Rabbits typically run away from people because they are afraid or angry. The rabbit has learned from past experiences that humans will chase them, pick them up, or trap them into a small cage. Naturally, their instincts will see people as dangerous predators that need to be avoided.
You will need to teach your rabbit to trust you before you can pet them. One of the main causes of this fear is when rabbits are held too frequently. Most rabbits are afraid of being held, so if you pick them up every time you interact with them, they'll start to associate your hands with that feeling of fear.
Nudging can either mean one of two things: Your rabbit is trying to get past you or smell something and you're in their way. Or they are trying to get your attention because they want a treat or to be petted. Whether an act of bossiness or attention seeking, your rabbit is trying to get your attention.
Most rabbits will be very happy to be pet for long periods of time, but there are areas that they prefer not to be touched. A rabbit who is pet in these areas is likely to jump away instead of relax: Butt: A rabbit's bottom, right around their tail, tend to be a sensitive spot where they don't like to be touched.
Rabbits might nudge, push, or toss things around as a form of play, to solicit attention from you, or as a territorial behavior meaning “mine!” or “get out of the way!” Rabbits can be very territorial and particular. They like their things arranged a certain way, and can become upset when their things are moved.
For a rabbit to be comfortable with being picked up, they must learn through positive experiences that being lifted isn't something that causes harm. This should start when they are just as few weeks old as part of socialisation.
Most rabbits do not like being held, to them it is very uncomfortable since to their instincts being held = being eaten, or being at danger of being eaten. Babies tend to not mind so much, because they haven't fully developed and are a bit more cuddly / less skittish about being held/cuddled.
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!
Why do my rabbits seem to ignore me? Rabbits are a prey species so they instinctively avoid drawing attention to themselves. The mistake many first-time rabbit owners make is to impose themselves on their pets – to a rabbit, even a hand reaching overhead can feel like a predator approaching.
Circling is one way that rabbits will show their affection for the people who they feel close to. It's an indication that your rabbit is excited to see you. You might even notice they are making a quiet oinking or buzzing sound while they do it (sometimes called honking too).
Pet your rabbit in the right places.
Their favorite areas are on the cheeks, forehead, shoulders, and back. These are areas where rabbits usually groom each other, so they'll appreciate you petting them here.
Rabbits love being stroked on their foreheads and backs. Always stroke in the direction of the hair, never against the hair (unless you are checking for skin problems). Most also like being stroked behind the ears.
Try to refrain from holding them every single time you interact with them. If you are trying to gain the trust of a shy rabbit, you will want to completely stop picking them up until your rabbit is very comfortable around you. Otherwise keep the cuddles to a minimum so that your rabbit doesn't become afraid of you.
It can take a few months for a rabbit to adjust to a new home and new people. Speak softly.
The whole bonding process can take as little as one day or up to several months – it all depends on your rabbits. Usually, it's a few weeks before your bunnies will be living happily together but it is well worth the wait.
A rabbit who spends a lot of time with its caretakers establishes a strong bond with them. You may provide a calming presence for your rabbit by remaining with them. Even if your bunny is fidgety and doesn't want to sit still, sit close to him so he may come to you.
Rabbits can resist being lifted and carried in a number of ways. Reacting instinctively to a predator-like grasp, they may run away, hide, struggle. When caught, they may kick, or launch into space. A normally affectionate rabbit may express indignation by wriggling, stamping, or nipping you.
Bunnies are “prey animals,” so they get scared when they're picked up. Because their bones are delicate, they can get hurt and even break their own back when kicking to get away. Never pick up a bunny unless you really need to, and if you do, get help from your grown-up.