Rabbits are very social animals that love to be around all the time and give their best when they have other rabbits to spend time with. When the animal cannot stay with others of its kind, such a void can be filled by people, but keep in mind that the rabbit requires almost constant attention. Be prepared for the fact that he needs a lot of care and do your best to find time to keep him company.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing a Lonely Rabbit
Step 1. Expect him to suffer from loneliness
In the wild it can be constantly in the company of other rabbits, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you have only one specimen, you can keep it some company, but it would still be alone at night or when you go out to work.
- Females sometimes do well even in solitude; if you see that she is not hyperactive and does not withdraw, she is likely to be fine on her own as well.
- On other occasions, a rabbit may be too territorial to get along with others of its kind. In this case, you need to consider choosing other pets that are likely to cause fewer problems of this type, but can still keep your little friend company.
Step 2. Be careful if he pushes you, bites you or throws himself at you
When a rabbit nudges you a little, it is trying to communicate something to you; often it means that he wants to play with you or be caressed. It can also intensify this behavior by using more direct and energetic methods of expression.
- Such "nudges" can also become delicate bites; it's another way to get your attention. If you pretend that he has hurt you, the rabbit should respond with more gentle and less frequent clamps.
- Sometimes, he may even start pushing his muzzle or hind legs directly on your body, as if he wants to attack you - this is a clear sign that he wants attention.
Step 3. Observe destructive behavior
A rabbit who feels lonely sometimes becomes hyperactive and angry. While it is quite common for these animals to attack objects, such destructive behavior can accelerate quickly. Pay attention if he starts nibbling at the carpet or other furniture; this behavior more sometimes goes so far as to become self-destructive.
When the rabbit feels lonely, it may start pulling its fur and overeating; he could also damage his teeth by pulling on the bars of the cage
Step 4. Check if it starts to withdraw
In other circumstances, some rabbits begin to become depressed; they begin to drift away from you and other animals, refusing to interact even when you get close to them. A considerable effort is required before these specimens return to a good mood.
A rabbit that isolates itself can hide or remain in the cage; he may not even react when you pet him or try to play with him
Part 2 of 3: Provide him with a Companion
Step 1. Get him a playmate
A rabbit's best friend is another rabbit of the opposite sex and approximately the same age. Two dogs that go well together should often cuddle each other and make loving noises. However, some caution is required when introducing a new animal to its environment, as not all animals necessarily get along well with each other.
- Consider finding a group of rabbits who have had common experiences - they are more likely to make friends. If you decide to introduce a new pet to the family, try to get it from an animal shelter; in this way, if there should be tension with your rabbit, you can always exchange it for another without additional costs or with a negligible contribution.
- You can try to keep only one rabbit, but you have to give it a lot of time to make it happy; be prepared to spend many moments with him every day.
- Don't forget to spay or neuter him; if not, be prepared to have to deal with a litter soon too.
Step 2. Prevent possible fights
If rabbits were introduced abruptly, they may never get along well with each other. In the beginning, leave them apart and allow them to spend only 20 minutes a day together under your careful supervision. Introduce them in a neutral environment, so that no one feels in their own territory. When they start showing signs of friendship - for example, they cuddle a little and rub their noses - you can allow them to share the same spaces.
- Keep a bottle of water on hand to stop any fights that may arise.
- The best thing to do would be to bring both rabbits home on the same occasion; in this way, none of them consider the cage as their territory and they do not start fighting. If you already have a pet, have them socialize with the other rabbit in a room where they usually don't spend too much time.
- The perfect couple is made up of a male and a female.
Step 3. Find him a friend of another animal species
If you have introduced several new animals and find yours is too territorial to be able to make friends, you should find an animal other than a rabbit to keep him company. The rabbit is more likely to make friends with guinea pigs, birds and cats than other rabbits.
Rabbits should not live with other specimens that have not been neutered or spayed; if your little friend has not yet undergone this procedure and is too old to undergo it now, it is advisable to find him a playmate who is of another animal species
Part 3 of 3: Offer him Human Company
Step 1. Leave the rabbit out of the cage at least one hour every day
These animals love to explore, move and smell their surroundings; it is therefore important to allow them to roam free every day. However, you must be careful that the rabbit does not do any damage in the house; check him carefully or set up a specific room for him, with few items of value and no carpet.
Step 2. Put it on the floor
Rabbits like to stay close to the ground; you may think that holding him is a good way to bond, but he probably doesn't like it. Instead, you should put him down and stay at his level too, spending time with him. If he seems interested in you, approach him and stroke him.
- When he shows discomfort about your presence in his own territory he starts to growl; in this case, take a step back and give it some time for it to get closer again.
- If he is shy, it will take some time for him to become familiar with your person; be cautious and don't be rushed.
Step 3. Caress it
Rabbits enjoy petting much more when they are relaxed after eating. Approach slowly and start stroking his forehead, cheeks or back. Usually, they don't want their ears, abdomen, tail, neck or paws to be touched.
Step 4. Play with your bunny
These animals love to go outside and play; they especially like to overturn or drop things, dig and pull small toys. Get your specimen items, such as skittles, that it can chase or drop. You can buy them or even build them yourself.
- If you want to get items she can throw, consider some hard plastic children's toys and plastic balls with bells inside. Sometimes, even a piece of cardboard is more than enough, such as the inner tube of the toilet roll.
- If your little friend loves to dig, you can think of making a small enclosure where he can give vent to his instinct; you can use a box full of waste paper or a straw mat.
