Rabbits are popular pets. Rabbits have soft fur and can be very friendly. But don't be discouraged if your rabbit is afraid or wary of you. With patience and proper handling, you can build your rabbit's confidence quickly. The bunny will jump up and down and come to you!
Step
Part 1 of 2: Preparing to Bring Your Rabbit Home
Step 1. Prepare all supplies
Don't be confused about finding a bed or a feeding bowl when bringing your rabbit home. Rabbits will become stressed after a trip and will want to quickly rest in a dark and lonely place. Make sure you have a cage large enough for an adult rabbit. It should be about two jumps wide, three jumps long, and tall enough for the rabbit to stand on. Prepare food, snacks, water dispenser, toys, and hay.
Step 2. Prepare the cage
Keep the cage in a quiet room without noisy equipment such as a clothes dryer. Use straw or dry grass as bedding. Inside the cage, make a secluded bed in a sturdy wooden box filled with hay.
Make sure other pets (cats and dogs) can't sniff your rabbit's cage. This can frighten the rabbit because dogs and cats are predators
Step 3. Create a hiding place
Your rabbit will be happy to have other hiding places around the house. Spread out a number of shoeboxes or cardboard tubes. This will give your rabbit some places to hide and escape in case he gets scared while exploring.
Giving your rabbit a hiding place doesn't mean teaching your rabbit to hide. With a hiding place, rabbits can do things they think are natural (such as hiding). After all, there's a good chance your rabbit will explore if he knows there are enough safe places
Step 4. Keep your rabbit in the cage
Gently lift the rabbit away from the person escorting it, then keep it in the cage. Speak slowly to your rabbit and hold him gently but also tightly. If your rabbit looks nervous or agitated when being carried by the carrier, cover him with a towel before picking him up. The darkness in the towel (like feeling safe in a hole) has a natural effect that can make your rabbit feel safe and calm.
Make sure you support your rabbit's belly and hind legs when transferring him to the cage. Don't pressure your rabbit
Step 5. Give your rabbit some space
Do not hold or carry your rabbit for the first three days after bringing it home. Let your rabbit become accustomed and comfortable in its cage. Your rabbit may spend its first day hiding, but don't worry, it's perfectly normal. Your rabbit will start exploring once it gets used to the sounds and smells around it. When you first hear the sound, your rabbit may run and hide. However, he will become more courageous when he knows that it is not a threat.
Young rabbits are more curious than adults, so this process may be quicker for young rabbits
Part 2 of 2: Approaching Your Rabbit
Step 1. Wash your hands
Rabbits will feel threatened by other pets, even if just from the smell. So wash your hands after handling other animals and before touching rabbits.
Step 2. Start hand-feeding your rabbit
You can start hand-feeding once a few days have passed and your rabbit has gotten used to it. Start by sitting next to the cage and talking to your rabbit in a quiet voice. If the rabbit moves away, continue talking to him in a low voice and wait for him to come to you. Open the door and give him a nice treat, like dandelion flowers. If your rabbit doesn't dare approach the dandelion flower, place it between you and the bunny.
Step 3. Let the rabbit be comfortable with you
Keep your hand on the hay near the door while feeding or talking to the rabbit. That way, he will get used to eating while accompanied by you. Talk to your rabbit while filling its food bowl. Since rabbits learn from experience, they will connect you with food (a good thing). This will help calm your rabbit.
Step 4. Pet the rabbit once it starts to take an interest in you
Touch the rabbit if he's used to eating with you. Don't overdo things like try to carry him. Your rabbit may become stressed and try to fight back. Instead, you can slowly slide your hand into the cage and touch your rabbit's back or pelvis.
Don't put your hand on the rabbit's head. For rabbits, an object that passes overhead is a sign of danger (such as an eagle flying over a rabbit). This is likely to frighten your rabbit. Make sure you approach your rabbit from the side or behind
Step 5. Hold your rabbit
You can try holding your rabbit if he's used to being touched in the cage. Sit on the floor, then lift and keep the rabbit on your lap. Always provide dandelion flowers to distract your rabbit with a nice treat. Do this for a short time, starting from one minute. That way, he wouldn't panic. You can increase the time you hold your rabbit by continuing to practice.
You should also always have towels available in case your rabbit gets scared. If this happens, you can wrap your rabbit in a towel to calm him down. You can also carry your rabbit in a towel so that you don't hurt yourself if you scratch it
Step 6. Let your rabbit roam
Do this when your rabbit is used to being held and is used to your presence. Always keep an eye on your rabbit, and start in a small room so he doesn't get tired. Check the room first and make sure there are no openings for your rabbit to hide or get trapped in. Make sure there are no power cords as your rabbit could chew on them.
Rabbits will chew on just about anything, so be careful and keep dangerous or valuable objects out of the rabbit's reach
Step 7. Lie down on the floor while the rabbit is exploring
You should lie on the floor while the rabbit is examining its new environment. That way, your rabbit can sniff and inspect the room without feeling threatened by your height. Another suggestion is to keep a snack in your pocket or in your hand, and reward him with a treat for his bravery.
For starters, do this step sweetly and in no time, less than 10-15 minutes. That way, your rabbit won't get tired
Tips
- Never leave your rabbit outside in hot weather! Some rabbits are prone to heatstroke, especially small rabbits. Large rabbits can live outside the cage, but not with small rabbits.
- Rabbits kept outside the cage should be protected from heat, cold, rain, and wind. Rabbits kept outside should also be protected from other animals.
- If you're the only person caring for your rabbit, he may just be comfortable being touched by you alone.
- Do not bathe your rabbit. He could be shocked and die. Instead, gently wipe your rabbit's fur with a damp towel. Another way to clean your rabbit is to brush it. Rabbits are self-cleaning animals, so don't bathe your rabbit unless you have to, such as if he has a certain disease.
- Rabbits are fragile animals that must be treated with care. The rabbit's bones are so weak that the muscles in its hind legs can be stronger than the rabbit's skull itself. As a result, if not controlled, a rabbit that is actively playing can break its own spine.
- Rabbits are easily startled and do not like loud noises or sudden movements. Therefore, you must speak and move slowly.
- Be careful. Your rabbit may pee or defecate in the house when allowed to roam. However, rabbit droppings are not a problem. You can clean it with toilet paper. To clean urine, spray with stain remover and scrub with toilet paper.
- If your rabbit hasn't eaten his food for several days, don't give him the same food because that means he doesn't like it. Try other foods your rabbit might like.
- Do not leave your rabbit outdoors. Keep the cage in the room (yours for example) and arrange things so that he gets used to it.
- Rabbits need a lot of attention. When playing, the rabbit should be accompanied by you or a toy.
Warning
- Make sure you support your rabbit's front and hind legs when you pick him up so he doesn't get scratched.
- Rabbits can get lost while roaming around, so you should keep an eye on them.
