Where do rabbits sleep?

When I first got my rabbit home I was confused about where do rabbits sleep and what do rabbits like to sleep on.

Most rabbit guardians fail to realize when their rabbits are sleeping and where to place beds for rabbits.

An unknown fact:

Rabbits sleep with their eyes open. If you at least remember this, you shall lessen your struggle by many degrees.

Well, rabbits may sleep anywhere depending on the rabbits. But training your pet rabbits to find their bed on time will ease your life a lot in the long run.

The best part:

After you finish reading this article, you can order any of the right bedding or cave for your house rabbits to provide them a comfortable sleeping place.

Where do rabbits sleep?

Before I state where do rabbits sleep lets understand their habitat a little?

As Wikipedia says about rabbits habitat:

Rabbits are naturally prey animals in the wild. So they like to live somewhere which they believe is very safe for them.

Nowadays rabbits are considered as domestic pets. Though they are domesticated today, their behavior has not changed much from the wild ones.

So you may ask:

What do rabbits like to sleep on?

Rabbits in the wild normally sleep in burrows. They dig holes and tunnels to go sleep and relax in there. Because they find it safe to hide from their predators.

Why does this matter?

For your house rabbits, it would require some time to feel safe and get comfortable around you.

Knowing that the rabbit prefers a safe place for their home, you can surely recognize and choose the type of beds for rabbits.

Domesticated rabbits barely get a chance today to dig holes in the ground. But if given the chance, trust me your pet rabbits will dig holes to relax inside.

What if you can’t allow your house rabbits to do so? Perhaps you don’t live in a house where you can allow your rabbits such privilege.

From what I have observed from my pet rabbit is:

When I brought her home for the first time, I gave her the full living room as her running space.

Most noticeable in the first couple of months was that she always stays either under the sofa or below the dining table for a long time.

I did not understand what it means. Because I was unaware of rabbit behavior.

After a little google search, I realized these two places are her favorite hiding spot. In order to relax and feel safe, my rabbit went under the couch and slept there quietly.

But there’s a catch.

Once my rabbit started to feel comfortable being around me, she didn’t always sleep under the sofa, instead, she chose to sleep on the sofa.

You may wonder why on the couch?

Because when she was comfortable my house and learned it is safe around her guardian she decided to sleep on a soft spot. The couch was soft and comfortable for her delicate body.

So what’s the bottom line?

Depending on your rabbit and how safe they feel around you, your house rabbits may choose any location within your house or their running space to sleep.

As well as knowing where your pet rabbits are comfortable and what do rabbits like to sleep on, you can place beds for rabbits.

If your pet rabbits are too relaxed being around you, they shall not hesitate to sleep near your foot usually in the loaf position.

Every once in a while I saw my rabbit in the flopped position on the couch.

But this behavior of your rabbits you may not see right away. It shall take at least a month to see these changes in your rabbits

Now let’s break it down:

If you have kept your rabbits in a hutch outdoors, your rabbits will definitely go to sleep within the hiding space or the small compartment.

That’s why I always suggest rabbit guardians buy hutch like these I explained here >>> Best Rabbit Hutch for outdoor rabbits.

But what if your rabbits are potty trained and have your full house as her territory?

In the beginning, your rabbits themselves will choose their favorite sleeping spot within their running space.

Once you identify their favorite spot for sleeping, you can now buy some of the rabbit caves or beds for rabbits which I have explained later in this article.

How do rabbits sleep?

Know when not to interrupt them.

Most new rabbits owners even longtime owners, often don’t recognize the rabbit sleeping positions.

It is equally important to understand rabbit sleeping positions to determine where are your bunnies sleeping.

The two common rabbit sleeping positions are:

• Bunny loafs;
• Completely laid on the side which is called “Dead Bunny Flop”.

Both these positions indicate your rabbit feels safe and is comfortable in his/her current home.

It requires some time for a new rabbit in the house to get comfortable enough to get into these positions.

If your rabbits are not comfortable in their new home they may sleep at times but will try to avoid being in your sight.

They will probably hide somewhere like going under the couch and sleep there avoiding your sight.

But when you start seeing them going into a loaf or totally flopped on the side, you can say your rabbit now trusts you enough that s/he sleeps around you.

But all rabbit owners confuse themselves with one thing:

Do rabbits sleep with their eyes open?

YES, rabbits sleep with their eyes half open and to ensure whether your bunny is sleeping or not, you have to notice if your rabbits’ nose stop wiggling. As well as look at their positioning.

if you don’t realize that your rabbits are sleeping although their eyes are open you may disturb them trying to play with during their rest time. So take notice of their nose especially!

To avoid doing that or stressing your rabbit too much, remember this how rabbit sleeping behavior and stop interrupting them during that time.

Rabbits sleep either being in the position of loaf or laid on the side. They keep their eyes half-closed and their nose stops wiggling.

The easiest thing to notice for you as a rabbit guardian is the wiggling of the nose. When not awake your rabbits will not wiggle their nose.

