Rabbits are small creatures that are shy and seem nervous because in the wild, they are prey animals. Rabbits need a lot of encouragement and socialization to be friendly. This tutorial will tell you the symptoms when your rabbit is scared and how to deal with them.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Acting on Animal Behavior
Step 1. Understand the signs
Animals may not be able to speak but can provide important visual cues when frightened. These clues are not obvious. You should pay close attention to him and know his normal behavior for signs that the rabbit is annoyed or scared. Look for the following signs:
- Hiding in his cage and not wanting to come out
- Sudden changes in behavior. Rabbit becomes aggressive or wants to hide
- Biting the cage
- Too often self-cleaning or changing habits when urinating
- Eating and drinking too much
- Doesn't want to move or circle around in its cage
- Stamping his hind legs
- Wide eyes
Step 2. Check whether there is a predator or not
Rabbits usually feel afraid because they do not want to be eaten. Since they can easily prey on rabbits, cats and dogs should be kept away. There are many other animals, depending on where you live, that can harm your pet rabbit.
- The most common predators besides cats and dogs are foxes, ferrets, and all types of birds of prey.
- Rabbits have a good sense of smell. Rabbits can recognize danger before you recognize it. If you are outdoors with the rabbit and the rabbit looks frightened, don't waste time and get the rabbit to a safe place immediately.
- If the rabbit is being chased by another animal, calm down and take the rabbit to a safe place.
Step 3. Adjust the environment
Rabbits are herbivores and were not created to fight back against their predators. The rabbit's strategy is to hide as quickly as possible in a dark and safe place. You should make sure that your rabbit can access a safe place whenever he needs it.
- Make an artificial tunnel in the cage or room where the rabbits play. You can buy it at the pet shop. A cardboard box that is larger than a rabbit is also a good hiding place.
- If left outdoors, make sure that the rabbit has a place to hide. However, don't let the rabbit escape.
Part 2 of 2: Making Rabbits Feel Better
Step 1. Adjust your behavior
Rabbits are fragile and easily frightened animals. Your voice or the screams of children can be considered a rabbit as a danger. Fast movements are also often mistaken for rabbits as predatory attacks.
- Never yell at a rabbit. The rabbit will be frightened and may not trust you in the future.
- Some rabbits like to be picked up, but some don't. If you can't get him to relax on your lap, leave the rabbit alone.
- If the rabbit has to be picked up, such as when it is about to be removed from danger, use a towel when handling it so you don't scratch your hands and make the rabbit feel safe.
- Rabbits can easily feel overwhelmed if they are in a room filled with too many people.
- Avoid loud music and flashing lights. Rabbits need solitude and solace.
- If your rabbit is frightened, play classical music to help calm him down and find it easier to rest.
Step 2. Calm the rabbit
Hold and pet the rabbit gently. Caress the top of his head and the bottom of his ears. Don't touch the bottom of its head so the rabbit doesn't bite you. Talk to the rabbit calmly and gently.
- Try to pet and talk to your rabbit regularly.
- Keep in mind that some rabbits don't like having their nose, stomach, or bottom of the chin stroked.
- Covering your rabbit's eyes can help reduce his fear. While petting it, gently cover the rabbit's eyes with your hand. However, some rabbits don't like this. If your rabbit doesn't calm down after a few minutes, gently raise your hand.
- If your rabbit is afraid of loud noises around you, cover its ears with your hand while petting it or covering its eyes.
Step 3. Entertain your bunny
If he seems nervous, give the bunny his favorite toy and play with him. Restlessness can be a sign that your rabbit is bored or under-stimulated.
- Give a special wooden rabbit for rabbits (can be purchased at the pet shop). This wood is good for its teeth and rabbits will be very tempted to bite it.
- If your bunny isn't showing any interest in playing, stop after a few minutes and find out what's causing her stress.
Step 4. Give the rabbit a treat
Rabbits are usually hard to resist fruits or carrots. Calm the frightened rabbit by feeding him his favorite food. However, do not do it too often so that the rabbit does not suffer from obesity.
- Place a small piece of fruit in your hand and gently approach the rabbit. The rabbit will slowly understand that humans can be trusted.
- Never give a rabbit candy or bread. Also avoid tomato leaves, potatoes, spinach, and parsley because these ingredients are very toxic to rabbits.
Step 5. Visit the vet
If there's no obvious danger and you've done everything you can to calm him down, take your rabbit to the vet. Rabbits may be sick and require examination.
- Ask the vet to come to your home. This will prevent your rabbit from getting more stressed about having to get in the car to visit the vet.
- Do not give medicine to rabbits without consulting your veterinarian first. This can harm the rabbit.
- If you have more than one pet, quarantine the agitated rabbit to prevent transmission.
- Wash your hands and always keep your body clean. If you have not received the rabies vaccine and have been bitten by a rabbit, contact your doctor immediately.
- Also wash your hands before handling your rabbit to remove the smell of cats, dogs, or other predators you've touched.
