Gaining the rabbit's trust is not easy. While rabbits are very curious creatures, they have an instinct to run away from anything big and loud, especially if someone tries to grab them. Personality-wise, your bunny is still shy until you two spend enough time together. Most importantly, you'll need to adjust your behavior so that your rabbit sees you as a trustworthy friend.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Getting Closer to Your Rabbit
Step 1. Spend time together
Rabbits are very easily startled or distressed by the sounds and movements of many people. Other pets also tend to frighten rabbits until they get used to their presence. To start earning your rabbit's trust, spend some time together near the rabbit's cage in the absence of other people or animals.
Step 2. Open the rabbit cage at floor level
The exit of the cage at floor level is very important. You should avoid putting your hands in and out of the rabbit's cage as much as possible as this is a place for the rabbit to feel safe. Therefore, give your rabbit the freedom to choose the time in and out of the cage comfortably using the cage door.
Step 3. Let the rabbit come to you
After opening the cage, take a few steps away. Lie down or squat on the floor away from the cage. Wait for the rabbit to approach. Stay calm because your frustration or impatience can scare the rabbit away. Don't worry, the rabbit's curiosity will encourage it to come to you.
Step 4. Give treats
Offer treats to push the rabbit out of the cage and play with you. Put a snack in the palm of your hand. Choose healthy snacks such as small pieces of carrots, apples, or bananas. A pinch of oats will also interest your rabbit.
- Vegetables and fruits should not exceed 10% of the rabbit's total diet. Rabbits have to eat a lot of hay..
- Never give your rabbit chocolate, caffeine, or other foods that contain a lot of sugar or fat.
Step 5. Be patient
At first, this process will be slow. Don't expect the rabbit to come to you on the first try. Rabbits should feel safe enough to venture out of the cage. At the same time, the rabbit also has to determine whether you are a threat or not. Give friendly gestures by maintaining a calm and relaxed demeanor and moving slowly and infrequently.
This process may take approximately one hour. The rabbit's natural curiosity will encourage it to come to you
Step 6. Refrain from touching the rabbit
When approached by a rabbit, we are indeed tempted to reach and stroke the rabbit. However, hold on to yourself! Just let the bunny smell you. The rabbit might even jump on you and investigate. Let the rabbit get used to you as a sign that you are harmless.
If the rabbit eats the treat you offer, keep your hands still
Step 7. Repeat this process every day
After doing this for a few days, the rabbit will be able to get out of the cage faster. Start with a gentle scratch on the rabbit's head. If the rabbit pulls away, leave it alone and don't touch your rabbit again throughout the day. Do not chase the rabbit because it will scare him.
Method 2 of 3: Making Sure Your Rabbit Feels Comfortable Around You
Step 1. Increase physical contact as the rabbit is comfortable
Once your rabbit has allowed you to scratch its head, feel free to start stroking its back. Caress the rabbit's head and back only when the rabbit is lying by your side. The rabbit may even jump next to you and rest its back on your arm. Let the rabbit determine how much physical contact he feels comfortable with.
Step 2. Offer the rabbit something to chew on
In addition to treats, there are several other options for making your rabbit feel comfortable around you. Offer a stick to chew on or mineral chewing gum specially made for rabbits. Rabbits love to chew, and they need to do it as often as possible to keep their teeth healthy.
- Try giving branches of apple, willow, aspen, and pine. Raw (unprocessed) pine branches can also be used to make straw baskets. Your rabbit can safely chew its food holding basket!
- Never give apricot or peach branches to a rabbit.
Step 3. Try a nose rub
Even if your rabbit is comfortable around you, sometimes your hand movements can still surprise you. If so, lie on your stomach and rest your hands on your sides or back. The rabbit may come close to your face. Hum slowly and slowly to mimic friendly rabbit communication. Your rabbit may even run its cheeks and nose against your face.
Step 4. Keep the rabbit away from children
Before your child wants to sit quietly and quietly near the rabbit, it's best to separate them from each other. Children should not hold the rabbit at all until the rabbit comes to the child himself. However, make sure your child knows that rabbits are fragile creatures and should be treated calmly.
Understand that most rabbits don't like being held for too long
Method 3 of 3: Keeping Rabbits Friendly
Step 1. Sterilize your rabbit
The most important step in increasing the life span of a rabbit is to sterilize it. In addition, a sterilized rabbit will make it easier for you to befriend you. Sterilize your rabbit to significantly reduce the risk of disease, and prevent rabbits from becoming aggressive.
- Rabbits can be sterilized after they are more than 4 months old.
- Make sure you take your rabbit to a vet who has experience treating rabbits.
Step 2. Hold the rabbit properly
While it's best not to hold it for too long, it's okay to hold your rabbit for a while. Make sure you support the rabbit's entire weight. Also, always use your arms or body to support the rabbit's hind legs.
- Never pick up a rabbit by picking its ears.
- Never make a rabbit lie on its back (stomach up).
Step 3. Watch for signs of illness or injury
Although shy, your rabbit should always be active and alert. A healthy rabbit will often walk around in its cage, eating, drinking, and making soft noises. If these behaviors do not occur, look for signs of illness in the rabbit. Make sure the breath is clear, and the rabbit's eyes and coat look healthy. If your rabbit starts to lose weight, is shedding fur, looks limp, or has fluid coming out of the rabbit's body, take it to the vet.
