Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning
• What you need

Rabbits are very lovable, affectionate pets, but because they are prey in the wild, they can often be scared and distrustful of humans. Learning how to read your rabbit's body language and respond to his or her needs will help you gain trust from your rabbit and strengthen the bond between humans and pets.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Read your rabbit's body language

1. 

   Hear the sound of the rabbit. Amazingly, rabbits make a variety of sounds to express every state, from delight to loneliness and fear. Listen to the sounds your rabbit makes as you approach and tailor the interaction to its needs.
   • It may be contrary to what you might think, but when your rabbit's teeth click together, the rabbit is comfortable and satisfied. Rabbits can knock their teeth when petted, just as a cat purrs when petted. Some rabbits make this sound simply because they feel safe and comfortable in a home or cage environment. If your rabbit knocks his teeth, this is a good sign that he loves and trusts you.
   • Snorting is interpreted as a cry that requires attention and affection or indicates dissatisfaction or distrust. In some cases, rabbits snort can be a sign of a respiratory infection, especially if a runny nose is present. If you suspect your rabbit is sniffling due to a respiratory infection, it is best to see your vet to rule out any illness.
   • Whimpering or squealing is usually caused by pain or fear. If your rabbit whines or hisses when you pick it up, you may be holding it the wrong way, or you may not have earned its trust.
   • Grinding your teeth is a sign that your rabbit is in pain, illness, or stress. If you notice that your rabbit is grinding its teeth, it could be that you are holding the rabbit in the wrong way, or the rabbit is sick and needs treatment. As a precaution, take your rabbit to the vet if it starts to grind its teeth.
   • Grunting is a sign of frustration or fear. If the rabbit growls when he sees you, it feels threatened and doesn't want to be picked up. It's best not to touch your rabbit's food, toys, and litter box when it growls at you.
   • Screams indicate extreme pain or fear of death. If your bunny begins to squeal when picked up, it may be injured or think you are about to harm it. To be sure, bring your rabbit to the veterinarian to see if it starts to scream.

2. 

   
   
   Observe your rabbit's body language. As well as the sound your rabbit makes, the rabbit's body language and posture can tell you how he feels and feels. Learning to tell whether a rabbit is lonely from a rabbit that doesn't want to be in contact can help you bond with your fluffy friend.
   • Look at the rabbit's ears. Rabbits have very fine hearing, and they also use their ears as body language. If the rabbit's ears are tilted backwards and close to its body, it feels safe. If the rabbit holds its ears forward, it may or may not have heard or felt something that might be of concern. If a rabbit has one ear ahead and one ear behind, it usually means it has noticed something happening around it, but hasn't determined whether the sound is alarming or not.
   • If your rabbit's hind legs are stretched back, it shows that he is relaxed and comfortable. The rabbit will not be able to jump to escape with the legs stretched back, so lying in this position means that the rabbit trusts you and feels safe indoors.
   • If your rabbit's body is tense, it is a sign that he is scared and worried. Maybe you just did something that scared him, or maybe something in your home is making him worry.

3. 

   
   
   Watch for your rabbit's behavior around you. In addition to sounds and body language, some rabbits will communicate their likes and dislikes by reacting to human touch.
   • The act of poking you with your nose is a way for the rabbit to say it wants your attention and affection.
   • When a rabbit licks you, it loves you very much. Rabbits do not lick people to get salt; This behavior is merely communication, indicating absolute affection and trust.
   • The act of rolling to the side in front of you is a sign of great trust and satisfaction.
   • If the rabbit reveals its inner eyelid (shown in the corner of the eye) when lifted, it is very worried and frightened. It's best to avoid picking up your rabbit if you respond - at least until the rabbit has trusted you a bit more.
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Part 2 of 3: Create a comfortable environment for your rabbit in the house

1. 

