appropriate options such as rabbit treats or guinea pig treats as an occasional addition to their usual diet.

For rabbits, complete foods such as Selective Rabbit can form part of a balanced feeding routine alongside plenty of good-quality hay and fresh greens.

Provide toys and activities

Simple activities can help prevent boredom, particularly when pets are spending more time indoors.

Cardboard boxes, tunnels, chew toys and treat-based activities can all encourage exploration. You may also come across small animal wheels, but these aren't suitable for rabbits or guinea pigs, so always choose enrichment designed specifically for your pet's species.

Rotating their toys and changing their enclosure layout occasionally can also help keep things interesting.

Give them somewhere to hide

Having somewhere safe to retreat is important for both rabbits and guinea pigs.

Provide cosy shelters and hideaways throughout their living area. If you have more than one pet, make sure there are enough hiding places so they can choose where to rest without competing for space.

Spend time with them every day

Enrichment doesn't have to come from toys alone. Spending time with your pets, offering gentle interaction and letting them safely explore outside their enclosure can all add variety to their day.

Every rabbit and guinea pig has their own personality, so pay attention to the activities they enjoy most and build their routine around them.

Keep your small pets happy indoors

A spacious environment, plenty of hiding places, opportunities to forage and the right food and treats can all help keep rabbits and guinea pigs active and entertained indoors.

Explore Wundapets for small animal treats, food, houses and enrichment essentials for your rabbits and guinea pigs.

Don't forget to tag us @Wundapets and show us your small pets enjoying their favourite treats and activities, we'd love to see them!🐾