How to get my rabbit to trust me more?

[SaisyDaisy]

I would like to form a closer bond with my baby bun, Charloette, any advice?(Charloette is a 5 month old Holland Lop doe)

[Fluffykins]

Spend time with her. Literally spend all your time with her. My mini lop is 12 weeks and since I got him at 8 weeks, he’s gone from a curious confident bunny that disliked being held; even the breeder had difficulty holding him for longer then 30 seconds to a bunny that now I walk around my whole house with and he takes naps on me for at least 15 mins 4 or 5 times a day.

I’m currently a stay at home mum whilst my kids are very young and other then feeding and getting them to school, ALL my time is spent with the bunny. For the first 2.5 or so weeks ALL that time was spent on the floor. I’m talking, putting my husband on cooking duty everyday whilst I spent easily 4 or 5 hours (not in one go) on the floor.

I got my fluffykins used to being touched all over first. First the head and back. Then after a week or so the tummy and hands/feet. Then I progressed to picking him up for 30 seconds whilst on the floor. Fast forward a weeks and I stood up with him for 30 seconds. Those 30 seconds turned into 2 minutes. Then 5. Then 15. Standing still and holding him turned into rocking with him. Then taking 2 steps. Then 5 steps. Then walking to one end of the room. Etc.

It’s a slow and thorough process but for me it was integral to be fully bonded with him (and it doesn’t stop either). When I’ve had a busy day and interacted with him less he’s way less enthusiastic about me, when I’ve spent all morning with him he’ll not leave me alone all afternoon!

Just stick at it and give ALL your time to bunny right now – it’ll be worth it.

[SaisyDaisy]

Thanks so much! It’s just difficult sometimes to balance bun and school, but I will take your advice!?

[Fluffykins]

So I’ve paused my other hobbies, havnt really seen anyone as often as I normally do (been out for a friend’s dinner once in the past month, normally it’s every weekend)! And the house is just about acceptable… For really low standards!

I know I won’t be able to prioritise fluffykins like this for that much longer but you really do reap what you sow, so giving this initial time and attention for me was crucial. It definitely is hard and you have to sacrifice in one aspect to give more in another but it’s do able

Finding the balance between school and bunny will come, don’t worry!

[SaisyDaisy]

Thanks so much! You really are a godsend or “Bunsend” haha, pun attempt! Your bun is lucky to have you!

[Ellie from The Netherlands]

Like their wild cousins rabbits are naturally shy and easily startled, this is normal. As a friend of mine said: “It isn’t paranoia if everyone’s really out to get you.”. The level of shyness depends on the breed and also on the individual rabbit. To know what makes a rabbit uncomfortable, think about what’s scary to a prey: anything unknown/unexpected, loud noise, sudden movements, being grabbed, being exposed without shelter and having nowhere to run to. Following this line of thinking, these are the things that make scared rabbits happy:

– A somewhat regular daily schedule
– A calm environment without predators (rabbits can even be frightened by domesticated predators like cats and dogs)
– Being handled gently while remaining on the floor. Do not pick rabbits up unless it’s really necessary. Rabbits can be trained to go back into their cage on command, mine gets a small treat.
– Having a hidey hole such as a cardboard box with two (!) exits
– Clear paths to their cage or other safe space. You may find that rabbits can get disorientated when you move furniture. They’ll want to be able to bolt away to safety blindly. Anything in the way may be chewed until it’s out of the way, this especially counts for electrical cords. (None of my friends bring their bags into my living room anymore after several incidents with a disgruntled bunny who suddenly found that his path to his cage was blocked).

Bonding with you will go best if your rabbit feels safe in its surroundings. To the rabbit you’re a giant, so try to sit or lay on the floor while bonding with your bun. Talking gently helps, and also let your rabbit take the initiative to come to you. Chasing after a rabbit because you want to cuddle is not a good idea (that’s why they’re not very suitable for kids). Respect your rabbit’s body language and its boundaries. Doing things against its will are going to push them away from you.

There are some excellent websites if you search for “rabbit body language”. “The language of lagomorphs” is my favourite one, because it’ll tell you all about rabbit group behaviour and rabbit etiquette. Etiquette? Yes, rabbits are very social animals and will communicate their wants and needs. The rabbit will give you directions now that you’re a group member. Respond to those properly, because rabbits can actually get offended with people.
A head lowered to the ground means: “I need pettings”. If you thought that that’s just an optional open invitation, think again. It’s an important social ritual, and in due time your rabbit may even start to groom you back. Grooming is very important in creating a social structure and a bond. Rabbits can get mopey if they feel ignored or excluded. Ask forum members about the dreaded “bunny butt”, and they’ll tell you that it’s the ultimate sign of “I am NOT amused”. Oops, best apologise with a raisin and pettings, or be shunned until they feel you’re forgiven…

It may all be a bit much to take in for a new owner, but you can grow together in due time. Rabbits make surprisingly wonderful pets and the connection between them and their owners can be just as special as a dog with its human. Rabbits can also be trained with voice commands and treats, this is both fun and sometimes rather practical. Wishing you loads of fun together!

[SaisyDaisy]

Thank you all soooooo much!!!! Your bunnies are so lucky to have you!!! I usually feed my bun a small amount of fresh herbs from my garden everyday, (rabbit safe, of course) do you think I should use those as incentive to stay near me more? ?

[Ellie from The Netherlands]

That sounds like a great step, learning to eat out of your hand. Don’t try to move while offering treats and don’t try to pet her yet if she’s still very nervous.

[Author]

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