Do you feel your rabbit is shy around you? If yes, then you are not alone. Rabbits usually are cautious around new people. However, bonding with your bunny is very important to create a trusting and everlasting trust. But how to tell your furry friend you love them without making them feel overwhelmed? Whether you are a new rabbit owner or an experienced one, read our guide to the top 10 tips for how to bond with your rabbits to create and improve your bond with your small little furry friends.
An Open Play Space to Enjoy
The first rule to bunny care is a large airy space. Just like their wild siblings, domestic rabbits enjoy hopping and jumping around to have fun. Giving them a huge space where they can be themselves by digging and bouncing is a great way to bond with your bunny. Introduce your pet bunny to a large, but protected area with all its toys and playthings.
You can create this space inside your house or in the back garden to give them an outdoorsy environment. Add in some tunnels through which they can run through. These extra activities will keep them cognitively and physically engaged and energetic.
This roomy area for them is not only for them to engage but also for you to bond with them. Imagine, your cute little fluff ball is playing and you are there to watch it. This will not only give you fun but also give you little quirks of its personality. Put some extra effort into creating such a space to improve the bond between you and hoppity friend.
Wait For the Bunny Approval Bounce
Learning how to bond with your rabbit breeds is to create a space with mutual understanding. Normally, rabbits are shy in nature which means you need to be extra careful with your love. You don’t want them to run away from you or force your love and snuggles on them. Instead, observe their moods and movements to know when they want to interact and play.
Begin by staying around them to show that you are their friend, not an enemy. Don’t directly look at them but keep it casual, like you are waiting for a hello from their furry feet. Do your work around them or read a book. Your presence should make them feel secure and loved.
Within a few days, they will make their way to you. Don’t get too excited, instead keep calm and let them come close and sniff you. If you are lucky, you will get a nose bump from them. Start giving them treats as they come closer to you. This will build curiosity, trust, and comfort. Make sure you don’t crowd it once it starts coming close to you for snuggles. Move calmly and speak to them with soft tones.
Do Not Force Lift Them
The frequent question we see is do bunnies like to cuddle? The answer is quite tricky. Rabbits are one of the most delicate creatures that require proper handling. Lifted off the ground is not something they love. They need to be on the ground where they know they can hop anywhere. But we need our little fluff balls in our arms, right? Begin with gentle pats on the head and move it to the rest of the body. Observe their mood and movement, are they liking the pats or feeling vulnerable and scared? If they are not feeling relaxed, do not force-lift them. If you think they are comfortable and easing into your touches, use this technique to pick them up.
Hold and gently lift from their back and sides keeping an eye on their reactions. If your rabbit is comfortable, move them closer and give a soft snuggle. If you see them struggle, immediately let them go. You don’t want them to associate you with danger.
Lift With Love, Not Ears
Never, ever lift rabbits with ears or scruff. Rabbits are small, sensitive creatures that need careful handling. You lifting them with your ears will cause them really serious injuries. Who wants to harm their sweet little bunny friend? It will only break the connection you created with them. Instead, use proper handling techniques along with soothing words and treats to let them choose you.
Positive Handling Leads to Positive Bonding
Another important aspect of bunny care is positive and mutual handling and interaction. Add in some positive turn to your interactions such as giving them treats every time you approach them or pat them. This technique is a great way to learn how to bond with your rabbit as it will allow them to see you as their favorite human. This casual treat-sharing will also reduce their stress or anxiety about a new place. Moreover, do this even when handling them. This will give them a positive experience and something they will look after every day.
Don’t forget about the pats. Along with these sweet treats, it is essential to learn how to pet a bunny. But where do bunnies like to be pat? Stroke them gently on their head and their back. Steer clear from sensitive parts such as the belly, feet, and tail. If your rabbit looks okay with pats here then be gentle, and avoid being aggressive. Although we do sometimes get a rush of cute aggression.
Bonding in Grooming Sessions
Rabbits often stay within their friends and lookalikes and naturally groom themselves. However, grooming sessions can become a great way to bond with your rabbit. To gain their trust and improve your bonding, introduce a grooming routine in your rabbit’s life. Go for a soft brush and gently brush them. This will create a string bond as well as will help keep their fur clean.
