Taming a bunny (unique situation)

[CrisB27]

i managed to saved this little guy, not sure how old he or she is but im asuming the rabbit very recently reached full size so im guessing the rabbit is on the younger side, Anyways i have an outdoor enclosure thats 6 feets wide by 5 feet and 6 feet tall inside the enclosure has a smaller house with roof tile for the sun and a heater on the indoor section for the winter months and manages to keep the house at a nice 70-80 degrees, ive had him for about a week now, took it a while to get used to the new food since what they were feeding them before were these unhealthy fatty foods, sinc the bunny lived in a farm for eating purposes and i saved him, ive introduced organic 100% hay pellets, and vegtables, the rabbit was scared of my at first and thumping a lot but i go in the cage every day and i can now feed him celery from my hand but if i lay a single finger on him he runs away but then circles back for the celery. How do i make him trust me more although i have improved since i am able to hand feed it, what are some steps i can take to take it to the next level to let me pet him?

[Wick & Fable]

First, I do recommend taking your rabbit to a rabbit-experienced vet, typically always an exotic vet. A rabbit vet will be able to give you a better estimate of the rabbits age and sex. Age is important for dietary concerns. Rabbits come in such a wide variety of sizes.

It can take time. I would say most importantly is not to force interactions not wanted. It sounds like your rabbit has had very forced handlings by humans, so you need to help your rabbit learn that a human’s present isn’t a sign that the rabbit is about to be handled and forced to do things or go places. A way to do this is just being present without interacting with the rabbit. When you give the rabbit pellets or veggies, just sit in the area while the rabbit is eating. If the rabbit comes up to you, let he/she sniff you, but don’t force a pet. Bring a book, homework, whatever you want to do while just being in the rabbit’s presence. You want the rabbit to associate your presence with safety, and not invading the rabbit’s personal space is a good first stepping stone.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Bam]

Thank you for saving this rabbit! It sounds like you’ve already made good progress. I agree with Wick: The best thing is to just be in the vicinity of the rabbit as often as you can. I do think he’ll accept a head rub pretty soon though, at least for as long as it takes him to finish his piece of food Rabbits often prefer being pet on the head and ears.

Some rabbits need a long time before they warm up to you, but they do like company. Even if he doesn’t allow you to touch him at first, he will enjoy your presence. My bunny Bam hangs out with my dog without any direct interaction, by just lying a yard or so away from her. I’m not sure my dog regards it as company, but it’s pretty clear that Bam does.

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