Difference between revisions of "Bond With Your Rabbit"

A rabbit can be an adorable, beloved pet, but because rabbits exist as prey animals in the wild they can often be frightened and mistrustful of humans.<ref name="rf1">http://www.rabbitwise.org/behavior.html</ref> Learning how to read your rabbit's body language and give him what he needs will help your rabbit learn to trust you and deepen the bond between human and pet.

[[Category: Rabbit Socialization]]

#*Tooth-clicking, contrary to what you might assume, is a sign of comfort and contentment. A rabbit may click his teeth while being petted, the way a cat purrs. Other rabbits make this sound simply when feeling safe and content in a cage or home environment. If your rabbit is clicking his teeth, it's a good sign that he likes and trusts you.<ref name="rf2">http://rabbitresource.org/care-and-health/behavior/how-to-speak-rabbit/</ref>

#*Snorting could be interpreted as either a cry for attention and affection, or an indication of displeasure or distrust. In some rabbits, snorting may also be a sign of a respiratory infection, especially if the rabbit has discharge from his nose. If you believe your rabbit is snorting because of a respiratory infection, it's best to have a veterinarian examine him to rule out any illness.<ref name="rf1" />

#*Whimpering or squealing is typically a sign of pain or fear. If your rabbit whimpers or squeals when you pick him up, you could be handling him wrong, or it's possible that you haven't earned his trust yet.<ref name="rf1" />

#*Tooth-grinding is a sign of pain, illness, or anxiety. If your rabbit grinds his teeth, you may be holding him wrong in a way that causes discomfort, or he may be sick and in need of veterinary care. As a precaution, you should take your rabbit to the vet if he begins to grind his teeth.<ref name="rf2" />

#*Grunting is a sign of displeasure or fear. If your rabbit is grunting at you, it means that he feels threatened and does not want to be handled. It's best to avoid reaching for your rabbit's food, toys, or litter box when he has grunted with disapproval at you.<ref name="rf2" />

#*Screaming indicates extreme pain or fear of death. If your rabbit starts to scream when you handle him, he may be injured, or he may believe you are going to harm him. As a precaution, you should have a veterinarian examine your rabbit if he starts to scream.<ref name="rf2" />

#*Look at your rabbit's ears. Rabbits have exceptional hearing, but they also use their ears to communicate body language cues. If your rabbit's ears are back flat against his body, it means he's letting down his guard and feels safe. If they're pulled forward, it means he has heard or sensed something that may or may not be concerning. One ear forward and one ear back usually means your rabbit has noticed something going on around him, but hasn't quite decided whether that activity is alarming or not.<ref name="rf2" />

#*If your rabbit has his hind legs stretched out behind his body, it indicates that he is relaxed and comfortable. Having his legs behind him means that he cannot leap to run away or attack, which indicates that your rabbit trusts you and feels safe in your home.<ref name="rf2" />

#*If your rabbit's body is tense, it is a sign that he is frightened or anxious. Perhaps something you've done has scared him, or perhaps something in your home environment is putting him on edge.<ref name="rf2" />

#*Nudging a person with the nose is a rabbit's way of saying that he wants you to pay attention to him or pet him.<ref name="rf2" />

#*Licking a person is a sign of great affection. Rabbits do not lick people for salt; rather, the behavior is purely communicative, and is an indication of tremendous trust and appreciation.<ref name="rf2" />

#*Flopping down in front of a person is a sign of great trust and contentment.<ref name="rf2" />

#*If your rabbit exposes his inner eyelid (in the corner of his eye) while being handled, it means he is very anxious or frightened. It's best to avoid handling your rabbit if he responds this way to your touch - at least until you've earned his trust a little more.<ref name="rf2" />

# Create a comfortable space. Your rabbit may be resistant to your affection because he does not yet feel safe in your home. You can help your rabbit adjust by creating a quiet, comfortable place for him in which he will be safe from any other pets in the house. You may even want to keep your rabbit's cage in a separate room that will allow him to feel safe from commotion and disruption, although such a location may reduce your rabbit's interaction with people, and could end up causing him to have a harder time adjusting to your home.<ref name="rf3">http://www.rabbit.org/journal/4-3/new-home.html</ref>

#*Choose an area in your home that will allow for daily interaction with and observation of the people in your household, but is still removed enough that your rabbit won't feel frightened by the chaos of day-to-day life.<ref name="rf3" />

#*Be sure to keep the room your rabbit lives in at a comfortable temperature. Most rabbits need a stable temperature between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 to 21.1 degrees Celsius). Anything higher or lower than that range could prove fatal for your rabbit.<ref name="rf4">http://netvet.wustl.edu/species/rabbits/rabtcare.txt</ref>

