Rabbits are very social animals and always want company. Rabbits behave best when other rabbits spend time with them. Humans can fill the void, but rabbits will require almost constant attention from you. Be prepared to find your rabbit needs more attention and do what you can to keep him company.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Lonely Rabbit
Step 1. Be prepared to find your rabbit feeling lonely
In the wild, rabbits will be with other rabbits all the time. If you only have one rabbit, you can accompany him. However, the rabbit will still feel lonely at night or when you go to work.
- Sometimes the doe will feel fine on her own. If you don't notice any hyperactivity or withdrawn behavior in your female rabbit, it's likely that she's already enjoying herself.
- In other cases, rabbits will have ambitions to dominate territory in order to make friends with other rabbits. At that point, you should consider bringing in animals from other species. This will reduce the feeling of being in control of the territory, but still be friends.
Step 2. Watch for when your rabbit nudges, bites, or tries to dig in your body
When the rabbit nudges it with its nose, it is telling you to do something. Often this means that the rabbit wants you to pet it or play with it. This can elevate the behavior to an even more direct and compelling expression.
- The nudge can progress to a soft bite. This is also a way to get your attention. If you pretend to be sick, your rabbit will respond by biting more gently and less frequently.
- Your rabbit may even start digging with its forelegs and hind legs right above you, as if trying to dig yourself. This is clearly a form of asking for attention.
Step 3. Watch out for destructive behavior
Lonely rabbits are sometimes hyperactive and angry. While rabbits burrowing are not uncommon, this destructive behavior will develop quickly. Watch as the rabbit gnaws at carpets and other furniture. This behavior can even damage the rabbit itself.
Lonely rabbits may start tugging at their fur and overeating. This behavior can even damage its own teeth when pulling the bars of its cage
Step 4. Watch for signs of withdrawal
In addition to this behavior, some rabbits will feel depressed. Rabbits will withdraw from you and other creatures, including refusing to interact even when you approach them. Getting the rabbit's mood back will take more effort.
Rabbits that pull away may hide or remain in the cage. Your rabbit may not respond when you try to pet or play with it
Part 2 of 3: Giving a Furry Friend to the Rabbit
Step 1. Give a friend to your rabbit
Rabbits' best friends are other rabbits of a different sex and roughly the same age. Two bunnies that have a bond will often be close together and make affectionate sounds. However, be careful when introducing a new rabbit into your home. Some rabbits don't get along with each other.
- Consider getting a group of rabbits that have been together, knowing that the rabbits will definitely get along. If you're introducing a new rabbit into your home, try finding a rabbit from the shelter. That way, if the rabbits don't get along, you can exchange them for a new bunny for a little extra or no cost at all.
- You could try raising one rabbit, but this will require a commitment to taking the time to please him. Be prepared to spend time with him every day.
- Don't forget to sterilize your rabbit. Otherwise, you may soon find yourself in charge of the many baby bunnies.
Step 2. Prevent fights
If your rabbits are difficult to introduce, they may never get along. Start by letting them stay in separate rooms and get to know each other for 20 minutes a day under close supervision. Introduce the rabbits to each other in a neutral room, which is not considered territory by each rabbit. After showing signs of bonding, such as cuddling and rubbing their noses, both rabbits can live in the same room.
- Have a water bottle ready to discipline the rabbit if the two get into a fight.
- Ideally, you should bring both rabbits home at the same time. That way, the two won't consider your home their territory and there'll be no reason to fight over it. If you already have one of your rabbits, try getting them to socialize in a room that your bunny doesn't spend time with very often.
- Pairing male and female rabbits is the best step.
Step 3. Give friends from other species
If you've introduced a few new rabbits and find that your rabbit is too territorial to make friends, you should try to find a pet of another species as a companion. Guinea pigs, birds, and cats are often easier for rabbits to get along with than other rabbits.
Rabbits should also not be allowed to live with other rabbits without being neutered. If your rabbit hasn't been neutered and is too old for the procedure, it may also be a good idea to find a friend from another species
Part 3 of 3: Giving Human Friends to Your Rabbit
Step 1. Give your rabbit at least an hour outside the cage each day
Rabbits love to explore, move and sniff. You should let the rabbit out of the cage every day. However, you should also make sure the rabbit doesn't damage your home. Pay close attention or create a special room for your rabbit, with fewer valuables and no carpet.
Step 2. Get down to the floor
Rabbits like to be close to the surface. While it may seem like raising a rabbit would be a great way to bond, your rabbit may not like it. You should lower yourself to the level of the rabbit and spend some time near the surface with him. If the rabbit seems receptive, approach and pet the rabbit.
- If your rabbit doesn't feel comfortable with you in its territory, it will start growling. Take a step back and give him time to approach you.
- If your rabbit is shy, it may take him a while to get comfortable with you. Be patient.
Step 3. Pet your rabbit
Rabbits love to be petted when they are relaxing after eating. Approach slowly and caress her forehead, cheeks, and back. Rabbits usually do not like being petted on the ears, belly, tail, neck, or legs.
Step 4. Play with your rabbit
Rabbits love to go outside and play. Rabbits especially enjoy dropping objects, digging, and throwing small toys. Give your rabbit something like a bowling pin that he can approach and drop. Buy some toys or even make your own.
- For toys that your rabbit can throw, consider solid plastic baby toys and plastic balls with bells in them. You can also use a simple piece of cardboard, such as the inside of a toilet paper roll.
- If your rabbit likes to dig, you can make a hole for the rabbit to dig. Consider using a straw mat or box filled with scraps of paper.
