How to entertain my baby bunny

Question
Hi. I actually have two questions for you. Yesterday I bought an 8 week old female dutch bunny from an experienced breeder at a rabbit show. The baby i bought was orphaned at 3 weeks old and has been basically hand raised. Today she has been sprinting around the cage a lot, at first I was worried, but I think it's just because she's bored. Do you have any recommendations on how I could keep her entertained? I had heard stuff like putting cardboard boxes and such in the cages, but I've also heard cardboard can be bad for bunnies. I'm also worried things that are safer for older bunnies to play could be dangerous for such a young bunny.
My second question is, I'm considering breeding her. Only once, and only with another dutch. I've heard that by breeding a female rabbit you can help minimize the chances of uterine cancer and other medical problems. What do you think of this?
Thank you for taking the time to read this email.
~Ariana

Answer
Hi,

I'd let her out of her cage for exercise, it sounds like she has a lot of energy and wants to run a little.  Bunnyproof whatever room she's in, give her the ability to get in and out of her cage (ramp, steps, etc) cordone off the room with pet exercise gates at least 30 inches high and let her map the room out and explore.  She can use at minimum 2-3 hours out a day to move around, run, play, etc.  I'd do it supervised at first to make sure you haven't left any hazards, and to find the best spot to put a litterpan for her (the place she regularly marks).  Any hanging cords (blinds, etc) must be secured so that she can't get tangled and/or hang herself.  Electrical cords need protective coverings you can find at the hardware store.  If you go to the House Rabbit Society page you can find bunnyproofing steps to take.  www.rabbit.org

As for breeding do not do that.  You have no idea dealing with a breeding session that goes wrong.  The BEST WAY to avoid uterine cancer is to get her spayed once she hits sexual maturity, by an excellent rabbit vet.  This is the only way to ensure she doesn't die from uterine cancer.  Plus she will be far less moody and cage aggressive to you.

www.rabbit.org/vets/vets.html

to find a HRS recommended vet near you (not all vets are good rabbit vets, go to the ones rabbit people know about and trust).