Does your rabbit wriggle and resist when you try to pick him up? Does it jump away when you try to stroke it? Does he grunt when you offer him food from your hand? This article will help you out.
Steps
Step 1. Put some toys in the hutch
Make sure the rabbit is out of the cage while you are doing this, as rabbits don't like you making any changes to their home while they are inside. Toys are very important to rabbits, because these animals need the mental stimulation that play provides.
Step 2. Give the rabbit some special treats
Try giving him different kinds of fruits and vegetables that are healthy for him, until he finds a few he likes and gives him only the one he likes best. This will help the rabbit trust you.
Don't do this too often or the rabbit will wait for it and may start biting
Step 3. Get the rabbit out of the hutch often
Choose a large room, where there are no distracting elements, and let the rabbit out of the cage in this room. Let it explore then, if it gets close to you, caress it gently.
Step 4. Touch the rabbit with respect and attention
Rabbits don't like being picked up often, so only pick them up when needed and pet them instead of picking them up. Find out where they like to be petted; many rabbits like to be cuddled on the head because they cannot see behind. Approach the rabbit from the side and, if he is comfortable with you, touch his back.
Don't touch the rabbit on the belly, don't tap it, and don't scratch it like you would a dog
Advice
- Don't force the rabbit to interact with you. It would just make him stay more on his own. Sit on the floor and let him come to you.
- Never punish the rabbit if he does something wrong. He wouldn't learn anything from punishment.
- Always make sure your pet has toys in the hutch!
- Rabbits tend to nibble on clothes; to make them stop, just distract them or move them. Never punish them! They would not learn from punishment and would continue to gnaw.
- Approach as slowly as possible and never make sudden noises.
- To make the rabbit trust you, find out what their favorite food is, such as carrots, celery, apples or bananas. Try to get him to follow a line with this food.
- Make sure the rabbit eats mixed grass hay, not alfalfa hay. Rabbits need mixed grass hay when they are over six months old.
- Always give him his favorite food as a treat, and if the animal is young, try to train him to drink from a water bottle.
- Purchase a spacious cage.
- Make sure there is a hiding place in the cage.
Warnings
- Make sure the rabbit doesn't gnaw on electrical wires. Rabbits can be electrocuted and die from gnawing on electrical cables.
- Rabbits can bite hard whenever they want. If the rabbit is grunting and its ears are turned back, move away and let the rabbit calm down.