Rabbits are normally calm after their meal time. Choose this time as they will be relaxed and calm. Talk softly to them as you brush their fur allowing them to feel the affection you have for them. This conversation will not only keep them engaged but also happy. Do not brush them in a hurry as they might get scared and avoid future grooming bonding time.
Grooming is perfect for bunny care as it also acts as a great way to look for any health issues such as pimples or scars on their body. Grooming is a win-win for both of you as it will improve your bonding and let you know if your bunny has some secret health issue.
Don’t Mind Their Quiet Time
We all know rabbits are quiet creatures, they do engage but they need their alone time, just like us. Respecting their peaceful time is necessary for bunny care as well as for bonding. If you give them their space and do not crowd them when they are having a soft, quiet moment to themselves, they will feel much more love and trust for you.
Create a cozy, private corner for them in their cage or room, where they can relax and enjoy their own company. Moreover, avoid being loud or really cheery around them as it can force them to be alert and increase their stress levels. Your bunny might come to interact with you if its trust is built strong.
Use of Stimulated Toys
Though rabbits need their alone, quiet time, it is also essential for them to occupy their physical and mental energies in interesting ways. Give them a variety of toys such as feeder puzzles, bouncy balls, etc. These will give them a chance to use their techniques to get treats and have fun. Switch it up with new and exciting toys instead of using the same old ones. A variety of toys will tell you what your rabbit likes and dislikes. Make sure you observe their behavior around these toys to give them perfect playtime.
Take a step further in bunny care and make their toys yourself. Create a scavenging cardboard tube with hay inside and watch your little furball search for it. You can also use a dirt box filled with non-toxic sand to encourage digging. These activities help you learn how to bond with your rabbit.
Regular Visits to Veterinarian
Along with hopping, playing, and napping, it is also necessary to take care of your rabbit’s health. Regular checkups are important to keep your bunny happy and carefree. Check your rabbit gently in every grooming session and if you think you see something that can be serious, book an appointment immediately. Moreover, schedule monthly health examinations with your veterinarian to deal with any underlying problems that might need immediate treatment.
Healthy rabbits are energetic and can work their way to create a stronger bond with you. However, rabbits are really good at hiding their illnesses, and even slight discomfort can keep them within themselves with no mood for fun.
Look Out for Subtle Nose Bumps
Rabbits are clever with their subtle cues for communication and affection. Understanding these cues can help you learn how to bond with your rabbit. Observe their voice and movement as they are the clear signs of what they are feeling. For instance, rabbits stomp their small little feet when they feel fear or tension. Furthermore, if you see them gently grinding their teeth, it means they are delighted to be there with you. Knowing all these little signals can take time, but don’t get agitated. Give them time and focus on their reactions.
If you feel they are scared or unhappy, just give them space and they will be good in a few hours. On the other hand, if they hop towards you, give them soft pats on the head and back. Recognizing their affection and communication can create an even stronger bond. In addition, try understanding their postures and movements. Binkying is when your rabbit is hopping around in excitement, this means they are active, healthy, and content. Give them a positive reply to their actions such as treats or soft verbal communication.
Consulsion
Bonding with a pet rabbit is just like bonding with a newborn or a new friend. You don’t want to be too eager to start a connection. Instead, have a slow, comfortable ride. It is essential to learn how to bond with your rabbit to have a trusted connection with them. Give our tips a try and learn what your bunny loves.
Q: What is the average time to form a bond with a rabbit?
It depends on the personality and character of your rabbit along with its experiences. It can take a few weeks or months but the key is to be patient and try all the tips you can.
Q: Do rabbits show signs when they start trusting a human?
Yes, rabbits show clear signs when they start trusting their owners. It includes resting near you, hopping towards you, nose bumps, and close cuddles.
Q: How can we make rabbits feel secure?
Give them a space of their own and keep their surroundings calm and quiet.
Q: Do rabbits hide when first introduced to new people?
Yes, hiding is normal for a rabbit when they find themselves in a new environment. Let them take their time to get used to new surroundings.
Q: What to do if a rabbit is uncomfortable with the touch?
Do not force pat them if they are uncomfortable and dislike touch. Give them space and try other methods of bonding such as quiet talks and holding out treats to them.
