Bonding With A Rabbit

Are you planning to adopt a bunny in the near future? Floppy is a very cute and fun little pet. Rabbits are also quite personable. These cute little balls of fur are quite timid, though. This makes sense: after all, bunnies are prey animals in the wild, and must always be on the lookout—and on the run—from raptors, wolves, coyotes, wild dogs and other predators. How do you make friends with a bunny? A local Exeter, CA vet offers some advice on this below.

Start Out On The Right Paw

Building trust starts on day one, and it really starts with that initial interaction. Don’t reach into Floppy’s cage and try to pull her out. Just open the door and let her come out when she’s ready. That may take a while, so you may want to get settled in on the floor with a book or your phone. 

Sooner or later, your furry pal is going to come out and investigate her new surroundings … and you. When she does, hold out your hand and let her sniff it. Offering a treat isn’t going to hurt, either. ( More on that later.)

Speaking of starting out, one thing that is very important is proper bunnyproofing. That entails removing or securing anything you don’t want your furry buddy gnawing on. You’ll also need to seal off empty spaces below and behind furniture and mattresses, and protect things like baseboards, furniture legs, and any wires or cords. This is something you’ll have to be diligent about as your pet learns her way around her new domain. 

Ask your vet for specific advice on bunnyproofing.

Talk To Your Bunny

Talking to pets is always a great way to help them become used to you. It doesn’t matter what you say. The important thing is to use a happy, gentle tone of voice. Speak cheerfully. You can also get them used to their name. Pay attention to Floppy’s adorable ears, and watch for reactions. 

Win Your Bunny Over With Treats

Snacks are always the way to a pet’s heart. Rabbits are no different in this manner than the rest of our patients. It is important to be sure to stick with safe treats. There are a lot of misconceptions there. For instance, carrots, though beloved by cartoon icon Bugs Bunny, aren’t the best option for your furry friend.

Bunnies are notorious for loving sweet foods. While we generally advise against over-indulging Floppy’s sweet tooth, you can try giving her small pieces of apple, banana, or strawberry. Just stick with safe foods. 

Some options include apples, apricots, asparagus, banana, bean sprouts, beet greens, bell peppers, blackberries, blueberries, brussel sprouts, cantaloupe, carrots, celery, cherries, cranberries, cucumbers, eggplant, grapefruit, grapes, green beans, honeydew, kiwi, mango, oranges, papaya, peaches, pears, pineapple, plums, pumpkin, raspberries, squash, strawberries, tomatoes (only the fruit), turnips, watermelon, zucchini,

It’s also important to know what isn’t safe. That list includes almonds, artichoke, avocado, beans, coffee, corn, currants, dates, edamame, figs, garlic, green onions, kelp, leek, lentils, mushrooms, nuts, olives, onions, peanuts, popcorn, potatoes, quinoa, rhubarb, rice, seeds, silverbeet, sweet potatoes, walnuts, and anything that contains xylitol, alcohol, or a lot of salt, fat, or sugar. However, there are also many things that should only be fed sparingly. Ask your vet for very specific advice on this. 

Get Down To Your Pet’s Level

I you think about it, we’re pretty much towering giants from Floppy’s point of view. Getting down to ground level can help you seem less imposing. Think about it: all your bunny sees when you are standing up is feet and legs. That can be pretty scary!

Don’t Scare Your Pet

Avoid making loud noises or sudden movements. Rabbits are quite shy and timid, and are easily startled. They also hold grudges, so if you startle your furry friend, she’ll remember it.

Give Your Bunny Time

Love comes with time, and only after trust has been established. You don’t want to force attention on Floppy. Never chase her, corner her, or do anything else that could frighten her.

Don’t Pick Your Bunny Up Unnecessarily

Never pick Floppy up if she doesn’t want to be held, unless of course you have to move her or get her into her carrier. It didn’t help the Abominable Snow Man befriend Bugs Bunny, and it won’t help you! You may think your pet is the cutest thing ever—and she very well may be—but if you overpower her, you’ll only frighten her. In fact, many rabbits don’t like being held at all. Chances are, your furry buddy will be much happier just sitting next to you.

Offer Your Rabbit Lots Of Toys

Rabbits are very playful. (We probably don’t have to tell you how adorable they are when they’re feeling frisky.) They also have open-rooted teeth, which means they need to chew a lot. Put these two things together, and you have an adorable pet that needs quite a lot of toys, including plenty of safe, suitable chew toys. You can certainly find great ones in stores, but you can also make them yourself at home.

There are a few caveats here, though. Make sure to only use safe materials. Paper, cardboard, wood, and wicker items are typically fine. You can also do quite a bit with the cardboard tubes from paper towel or toilet paper rolls. Stuff them with crumpled up paper balls, grass hay, shredded paper, or safe herbs. Or, cut them into little circles and then reassemble them into little balls. Don’t give your pet anything with sharp edges, plastic parts, or strings, and definitely avoid anything made from materials that could be toxic. Ask your Exeter, CA vet for more information. 

Take Time To Learn Bunny Body Language

If you’re a first-time bunny owner, it may behoove you to learn a bit about bunny body language. Rabbits express themselves nonverbally, but it does take a practiced eye to know what to look for. For instance, if your pet isn’t feeling well, she may whimper, grunt, grind her teeth, or shrink away and withdraw. A happy bun might head butt you, lick you, or flop down beside you.

There are also quite a few individual traits. Some rabbits snort when they are mad: others do this when they’re excited. One bun may thump her paw angrily if you pick up her favorite toy, while another may thump to request treats or playtime. Take time to get to know Floppy.

Provide Great Care

At the end of the day, what matters most is taking good care of your pet. Animals become attached to those who care for them, and show them love and kindness. Rabbits are no exception! 

Talk to your vet and get some tips on basic rabbit care. That includes things like cage setup, common illnesses, diet recommendations, and other care tips. We’re always happy to help!

You don’t have to spend hours every day fawning over your rabbit, but you should keep a close eye on her and spend time with her every day. Rabbits need several hours of free time daily. Don’t be surprised if your cute pet completely melts your heart. Rabbits are really, really good at that!

Let Your Bunny Take Their Time

Dogs and cats can form immediate attachments, but rabbits don’t bond very quickly. It may take a little while for your furry pal to get used to you. Love takes time!  

Make An Appointment At Our Exeter, CA Pet Hospital

Do you have questions about bunny care? Have you just adopted a pet rabbit? Please feel free to contact us, your Exeter, CA animal clinic, at any time! We are dedicated to offering top-notch care.