Despite their adorable looks, rabbits are often wary of physical contact. Rabbits are not predators like dogs or cats, so their main instinct is to run to a safe hiding place. Approaching a rabbit requires patience. However, most rabbits will eventually learn to approach and cuddle you.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Teaching a Shy Rabbit to Approach You
Step 1. Keep the rabbit cage in a safe room
If the rabbit is new, put it in the cage when you are not watching. Also give the rabbit access to one of the rooms. Choose a small room that is not used often, so the rabbit is not afraid. Keep rabbits safe by moving power cords and plants out of reach.
To feel safe, the cage should have a place where the rabbit can hide. Preferably, one side of the cage is also stored near the wall
Step 2. Give the rabbit time to adjust
If you've recently purchased a rabbit, it's best to leave it alone for at least three days. Provide food, water, and a clean litter box. However, do not try to pick up or play with the rabbit.
Some rabbits may take weeks to get used to their new home, especially rabbits that have just been neutered
Step 3. Lay down a towel or rug
Many rabbits do not like to walk on hard and slippery floors. If your rabbit doesn't want to leave its cage, try placing a towel or rug on it for walking. Use inexpensive, natural fabrics, as the rabbit may try to bite them.
Step 4. Let the rabbit out of the cage
Make sure all doors and windows are closed, and that no pets or other people are in the room. Open the rabbit cage door, then back off. Let the rabbit go out on its own at will.
A shy, old rabbit may not want to leave its cage. Keep a box or other hiding place near the cage so the rabbit can run around without being out in the open. If everything is prepared, you just have to be patient
Step 5. Talk to the rabbit when the rabbit comes out of its cage
Sit quietly near the rabbit, but not right next to it. Speak in a calm voice and encourage the rabbit.
Step 6. Lie on your stomach
This is done in the hope that you appear small and non-threatening. In this step, you are just waiting for the rabbit to approach you. This process will take several long sessions if the rabbit is shy, so try to be comfortable. If possible, spend an hour or more with the rabbit.
Step 7. Place the treat beside you
Place parsley sprigs, apple slices, or other treats on the floor between you and the rabbit. Let the rabbit check it out.
- Give only one or two small treats. Rabbits have a fragile digestive system.
- Once your rabbit is curious or brave enough to approach and eat it, place the treat closer to you on your next visit. Or, keep the treat in your shirt/pants pocket for the rabbit to try to find it. Soon, you'll be able to hold the treat and let the rabbit bite it.
Step 8. Let the rabbit smell your scent
When the rabbit finally approaches you, don't move or try to pet it. Let the bunny smell and explore as he pleases. This is the rabbit's way of checking and deciding whether you are friendly or not.
Part 2 of 2: Befriend the Rabbit
Step 1. Caress the top of the rabbit's head
When the rabbit finally approaches and has smelled your scent, gently stroke the top of its head with two fingers. Don't touch his ears.
Don't start by offering him your hand (like when petting a cat or dog). The rabbit may be afraid and bite you
Step 2. Touch the rabbit's face with your nose or mouth
If your rabbit doesn't like your hand or runs away, don't chase or try to pet it. When you're back, try gently touching his forehead with your nose, humming in a soft, low-pitched voice. Some rabbits will let you do this, even if they are afraid of your hands.
Step 3. Pet the rabbit whenever it is comfortable
As they get to know you, the rabbit will get used to your petting. Try gently hugging the bottom of the ear or the top of the back.
- Stop when the rabbit runs, jumps in surprise, makes an uncomfortable sound, or tries to bite you. While it may sound funny, grunting (snoring) is a sign that the rabbit is angry. Approach the rabbit again by giving him pellets or treats, while speaking in a calm and reassuring voice.
- Avoid the rabbit's feet, chin, and nose until you are very familiar with it. Some rabbits also get nervous when their ears are touched.
Step 4. Repeat this routine every day
The more often you feed him and pet him, the more comfortable your rabbit will feel. Once close to you, the rabbit will come to you for a treat or attention every time you open the cage.
Keep patient. Some rabbits are very shy or have bad experiences with humans. Rabbits like these may take months to become friends with you
Tips
- Once your rabbit is happy to see you, learn how to pick it up without hurting or disturbing it.
- Kneel down when feeding the rabbit. Standing near him will scare the rabbit.
- Wash your hands before and after touching or playing with rabbits. This will reduce the risk of disease transmission, and eliminate odors that could frighten the rabbit.
Warning
- Some rabbits may bite when they are afraid.
- Don't give your rabbit a new treat, or more treats than recommended, without looking into a trusted source of information.
- If you don't want to go back to the cage, try baiting the rabbit with treats. Your rabbit may not want to come near you again if you are caught or forced into a cage.
