Rabbits are sweet and friendly creatures that are also wonderful as pets. However, they can get nervous and require a lot of attention before they get used to your presence. To pet a rabbit for the first time, you need to be able to gain its trust. Once you do it, it will get a lot easier.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Approaching the Rabbit
Step 1. Let him know you're on your way
Remember that in nature the rabbit is a prey animal and usually one of the most hunted. This means that he is used to being chased, so if you scare him, you will make him run away. Consequently, you must always warn him when you approach so that he is not afraid.
Don't take him by surprise. If you walk into the room he is in and he is facing in another direction, give him a signal of your presence. Speak softly or make some noise, perhaps smacking a few kisses with your lips. That way, he won't feel like you're trying to surprise him from behind
Step 2. Squat as you approach
He may be frightened if he sees a large figure coming in his direction, even if he already knows you are there. Especially if he has a nervous temperament or is not yet used to being picked up, approach slowly and try to get down. This way you will avoid frightening him as you approach.
Step 3. Sit down and let the rabbit come to you
If you grab it or force it, there is a risk that it will freak out and bite you. To ward off this danger, when you are close enough, have him approach you. By allowing him to move at his own pace, you can be sure that he feels completely comfortable coming to you. This will make it easier to stroke it, play with it and pick it up.
If you have recently adopted it, the early days may be afraid to get close. Therefore, try not to force him to come to you. Repeat this approach for a couple of days until it starts doing it spontaneously. This way you will make sure that he will feel comfortable when you start stroking him
Step 4. Show him your hand
Move it gently in his direction, stopping it at eye level and slightly to the side. Let him smell it as he sees fit. It would also be wise to give him a reward at this point, especially if you have just taken it and he is not yet used to your presence. By feeding him directly from your hand, you can begin to establish a bond, also showing him that he is not a threat and that he can approach safely.
Step 5. Try not to scare him when you show him your hand
While this is an important bonding gesture, you could scare him off if you do it improperly. Keep the following in mind to make sure he doesn't fidget during this stage.
- Hold out your hand frontally, without letting it pop out behind him, or he'll get scared as soon as he realizes you're approaching him.
- Rabbits cannot see directly in front of their muzzle or under their mouth, so place it slightly to the side so it can see it coming.
- Don't put it under your nose. While placing the hand under the muzzle is a sign of submission for cats and dogs, this gesture takes on the opposite meaning for the rabbit. In fact, when a dominant rabbit approaches another, it pretends to be cleaned by him by lowering his head under his nose. If you take this approach with a nervous-tempered rabbit, there is a risk that it will get even more agitated and, if you do it with one with a more territorial or dominant disposition, you may even get a bite!
Part 2 of 2: Stroking the Rabbit
Step 1. Make sure he is comfortable before you start stroking him
Remember that these animals can get nervous and find no pleasure in petting if they are not ready. If your rabbit has approached, it means that he is calm and willing to be petted. Don't touch him until he approaches.
Step 2. Caress him in the right places
Rabbits can be choosy about where on the body they touch. Their favorite parts are the cheeks, forehead, shoulders and back. These are areas where they usually groom each other, so your furry friend will appreciate if you focus on these points. Limit yourself to these parts if you want to make sure he feels satisfied while you caress him.
It is generally best not to try massaging under the chin. Unlike cats and dogs, rabbits don't like to be touched in this area, so if you do, it's very easy to get a bite. Also avoid stroking the abdomen or paws as these are quite vulnerable areas for them
Step 3. Take it with care
You need to gradually get used to being picked up, perhaps over a few days, if not more. For him, this is an unnatural experience that he has to get used to. If he has never been picked up before, don't be hasty. Read the article How to Grab a Rabbit to understand how to take it without running the risk of hurting it.
Step 4. Pay attention to his mood
If he's okay, he'll be able to tell you. Therefore, pay attention to the signals it sends you, as it is not appropriate to continue doing something that you do not appreciate.
- If he purrs and his teeth chatter lightly, he is fine. Even when he rolls, climbs on you, rests his head on the ground, licks and nudges you, it means he's happy and wants your attention. Keep stroking him if he behaves like this: he's having fun.
- If he growls, grunts, and screeches, he is afraid or in pain. Stop stroking it and lay it on the ground until it is relaxed again.
- Sometimes it can happen that rabbits lift up on their hind legs, making the front legs stick out as if they wanted to fight. It's a defensive stance, so you should leave him alone if he takes it.
- If your little friend turns his back on you and tries to get away, let him go. He may be tired or scared, so if you force him to play, you will make it worse. Allow him to re-enter his cage and rest before trying to play with him again.
Step 5. Gently return it to its cage when done
Rabbits, especially small ones, can be bossy and resist when they have to return to the cage. Since it can be dangerous to take it abruptly in your hand, in an emergency you just have to force it back inside. They usually go alone when they are tired. If you're in a hurry, get him to go by putting a treat inside the cage. By creating a welcoming environment you will encourage him to come back. Read the article How to raise a bunny in a healthy way to learn in detail how to set up your furry friend's cage and what rewards you can give him.
Don't even force him out of the cage. Rabbits want to have a space where they can retreat and relax. When they want to play or explore, they spontaneously come out. Leave your cute friend alone when he is in his cage, unless you suspect he is injured or sick. If not, let him out when he likes
Advice
- Always be gentle and gentle and don't make quick movements and loud noises.
- If you use a brush, avoid your eyes and make sure it's clean and soft.
- Avoid his ears and paws if you don't know him well yet. Most rabbits get scared when they are touched in these places.
- The rabbit likes to be petted when it is relaxed and comfortable; for example, when he is crouched, approach slowly and stroke his head (his favorite part). Use it as a starting point because from there it will let you caress more easily. Be patient and he will learn to trust you.
- Remember that when he is little he is more difficult to train. It usually reaches puberty in about 2-4 months, when it tends to become more hyperactive and overbearing. For him to be more disciplined, have him spayed or neutered around this age. Alternatively, to start training it, you could adopt an adult rabbit as it has a more docile temperament.
- When he is calm, move slowly in his direction, caress him calmly and let him find you.
- Leave it free and don't always leave it inside the cage.
- Avoid holding it in your arms
Warnings
- Keep the rabbit on your lap on a towel. If he jumps or falls from your arms, you risk seriously injuring yourself, especially in the back, because the instinct to kick can cause an excessive lengthening of the spine.
- If it is not absolutely necessary, do not bathe him. From this point of view it is very similar to the cat, because it cleans itself, so it very rarely needs to take a bath. Indoor rabbits cannot swim, so if not done properly, contact with water could cause stress, colds, skin irritations, hypothermia, and a general sense of sadness.
- When petting a rabbit, don't force it if it doesn't want to be pampered!
- Don't keep him upside down or supine unless you have a special relationship.
