HRS Chicago encourages rabbit guardians to scatter feed their able bodied rabbits. Some of the benefits of scatter feeding are below:

1. 1. Encourages Natural Foraging Behavior:
      Rabbits, in their natural habitat, spend a significant amount of time foraging for food. Scatter feeding replicates this natural behavior, allowing rabbits to explore and engage in natural foraging activities. This not only fulfills their biological need but also prevents boredom, keeping them mentally stimulated.
   2. Physical Exercise and Mental Stimulation:
      Scatter feeding turns mealtime into an interactive experience. As rabbits search for scattered food, they engage in physical exercise, promoting a healthy weight and preventing obesity. The mental stimulation derived from this activity is crucial for their overall well-being, reducing the risk of behavioral issues caused by boredom. Moving around to eat their meals can also help with bunnies who are prone to bladder sludge.
   3. Environmental Enrichment:
      Introducing variety into a rabbit’s environment is essential for their mental health. Scatter feeding enables you to scatter food throughout their living space, encouraging exploration and providing a dynamic, enriched environment. This promotes a more active, happy, and fulfilled rabbit.
   4. Enhances Bonding Between Guardian and Rabbit:
      Participating in scatter feeding allows for quality bonding time between guardians and their rabbits. As you scatter food, your rabbit associates you with positive experiences, strengthening the human-animal bond. This shared activity fosters trust and companionship, contributing to a happier and more well-adjusted rabbit.
   5. Enhances Bonding Between Rabbits: Foraging and eating together is a bonding activity. In fact, it’s an integral part of the bonding process! Focusing on foraging and eating keeps their mind off of any negative bonding behaviours or fighting. Often during the bonding process, if the bunnies start to act up a bit, you can throw down some of their favorite foods and it will redirect their energy right away.
   6. Prevents Food Aggression:
      In a multi-rabbit household, or even with other pets, scatter feeding can help prevent food-related conflicts. When rabbits forage individually, there’s less competition and stress during mealtime. This reduces the likelihood of food aggression and ensures each rabbit receives an adequate portion without the need for constant supervision.
   7. Prevents Selective Eating:
      Rabbits are notorious for selective eating, often leaving behind certain components of their meals. Scatter feeding discourages this behavior, as rabbits are less likely to pick and choose when their food is spread out. This ensures they receive a well-rounded diet, including all essential nutrients.
   8. Fewer Dishes to Wash!

1. Additional reading : https://oxbowanimalhealth.com/blog/a-beginners-guide-to-scatter-feeding/