3-5 Years Old Rabbits tend to become a little less active by the time they reach this age. It is said that rabbits also become more affectionate during this period and they will start to trust you more.
Certain changes in your rabbit's habits and appearance will let you know when they are entering their senior years. These changes can include: Becoming less active. Older rabbits won't have as many crazy, excitable moments and are generally calmer and more easy-going.
Usually female rabbits will have stronger personalities than males. They'll typically be stubborn and adventurous, behaving as if they are a little princess in the household. It's also more common for female rabbits to be more standoffish toward human companions.
Typically, male rabbits do make better pets because they crave attention and interact more with their owners. They are relaxed in character rather than intense so potentially less complicated than females. Many owners choosing to keep a rabbit for the first time are advised to try a male.
When socialised at a young age the French Lop Rabbit is known to be very gentle with children and tolerant of other species of rabbits. Being a larger rabbit, they will require more space in their hutch and run than a Dwarf or Mini Rabbit breed.
If you have a single rabbit, it's never too late for them to bond with another rabbit.
We usually tell our adopters that we expect the average bonding is going to take about two and a half weeks.
The best way to gain your rabbits' trust is by simply spending lots of time being near them, while allowing your bunnies to approach you in their own time. By sitting quietly with them in a safe enclosure, you'll show your rabbits that you aren't to be feared and that you can be trusted.
Bunnies are super-soft, and many will love cuddling with you as much as you love cuddling with them. Once a bunny is comfortable in their new home, they may claim you as their own by rubbing their chin on you to mark their territory. They might even groom you with little bunny licks to show you love!
Mixed-sex pairs usually work best, so if you are thinking of getting rabbits for the first time, it's advisable to get a male and female, although same-sex pairs are not uncommon. Obviously, if you take on an already bonded pair, then it's all been done for you!
Growling/hissing/grunting
Your rabbit is angry, feels threatened and is showing disapproval. Your rabbit may, for example, be saying 'Leave me alone' if he doesn't want to be handled, or if he wants to protect his territory – such as his cage or food – from a human hand or another rabbit.
Your rabbit may learn to accept being picked up, but down deep inside, in the most ancient recesses of the rabbit brain, chemicals are being released that cause physical responses to danger. Your rabbit will learn to "ignore" these, but even the calmest bun is indeed having a physiological response to being picked up.
Why does my rabbit put her head down when I pet her? When your rabbit lays their head down flat on the ground, they are enjoying being pet and are laying still so that you continue. They might even close their eyes or nudge your hand if you stop petting them.
Don't make your rabbit stay longer than they want to.
Sometimes this will be after half an hour, and sometimes it will be only 5 minutes. However long the cuddle session, you always want to let your rabbit leave. If you try to force your rabbit to stay, they may be afraid to cuddle with you in the future.
Grooming can be a self-comforting behavior for rabbits. If they are stressed, anxious, bored, or even a little sick, a rabbit might try to feel better by self-grooming more often.
Lonely rabbits may overeat, pull at their fur, or become hyperactive and/or angry. Signs of this could be them chewing at rugs or carpets, gnawing furniture, or destroying toys in their hutch.
Rabbits can be left alone together safely once they're showing positive behaviours towards one another. Always speak to your vet for more detailed advice before attempting to bond rabbits.
Chasing is a normal behavior to expect during bonding that you should allow to continue. This is not a true fight where the rabbits are getting territorial with each other. However, it can look similar to other behaviors that are aggressive.
Watch for aggressive behaviors: tail up, ears back, growling, boxing, circling, chasing and biting. If one of these behavior occurs several times in a row; if neither rabbit backs down; if it leads to further aggressive behaviors, it should be interrupted.
Calmest Pet Rabbit Breed: The Rex Rabbit
First on our list is the plush, velvety Rex rabbit. This bunny is quite docile and laid back and a favorite among young children. They're cool with relaxing on the couch and accepting pets from their parents and human siblings. Their fur is shorter and denser than other breeds.
Netherland Dwarf (have had)
rabbits. Temperament: These little guys are energetic (so a slightly larger cage is recommended) but still have good temperaments for the most part. They are not naturally aggressive. They do make good pets for smaller spaces but still need room to move.
One Child Younger than 7 Years – Probably shouldn't get a rabbit unless your child fits the “calm” description and you are an informed adult who wants to deal with another toddler. It can be done though, if you have the time and patience. One or More Younger than 7 Years – Probably shouldn't get a rabbit.