Rabbit Play

Question
Our rabbit was given to us by a magician and his wife.  They had her for about a year and then gave her to us.  She has a two story cage and I've looked online to find out what kind of toys would be appropriate for her because she doesn't seem to be very playful.  I'm wondering if I might be misreading her actions and she could be playing.  I've given her toilet paper rolls, bird hanging toys, laundry soap caps (after washing them) plastic slinky, boxes, paper bag, plastic gallon jug to roll, balls, plastic egg with a bell inside and she doesn't really do anything with any of it.  She picks them up and tosses them but only if I put them in her face.   All she does is explore and then pick a corner and flop herself down.  There are times when she's running that she does that kick out kind of thing and I understand that's a sign of playfulness but how do I get her to play with us.  She doesn't like to be held or picked up but loves to be petted on her face.  What can I do to bring out the more playful side and have her play with us?
Thank you for taking the time to read this and hope to hear from you.

Answer
Dear April,

Rabbits can be very playful, but each one has a unique personality.  Some are active and goofy, while others are more quiet.  Your bunny may just be one of those.

Note that rabbits will not play the way a dog or cat will play. They are prey species, not predators. So they will not naturally chase, fetch, run with a toy in the mouth, or do other behaviors that are natural for an animal that hunts and kills prey.

Instead, rabbits seem to like activities that awaken their natural instincts to dig and chew (cardboard boxes glued into their shape and with two door holes cut in are fun!), create burrows, etc.  Here are some ideas that will help you get her interest:

http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/toys.html

But again...don't expect her to behave in a way that's not natural for her.  Rabbits don't like to be chased, because it's a bit too much like being hunted.  But they will often come be goofy with you if you lie on the floor and quietly wait for attention from the bunny.  :)

It's all a learning curve for both of you, and I'm sure you'll figure each other out with more time and interaction.  Please also see:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/shybun.html

Hope this helps.

Dana