#*Keep your rabbit's cage out of direct sunlight. Providing adequate shade will help regulate his environmental temperature and keep him from overheating.<ref name="rf5">https://www.pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-pet/rabbits/environment</ref>

# Give your rabbit room to play. Exercise is an important part of a rabbit's life, and playtime is often the best exercise. If your rabbit's crate isn't big enough to allow him to jump and run around in, build a little enclosure (preferably indoors) for him to run and play in.<ref name="rf6">https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/general-rabbit-care</ref>

#*Play areas should be rabbit-proofed. Remove any electrical cords and other household objects that you don't want your rabbit to chew on. If it is an outdoor area, be sure that the enclosure is completely fenced in and that your rabbit will not be able to hop out of the enclosure.<ref name="rf6" />

#*Supervise your rabbit any time he is outside of his cage. Rabbits are curious animals and can easily get hurt or find their way into dangerous places.<ref name="rf6" />

#* Rabbits need a constant supply of grass hay, like timothy grass (Phleum pratense) or brome grass (Bromus), to ensure gastrointestinal health.<ref name="rf6" />

#*Give your rabbit a pellet food formula with a minimum of 15 to 19% protein content and 18% fiber content. Rabbits over six months old should be given between 1/8 and 1/4 cup of pellet food per five pounds of body weight daily. (So, for example, a ten pound rabbit should be given between 1/4 and 1/2 cup of food every day.)<ref name="rf6" />

#*Feed your rabbit fresh leafy greens. Dark leaf lettuce, turnip greens, and carrot tops are often preferred by rabbits. Your rabbit should get a minimum of two cups of leafy greens per six pounds of body weight. (So, for example, a 12 pound rabbit would receive a minimum of four cups of leafy greens each day.)<ref name="rf6" />

#*Ensure that your rabbit has constant access to fresh, clean drinking water, either from a rabbit bottle or a sturdy bowl that won't be easily tipped over.<ref name="rf6" />

#*Rabbits typically need toys that allow them to chew, dig/burrow, and hide. Empty cardboard boxes make excellent starter toys, but you can get as creative as you want while making or buying toys to enrich your rabbit's play time.<ref name="rf7">http://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rabbits/behaviour/enrichment/toys</ref>

#*Be gentle but firm. Don't squeeze the rabbit, but make sure that your hold on him is firm enough that he won't fall or squirm out of your hands. Use the minimum amount of restraint necessary to keep him safely in your arms.<ref name="rf8">http://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rabbits/company/handling</ref>

#*Support the back and hindquarters. This is a crucial part of properly holding a rabbit and should not be overlooked.<ref name="rf8" />

# Give yourself alone time. This is particularly important if you recently adopted your rabbit, as he'll need time to adjust and grow comfortable to the people and place that make up his home.<ref name="rf9">http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/shybun.html</ref>

#*Withdraw into a quiet, closed-off room. It should be just you and your rabbit, with no other animals and nothing to distract your bunny.<ref name="rf9" />

#*Offer the rabbit treats. These can help disarm an anxious animal, and they're good for your bunny, too. Aim for healthy treats like a baby carrot, a tiny slice of apple or banana, or a small spoonful of oats. Let your bunny eat a piece of the treats off the floor, then try to feed him out of your hand.<ref name="rf9" />

#*Make this a daily practice until your rabbit gets comfortable being around you. Repetition and routine are the keys to familiarity.<ref name="rf9" />

# Don't rush the rabbit. If your rabbit is new to the household and isn't comfortable being handled or petted, don't force it on him. That will only traumatize him and could cause him to be fearful of you in the future.<ref name="rf3" /> In fact, some rabbits never become accustomed to handling, because of their status in the wild as prey animals.<ref name="rf9" /> If your rabbit won't let you touch him, there are other ways you can bond with and soothe your nervous bunny.

#*Use a soothing voice to calm your rabbit. Talk to him often, and let him get used to the sound of your voice.<ref name="rf3" /> Let it get used to your voice. Rabbits are social creatures and they get bored sitting in cage all day. Sometimes, just by talking to your rabbit, it will lay down and gently grind its teeth in approval!  

#*Offer your open hand for your bunny to sniff. If he's not used to being around you, he may need to get accustomed to the way you look, smell, and sound before he's comfortable being handled.<ref name="rf3" />

# Try mimicking your rabbit. Some rabbit owners may not be comfortable trying this at home, especially in front of other people. But some rabbit specialists advise that pretending to wash your face and head the way your rabbit does can be disarming to a new, frightened rabbit. Seeing his human act the way he does might help him get comfortable in his new home.<ref name="rf3" />