My husband got me two rabbits for my birthday off craigs list. They are full grown and are slowly commming about. The original owner could not take care of them anymore. Is there any way to make them feel welcome, or less scared? I don't want them to be afraid of us forever.
2006-09-13 05:11:11 · 7 answers · asked by natalie c 3 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
The biggest thing to do is just go very slowly. Talk to them constantly so that they can get used to your voices. See to their needs (food, water, clean bedding, hay, etc..) so that they know they can depend on you for those. Building trust with rabbits can be a slow process depending on their level of trust with their last owners. As long as they had good experiences before, they should warm up pretty quickly. Keep up the good work! You can also check out the House Rabbit Society website. They have some wonderful information on everything to do with keeping bunnies happy! www.rabbit.org
2006-09-13 05:19:37 · answer #1 · answered by Kellye B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Something you could also consider doing is to rabbit proof your home. This, of course, all depends on your current situation...whether or not you have children...other pets. etc. But you can pull all electrical chords off the floor, check for any stray nails or staples...make sure that anything they would run into would be safe. Then you can proceed to litterbox train them (if you have any questions on how best to do that, you can write me raevynrosexxx@yahoo.com) and then begin to let them have run of the house. (start with one room at a time) That will give them the freedom to move around, get used to your daily activities and they'll slowly get used to having you around.
Keep in mind that rabbits are surprisingly territorial...their cage/hutch is their home. Its their safe area and do your best to never reach in. This is an invasion of their "room". Everyone needs their private space, right? Only reach in to clean it or give them food. Other than that, if you want to take them out...open the door (if it isn't a top-opening cage) and walk a little ways away so they dont feel threatened. Let them make the choice to come out on their own. As time passes, they'll begin to understand that they can roam around the house a little and they'll begin to see you as part of their "warren".
I usually let the rabbit out and lay down in the middle of the floor on my back (i usually read at this time) in a very very non threatening position. (Its all animal language. An animal that is prey or predator will never lay on its back. The belly is what all animals protect...so if the rabbit sees you in this position, he/she will feel safer.) After a little while, they'll usually come to you...sniff around, maybe nip you a bit and they'll warm up to you over time.
Also, the idea about giving them treats is a good one. Just be sure you're feeding them things that are safe. Again, you can write me if you'd like. Also, rabbits have a very delicate digestive system and you dont want to hurt them with too many treats.
Good luck!!
2006-09-13 08:12:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The fastest way to a bunny's heart is through its stomache.
You can sit near or with them, either in a pen or another area you have set up for them for exercise. You want to start slowly by doing things like giving them treats from your hand. They will likely take it from your hand and go running the other direction from you. But it will help build trust. With time you can get a couple pets of the rabbit in before they skurry off. Most rabbits don't like to be held, mine tolerates it. So don't try to pick them up unless you have to, and when you do pick them up make sure that their feet are protected. Rabbits can be very panicie animals so you have to take everything slowly, and try to show them that you are a friend. When they see that you feed them and take care of them they may even come up to you for snuggles. Just take things slow and try to respond to how they react to you.
2006-09-13 05:24:44 · answer #3 · answered by Lady 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're rabbits shy or fearful, it's due to a genetic predisposition. If you have a cage, place the cage in a higher location to allow the rabbit a better point of surveilance. Let it roam around you're house for a bit so it knows the place. If you're approaching the cage, speak in a calm voice and offer it treats such as greens. If possible, place the rabbit on your rabbit and gently stroke and cuddle it. Never hit them also.
2006-09-14 15:55:16 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just give them time. I would defintely bring them to a vet for a check-up just make sure they are healthy. You can buy a large exercise pen and sit in it with them and read. Don't touch them just let them sniff and poke you. You should consider fixing them too because unspayed females have a very high cancer rate. Read the book The House Rabbit Handbook and go to these websites.
2006-09-13 05:20:06 · answer #5 · answered by sugarcarat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
congrats on ur bunny! i in basic terms were given a guinea pig at the moment, so im the following 4 u! sturdy success! nicely my suggestion is to save it in its abode 4 about a week yet take it out each and every 2 hours so it receives used to being taken out of its cage. then take it out for a walk about each and every 3 hours.(if u dont wanna ought to sparkling the cage for poop and pee, then take it out each and every time u favor) make positive u provide it a lot of interest and love and make positive that u dont spoil it to a lot on the first week:) brush it oftentimes, and sparkling it with a moist paper towel(or provide it a bathtub if u favor) sturdy success desire this facilitates:)
2016-11-26 21:23:56 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do not, and i repeat, do not attempt cooking them or performing any acts that may seem either aggressive or .................
2006-09-13 05:19:38 · answer #7 · answered by Michael H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