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.
Although they don't like to be picked up, most rabbits do desire physical affection. Most find petting, snuggling, nuzzling, and sitting companionably beside each other pleasurable activities. Play with toys together. Most rabbits are playful, and some games are great for two.
We usually tell our adopters that we expect the average bonding is going to take about two and a half weeks.
He'll associate you with being stressed and being made to do something he doesn't like. Build a healthier relationship by getting down to your rabbit's level, and allowing him to come to you when he's comfortable. Once you build trust, you'll find that your rabbit will actively seek you for affection.
Rabbits are prey animals, which means they survived in the wild by being ready to run and hide at any second. This means that anything you do that makes a rabbit feel trapped will instantly make them trust you less. To bond with your rabbit, you want to avoid cornering them or picking them up whenever possible.
Cuddle with rabbits by petting them on the floor. Once your rabbit trusts you, try lying down next to them, hugging them, or training your rabbit to hop into your lap. Above all, you should avoid cuddling your rabbit by holding them since this will cause anxiety. Sometimes it can take a while to gain a rabbit's trust.
Many rabbits hate being held and will actually freeze with fear. Our advise would be that it is always better to get down to your bunnies level and have a cuddle. You can get just as much enjoyment out of cuddling your bunny by getting down to their level. Lay or sit next to them and interact with them that way.
3 - 5 years old: Middle Age
They may also become more and more affectionate, particularly house rabbits who live closely with their owners. Their level of trust in us has built up to the extent that they feel completely safe and secure in their home and able to truly relax and take it easy.
The best places to pet a rabbit are their forehead and behind their ears. The cheeks and strokes down their backs are also good spots. But rabbits dislike being pet on their bottom, feet, chin, and underside.
Don't hold your rabbit.
Most rabbits do not like being held. It makes them feel trapped and scared. I'm not telling you to never hold your rabbit, but don't make that the main way you socialize with your rabbit. Instead, try cuddling and playing with your rabbit when they have all four feet on the ground.
Ask any bunny owner who interacts regularly with his pet and he'll tell you that, just like dogs or cats, rabbits get to know their owners well. They recognize them by voice and sight and will even come on command. Bunnies may even follow their owners from room to room and jump up on their laps when called.
Rabbits lick for affection, not for salt. Licking means “I love you, I trust you.” Lunging may occur when you reach into your rabbit's cage to clean, give food, or to take your rabbit out – a sign of disapproval.
Most rabbits love to be cuddled and stroked when approached in the right way. Few like being held or carried as being so high up from the ground makes them feel insecure, however, many will happily sit on your lap or snuggle up next to you for a cuddle.
Remain quiet and patient, even if it takes an hour or more. Rabbits are naturally curious, and eventually, he will come over to sniff you. Resist the temptation to reach out and pet the bunny. Instead, let him sniff you, hop on you and just get to know your smell.
Rabbits can develop abnormal behaviour and may suffer if you leave them on their own and with nothing to do for long periods, so you should keep your rabbit with at least one other friendly rabbit.
Your rabbit doesn't want to be held
Even though many people think of rabbits as cuddly animals, most rabbits absolutely hate being held. In fact, being carried is a scary situation for rabbits. Their first line of defense is to run as fast as they can and hide. When you hold your rabbit, they feel trapped in your arms.