Have you recently purchased a pet bunny and noticed that he / she doesn't want anything to do with you? Read on to learn how to get the bunny used to your presence.
Steps
Step 1. Put the cage back quietly, if you haven't already
Put the bunny toys, bed / kennel, food bowl, water, chew sticks, etc in it together; this should be done before purchasing the rabbit.
Step 2. Be calm and quiet when you are near the bunny
For starters, don't show the bunny everything new when you pick him up. The only thing you should do when you first bring him home would be to stay calm and quiet and move slowly for the bunny's sake.
Step 3. Put the bunny in the cage
Take it softly and immediately put it in the cage. To handle the rabbit correctly, grab it slowly but firmly and hold it close to the body, supporting its hind legs and belly with your hand. Don't squeeze it!
Step 4. Leave the bunny alone for the first three days
It may be difficult for you, but it will really work. The bunny will need to be alone during this time to observe you and get used to his new home. Do not hold the bunny, do not take him out of the cage or cuddle him. This is the best way to get the bunny used to everything around him.
Step 5. When feeding the bunny, try not to scare him
Don't touch him at all, let him spend time in the cage.
Step 6. If and when the bunny starts showing interest in you, feel free to pet him
Not too much, though. If the bunny pulls away from you, just leave him alone.
The least thing you should do in the first three days of holding the bunny is cuddle him if he backs down
Step 7. Once these three days have passed, take the bunny out of the cage
By now, the bunny will most likely have gotten used to your hand and touch. Be sweet when you try to get it out. If he tries to escape, leave him - he may not be ready to be handled yet. But try again, shortly after.
Don't take the rabbit too frequently. Most rabbits don't like being held and your bunny will prefer to just be stroked
Step 8. Keep the length of time that the bunny spends outside the cage short
The first couple of times you take him out of the cage, don't leave him out for long; no more than 10-15 minutes should pass. It would be best to leave it in small spaces (like a bathroom) the first couple of times you leave it outside. Bunnies usually don't like being held, so don't squeeze him all the time he's out of the cage. Pamper your rabbit, and then let him explore!
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The bunny should get used to your presence very soon, and will most likely begin bonding with you. Bunnies love to be petted, especially on the forehead, behind the ears and behind the shoulders.
Get Your Bunny Used to You Step 9
Step 9. When you put the bunny back in the cage, he may struggle (he probably knows it's time to go back to the cage)
Be patient and don't grab it hard. Try taking it again in the next couple of minutes.
Step 10. Have fun with your bunny
The first month is the best time to start bonding with your bunny. Every six months make sure you go to your vet to see if the bunny is sick or not.
Method 1 of 1: Temple Grandin Style: Stand Down with the Bunny
Step 1. Prepare a small enclosed space
Make it about 3x3m or use a small room. It should be somewhere where the bunny feels comfortable, such as where the cage is or in a room where he has been before.
Step 2. Bring the bunny into the space
Then lay down on the floor, with your hands on your hips, and stay still.
Step 3. Let the bunny explore you
Don't move, bunnies are very curious but cautious. By standing low and still, he will see that you are not a threat, he will gather courage and he will begin to know you. Staying down also puts you on his level and is a lot less scary for him.
Step 4. After 15 minutes or so you can offer him a surprise or a toy
Just make sure you don't move too fast and don't scare the bunny.
Step 5. Give the bunny a pat
This is an advanced step. In bonded couples, the more submissive rabbits get a lot of grooming, this movement can show how threatening you are if it's done right and the rabbit is ready. This is a great way to bond with your rabbit.
- While standing down, move your arm towards the rabbit slowly and place your hand in front of its head.
- Let the bunny smell his hands and let him see that they are safe. A truly comfortable rabbit will bow its head and wait for a pat. But if this is your first time and the bunny is very shy, light touches would be a good way to start.
- Move your hand gently and slowly towards the rabbit when you want to pat it. Do not do this directly in front of his nose as this can scare them, as they have a blind spot there.
- Use two fingers and gently stroke the top of the bunny's head, however not around the eyes and nose.
Step 6. Repeat the technique every day
The more you do this, the more the bunny will get used to your presence!
Advice
- If you are the only one who cares for the bunny, he may only feel comfortable with you when being handled.
- Rabbits are often stressed when exposed to loud noises such as thunder or dogs barking, so take this into consideration.
- If a bunny licks you, it means he likes you!
- Make sure all rooms are isolated from the rabbit before letting him wander (he may bite into wood, wire, paper, or hide behind something).
- Don't bathe your bunny, he could get shocked and die. You could wet a towel and gently rub the bunny's fur. Brushing is also a good way to clean your bunny. They are self-grooming animals, so don't bathe them unless you really need them, for example if they are in a condition where they need medical attention.
- Rabbits are fragile animals that need to be handled with care. Their bones are so delicate that the muscles in their energetic hind legs can easily overcome the resistance of their skeleton. Consequently, if not properly restrained, struggling rabbits can break their backbones.
- Always keep an eye on the bunny when he is out of the cage. Never leave him alone.
- Never leave the bunny outside in hot weather! Some bunnies are prone to heatstroke, especially smaller ones. The older ones can live in cages outside, but not the smaller ones.
- Rabbits kept in cages outside need to be protected from the weather, for example from heat, cold, precipitation and wind. Rabbits kept outside will also need to be protected from other animals.
- Be careful, the bunny may go to the toilet when you let him wander around. Bunny droppings are not a problem. Simply clean with toilet paper. Urine on the other hand can be a problem, but simply wipe it off with paper towels and then spray the place with a stain remover.
