Are Bunnies Nocturnal? We Find Out!    

Are bunnies nocturnal? The Easter Bunny symbol doesn’t have any Biblical connotation but is permanently associated with the Easter Holiday. It started among the Medieval German Lutherans when the “Easter Hare” brought children gifts in a basket with colored eggs, candy, and toys.

With how generous this bunny is, you might wonder if it shows up with the goody basket at night or in the daytime. Is it nocturnal or diurnal? 

Bunnies are neither 100% nocturnal nor diurnal: they are crepuscular and are most active at dawn and dusk. It tries to hunt when the sunlight is the softest, so it doesn’t affect its nervous system.

An Ideal Pet For Pet Lovers Out There

And here is a shoutout to all the pet lovers: do you know that bunnies make one of the best pets to keep? If you have been thinking about getting one for quite some time or your child has been begging you to get one, keep reading; I have some helpful information. Before introducing a new family member to your household, consider some essential facts.

Your Bunny Should Be The Boss Of His Territory

 it doesn’t like it when its owner tries to change things around too much in his bunny “oasis” and can even turn grumpy! It has to be in charge of his dwelling’s setup: decide which corner it will eat in and which one sleeps.

This cutie should eat healthy, balanced foods, the ones herbivores usually eat: fruits, veggies (carrots being their favorite, of course), leafy greens, and some hay will satisfy even the pickiest fur ball out there! The feeding schedule should concur with its crepuscular internal clock: an early morning breakfast and an evening meal. The same goes for physical activity.

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Your Bunny Must Be Kept Busy 

Buy some safe toys at the pet store, make some yourself out of old toilet paper/paper towel rolls, and stuff them with hay. Your furry friend will never starve and be occupied for a while, allowing you to complete some house chores in peace. And, as we stated above, the fact that it’s a crepuscular creature means it should get most of its daily exercise during dawn and at dusk when a kit’s internal clocks are activated and the sun’s activity is the weakest. It will ensure its physical well-being and a healthy emotional state. 

Bunny Proof Your Space

If you want it to play outside of its “condo,” make sure you bunny-proof your space: cables, wires, essential documents, strings, and electrical cords should be out of the way (your bunny will regard them as fun toys to play with).

Litter training is essential to ensure that your new cuddly buddy knows the proper rules: it will usually have a designated spot in its cage where it will go and relieve itself. Don’t be surprised to notice that it eats its droppings: unlike their canine or feline counterparts, bunnies always “recycle” their waste once to get the most nutrients out of processed foods: when you see that droppings are hard, not soft-it’s time to clean the cage. (source)

Train Your Children How To Treat The Bunnies

Children in your household should know that a pet bunny is not a toy: they should not be encouraged to pull on its ears/tail or push or kick the animal. Teach your kids that this is their friend and a new member of the family who they should treat with respect, care, and affection.

Traveling With Your Bunny May Be Challenging

Most airlines would not permit a bunny on board, and usually, bunnies get stressed when being taken out of their environment, so if you are a frequent jet-setter, it won’t be a good idea to adopt one. For those pet parents that only travel once in a while, a solution might be to ask a family member or a trusted friend to take care of the furry creature while away. And don’t forget to remind them to keep the bunny occupied with some stimulating activities in the morning and the evening.

Take Your Time

Building a bond and a trusting relationship with a new fluffy family member takes time: don’t get discouraged if your training doesn’t produce any results, and continue to be gentle and persistent. After all, it’s very stressful for a bunny to adapt to a new home and surroundings. It needs time to adjust.

Don’t force too much affection on it too soon: the timing has to be right; most of the time, bunnies don’t necessarily like you to pick them up or kiss them, but every bunny (just like us humans) has its personality. If you are a pet parent of a very affectionate little pal, you’re in luck. If it’s kind of timid, don’t worry, it will take a little time to build that long-lasting friendship. (source) 

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Frequently Asked Bunny Nighttime Questions

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Taking Your Bunny To a Vet

Choosing the right vet is crucial when your kit feels a little “under the weather,” or you want to come in for a routine yearly check-up. You cannot take it to the same doctor as a cat or a dog. Your best bet is to find one who specializes in lagomorphs, so you know your companion will get the best treatment possible. Do your research on Google, and see if the vet has good reviews and an established, long-time reputation. 

Final Thoughts

Introducing a new member of the family into a household can be a fascinating and, at the same time, stressful time. Your new bunny friend needs particular attention, nutrition, and care. Remember that it’s most active during dusk and dawn, so try to occupy it with some activities, concurring with its internal clock. Following all the proper guidelines will ensure that your bunny parent experience will be fulfilling and rewarding.