   
   
   Make sure your rabbit has a comfortable space. Your rabbit may not like to be cuddled because it doesn't feel safe in your home yet. You can help your rabbit adjust by providing a quiet, comfortable space that protects him from other pets in the house. You can even place your rabbit in a cage and place it in a separate room to create a sense of security, free from disturbances and shocks, although such placement will make interaction with people less likely and ultimately possible. making it harder for the rabbit to adapt to your home.
   • Choose an indoor area that allows your rabbit to interact and observe everyone in the family on a daily basis, but still be discreet enough that he won't be frightened by the chaos of daily life.
   • Make sure to maintain a comfortable temperature in your rabbit's room. Most breeds of rabbits require a steady temperature between 15.5 and 21 degrees Celsius. A temperature above or below this range poses a risk of death.
   • Place the rabbit cage in a place away from direct sunlight. Having plenty of shade will help regulate the temperature and keep your rabbit from overheating.

2. 

   Create a play space for your rabbit. Exercise is an important part of your rabbit's life, and playtime is often the best time to be active. If the cage is not large enough for the rabbit to run and jump, create an enclosed space (preferably indoors) for the rabbit to run and play inside.
   • The rabbit's playground must be safe. Get rid of all electrical cords and other household objects you don't want your rabbit to chew on. If you are on an outdoor playground, make sure you have a fence so that the rabbit cannot jump out.
   • Keep an eye on the rabbit whenever you get out of the cage. Rabbits are curious creatures and can easily get hurt or dive into dangerous places.

3. 

   Feed the rabbit with the right diet. One of the ways to make your rabbit like you is to feed him the things he needs most.
   • Rabbits need a constant source of hay, such as timothy grass (Phleum pratense) or pineapple grass (Bromus), to ensure gastrointestinal health.
   • Give your rabbit a pellet food formulated with at least 15-19% protein and 18% fiber content. Rabbits older than 6 months need to eat 1/8 - 1/4 cup of pellets per 2.5 kg of body weight per day. (So, for example, a 5 kg rabbit should be fed 1/4 - 1/2 cup of food per day.)
   • Provide fresh vegetables for your rabbit. Dark green lettuce, turnip greens, and carrot leaves are usually rabbit favorites. Rabbits should eat at least 2 cups of green leafy vegetables for every 3 kilograms of body weight. (So, for example, a rabbit weighing 6 kg will need at least 4 cups of green vegetables per day.)
   • Make sure your rabbit has fresh, clean water to drink at all times. You can use a rabbit water bottle or a sturdy water bowl that won't tilt easily.

4. 

   Give your rabbit lots of toys. Rabbits love to play. You can buy toys specially made for rabbits or make your own.
   • Rabbits often need toys that can chew, dig, and hide. Empty cardboard boxes are great starter toys, but you can use your creativity when buying them to enrich your rabbit's playtime.
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Part 3 of 3: Budding up the rabbit

1. 

   Patience. Let the rabbit out of the cage to explore. You may find that the rabbit initially likes to hide in a dark place, such as under a sofa, bed, or cupboard. But the rabbit is a curious little animal that will eventually succumb to the temptation to go out and explore its new home. Just give the rabbit some time.
   • When your rabbit has the courage to get out of hiding and look around, sit quietly (preferably on the floor) and let the rabbit come to you. The rabbit is extremely cute and has soft fur that makes you just want to pick it up and petting, but don't forget that the rabbit is prey in the wild, and the first day or two it won't know you. eat it or not! So let it come to you first. Do not turn away if the rabbit inhales and nudges you. This is a good sign that the rabbit is starting to trust you.

2. 

   Know how to properly hold the rabbit. This step is often overlooked but is an important part of bonding your rabbit. If you do not do it correctly, you may upset the rabbit, struggle, and find a way out. This can be painful for both you and your rabbit, as any strong impact can injure the rabbit's neck and spine.
   • Hold gently but hold firmly. Do not squeeze the rabbit, but be sure to hold it firmly enough that the rabbit does not fall or get out of your hand. Use minimal force to keep the rabbit safely in your arm.
   • Support the rabbit's back and rump. This is an important step in handling your rabbit and should not be overlooked.

3. 

   Let the rabbit come to you. If your rabbit is not comfortable being handled, he probably won't like being grabbed and pulled out of the cage. Instead of pulling the rabbit out of its little house, let it come to you. Open the door of the cage and wait until your rabbit wants to go out and explore.

4. 