Determine whether your house rabbits are sleeping by observing their nose.

In case your rabbit is relaxed and is in a loaf manner yet their nose is still twitching, then understand this your rabbits are not sleeping.

Do bunnies sleep in the dark?

It is not necessary to find a dark spot for your rabbits to sleep.

Rabbits can sleep anywhere regardless of light or dark. A rabbit only requires a safe place for them to sleep.

I have seen my rabbits sleep in the broad daylight sitting near my foot. My rabbit really loved me and was relaxed being near me.

When do rabbits sleep? (Best Hours)

As I mentioned earlier that rabbit behavior has not changed at all though they are domesticated. Their sleeping behavior and time is the same as wild rabbits.

Wild rabbits like to sleep during the midday and night. It is the same for house rabbits too.

House rabbits are most active during dusk and dawn. There is a misconception of thinking rabbits are nocturnal, which by the way, they are not.

Wild rabbits are active at dusk and dawn to avoid being noticed by their predators. Predators are often sleeping during this time.

However, during midday and midnight, pet rabbits might go to sleep. It all depends on your rabbits’ own schedule.

Just like the human every rabbit has unique behavior and habits.

How long do rabbits sleep?

Normally an adult rabbit requires a total of 8 – 9 hours of sleep.

So any time except dawn and dusk your rabbit may take time to sleep and rest. Other than that they love to play, jump, run around.

Playing around and foraging within their running space is vital for rabbits to remain healthy. To provide your house rabbits adventures like being in the wild you can buy safe rabbit toys.

And if you want to learn when your rabbits are sleeping then refer to the previous subhead in this article. You will learn when to avoid disturbing your rabbits.

What should rabbits sleep on?

Best sleeping beds for rabbits.

Spring Fever Rabbit Bed

This cute rabbit cave style bedding comes in different colors and sizes. But the small size is good enough for a rabbit to go inside and sleep soundly.

Best is to choose between the small and medium size depending on your rabbit sizes.

Due to the fact this spring fever rabbit bed is well cushioned, it will really be loved by your rabbits for their nap time.

This spring fever rabbit bed is made of harmless materials in case your rabbits start chewing on it. The soft surface will prevent your small pets from hurting their claws.

It has a removable pad bottom for cleaning and washing. As well as this rabbit bed is portable and perfect for placing it in a cage.

Nitangel Wooden Bridge

This bridge is perfect for rabbits because Niteangel wooden bridge can be used for several purposes.

Your rabbits either can loaf under the bridge to relax or can use it to climb to the top and consider it as their playground toy.

The wooden bridge is foldable and detachable for rabbit guardians flexible use.

Your rabbits may often chew on the stairs but you don’t have to worry because Niteangel made this bridge with harmless materials for rabbits.

One of the best thing I have purchased for my rabbit because this bridge is loved by my rabbits and it has really lasted a long time.

I have given Niteangel wooden bridge my second spot because it is little pricey compared to the other rabbit huts.

SunGrow Grass Hut for Rabbits

This grass house is perfect for any small rabbits. Hard to fit in large rabbits but any small to medium-sized rabbits can perfectly take their rest time in this small hide house.

This hide house is made from hay and grass and is not harmful to your rabbits even if they chew through it. This hut is made from all edible materials.

Your rabbits will love it, and this foldable grass hide house can be used as a mat for your rabbits if required.

Place it in a cage or within your rabbit’s running space.

Rabbits want to hide somewhere safe if they can smell danger and this SunGrow grass hut will allow your rabbits that opportunity.

Cave style Baskets

Remember this:

You as your rabbits’ guardian have to locate that personal sleeping space of your rabbit and arrange the bedding or cave there.

If the bedding is not at your rabbits’ preferred place then your rabbits will not probably sleep in the bedding. Just observe your rabbits where do they go to sleep which is actually very easy.

Most rabbit owners do not understand when their rabbits are sleeping. In order to determine their sleeping spot, you have to understand how do rabbits sleep?

Conclusion.

Try and help your rabbits to build a schedule of sleep. This will help with your rabbits’ vitality. Once they maintain a schedule you will notice your rabbit goes to sleep in a specific time and wakes up in a specific time.

Your rabbits will have their meals on time and will play with you when you are free or back from work. That way both your rabbits and you will be happier.

This article “where do rabbits sleep” will help you in many ways to choose the right rabbit bedding for your rabbits’ comfort.

But did you know good rabbit diet impacts your rabbit’s vitality too?

Then read here >>> Best Rabbit Food to discover what is best for you rabbits.

What can you feed your pet rabbits and the right amount >>> FAQ on what do rabbits eat?

Find out which toys are safest for your house rabbits >>> Safe toys for bunnies to play with.

Want your rabbit to be happy and healthy?

Need other things for your rabbit?
Click on the links below for:
Rabbit food
Rabbit Toys
Rabbit cages and houses
Rabbit health and hygiene

Click here to order the ebook How to raise healthy & happy rabbits!

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