Typical things that can make your rabbit stressed include: novelty (for example the first trip in a car or being handled by a stranger) fear-inducing stimuli (for example sudden noises) social stress (for example too many individuals in a small space, loss of a companion, living alone)
'Rabbits are naturally fearful of anything coming from above, like their predators would. If we bend down to pick them up, that action is scary,' says Rosie. 'They also dislike being lifted up, as that's what happens when they're in a predator's mouth.
This means that a pet rabbit will still show fear over anything it feels threatened by. This may be a dog or cat, a wild animal, a human or even inanimate objects. Large shapes and quick movements especially can be very fear-inducing.
Onions, garlic, marigolds, lavender, catnip-many plants are credited with being deterrents to rabbits. What they all have in common is a strong scent. Garden blogger and author Shawna Coronado swears by a combination of 'Taishon' marigolds and spicy globe basil.
Rabbits will usually be scared of cats and dogs, as they're natural predators. However, if you introduce your pets with care in early life, they can forge friendships.
Rabbits serve as food for several predators, including hawks and coyotes, but in urban and suburban situations, the greatest threat is from cats and dogs. Although relatively vulnerable to predators, rabbits generally maintain their populations in spite of this threat.
Rabbits are prey animals whose predators include foxes, dogs, cats, birds of prey and stoats. This affects how and what they eat, how they communicate with each other and how they spend their time.
Common irritants to rabbits include:
Fireplace fumes – ensure your house is well ventilated so carbon dioxide fumes are properly dispersed. Dust. Cigarette smoke. Mites and fleas can also cause an allergic reaction, which is often treated with cortisol.
In fact, certain plants can do the trick. Plants like nasturtiums, garlic, onion, rhubarb, oregano, basil and geranium are effective at keeping rabbits out of garden beds. Also, sprinkling cayenne pepper around the garden (or even on the plants) will send rabbits packing.
Keeping your rabbit happy. Rabbits are active and intelligent animals and will suffer if they get bored. As domesticated rabbits are usually confined for most of the day, freedom and choice are important. Interesting environments that encourage physical and mental stimulation will create a happy home.
Rabbits that become depressed will usually sit around for most of the day. They will often lose interest in eating, grooming, or even socializing. Some rabbits who become depressed will even resort to aggressive behaviors, such as biting and swatting.
Yes, it turns out that rabbits are very smart! Some breeds are even trainable. For example, you can teach a bunny to recognise their names and come to you when called. Rabbits also have a very good memory: they don't forget negative experiences and emotions easily.
Rabbits are not afraid of the dark in and of itself. If they cannot see and things are happening around them, though, they'll naturally become skittish. An outdoor bunny will smell and hear wild animals. These could be foxes patrolling your yard, neighborhood cats, or owls and bats.
Even if they can see YOU are the thing coming from above, that instinct is so strong, and so ingrained, that they really can hardly help themselves. Even the feeling of being picked up signals danger in their rabbity brains, since this is only something that happens when they are in the grasp of a predator.
Small pieces of apple, banana, bell pepper, and carrot are often good treats to try. It's sure to make them super happy. To really tell your rabbit you love them, you do need to keep the treats to a minimum though.
Domestic rabbits will bite as hard as they need to. Sometimes your rabbit will just give you a little gentle nip. This can sometimes be your rabbit showing affectionate or trying to groom you. A nip may also be a gentle, first warning when your rabbit is trying to tell you something.
Having nowhere to take cover, will make your rabbit extremely nervous and scared. Hideouts will help to build your bunnies confidence & also provide your bunny with somewhere to take a nap. * Playtime is very important to rabbits, they love it and to see them happy and having fun is lovely to see.
That said, they tend not to like being touched on the ears, neck, feet, stomach or tail. Usually, my bunnies are most receptive to petting when they're relaxing after a meal. So if your rabbit doesn't appear interested in affection, wait until just after feeding time.
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.
Rabbits can get sad and lonely too. If they don't have much interaction with people or other rabbits, they can get depressed. They'll stop being curious and active, and instead they'll sit around all day.
For most rabbits, petting is a pleasant sensation. Once they've learned that human hands are not something to be afraid of, they'll be more willing to stick around and not run away when you touch them. But of course, not all rabbits grow up with human companionship, and many learn to fear people instead of trusting us.
We usually think of rabbits as cute and cuddly, but they can also be aggressive fighters, attacking each other or even us. Sadly, countless rabbits are rehomed or neglected because they are considered aggressive. The truth is that aggression can usually be rectified.