   Spend time alone. This is especially important if you have just brought your rabbit home, as it takes time to adapt and get to know people and where it will be home.
   • Pull back into a quiet and closed place, with only you and your rabbit, with no animals and nothing to distract your bunny.
   • Give the rabbit a treat. This can dispel the distrust of a stressed animal, and is good for your rabbit too. Use healthy treats like a baby carrot, a small slice of apple or banana, or a small teaspoon of oats. Give the rabbit a bite on the floor, then try to feed the rabbit from the palm of your hand.
   • Do this every day until the rabbit becomes comfortable with you. Repetition and routine are the keys to getting your rabbit used.

5. 

   Don't push the rabbit. If your rabbit is not familiar with your family and is uncomfortable with people petting, don't try to petting it. This will only traumatize your rabbit and possibly scare him off. In fact, some rabbits are never used to being held, as rabbits are inherently prey in the wild. If your rabbit won't let you touch him, there are other ways you can bond and soothe a scared rabbit.
   • Use a gentle voice to calm your rabbit. Talk to your rabbit often and let it get used to your voice. Rabbits are social creatures and they get bored sitting in a cage all day. Sometimes, just by talking to your rabbit will make it lie down and gently grind its teeth in satisfaction!
   • Never scold the rabbit. Rabbits are not animals that can be trained or disciplined like other pets. They will not understand why you are yelling at you, and your loud voice at your rabbit will only frighten him.
   • Hold out the hand for the rabbit to sniff. If your rabbit is not used to being around you, your rabbit will need to get used to your appearance, smell, and voice before it will get used to being picked up.
   • Never make any sudden movements around your rabbit. It can get scared and run back to the barn.

6. 

   Try imitating rabbits. Some people may be shy about trying this at home, especially in front of others. But some rabbit experts recommend that pretending to wash your face and nod like a rabbit can help dispel the suspicions of a scared new rabbit. Seeing that humans act like themselves, the rabbit will feel more secure in the new home.

7. 

   Adapt to your rabbit's time. Remember that rabbits are most active at dawn and dusk, and spend the afternoon resting. If you want to play with your rabbit or cuddle it, choose the times when the rabbit is most agile and most likely to want to play. advertisement

Advice

• Don't force your rabbit to interact with you. That just makes it shrink. Just sit on the floor and let the rabbit come to you first.
• If the rabbit approaches or lies down beside you, slowly reach out your hand and gently stroke it on the head. If the rabbit does not turn away, you can continue to stroke its head and behind its ears. If the rabbit is about to get up, let go of your hand. Respect the rabbit and don't force it to sit down to pamper it. It will be harder to bond with your rabbit if it is afraid of you.
• One important thing to remember: don't show off your rabbit to anyone when you first bring it home. Strangers can be a source of stress for rabbits.
• Make sure your rabbits eat timothy hay, not alfafa. Rabbits need to eat timothy hay when they are older than 6 months.
• Always give your rabbit her favorite treat, and if your bunny is young try to train him to drink from the automatic water trough.
• Make sure your rabbit has a house to hide from.
• Another great way to bond with rabbits is to feed them on hand. This will help build your rabbit's trust.
• Give the rabbit time to adjust to its surroundings. Most rabbits may feel comfortable for a day or two, but others take longer, especially those that have been lifted incorrectly or with little contact.
• Allow your rabbit to organize his or her own living space. They love to move their food bowls, toys, and blankets where they are comfortable.
• Rabbits are highly social and need a friend, preferably another rabbit, because they can communicate and understand each other best.
• Give your rabbit a hideout toy house so that it has a safe place to feel scared or stressed.
• Gradually regain your rabbit's trust if you have failed in this in the past.

Warning

• Rabbits can bite hard when they want. If your rabbit growls and her ears are pressed back, step back and let the rabbit calm down.
• Never punish a rabbit for doing bad things. The rabbit will learn nothing from punishment.
• Make sure your rabbit can't chew on the power cord. Rabbits can be electrocuted and die by biting the power cord.
• Do not use a water bottle designed specifically for guinea pigs to drink from. You should use a ceramic water bowl for dogs and cats. Rabbits need plenty of water, not just drop by drop.
• Not just holding the back of the rabbit to lift it. You will need to support the rabbit's legs.
• Do not lift the rabbit if it does not like it; Some just love to caress.

What you need

• Wide barn
• Some toys
• Water bottle
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Food pellets
• Dry grass timothy
• The salt lick the rabbit
• Brush
• Newspaper or shavings