i've had my rabbit for 4 years and she still wont trust me... what should i do?

Answer 1

Rabbits can be very shy and wary, but I don't think it is too late. Bunnies have very different personalities and she may just be standoffish.
I don't know what you have been doing, but maybe just start over. Let your bunny come out of her cage or room on her own and just sit quietly on the floor and ignore her...don't pet her or touch her or try to pick her up...just let her explore you. This can take quite a while, but let her explore you on her terms. I've heard that just sitting there and talking on the phone is a good thing to do. After a time when she seems more comfortable, give her head a small pat....approach her from the side not head on as that scares bunnies. Quick pat and stop. Continue this until you can give her a longer pet.
Here is a great site about winning over a shy bunny - we used these tips with one of ours:
http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/shybun.html
And here's another about an aloof bunny:
http://www.rabbit.org/journal/1/aloof.html

Good luck with your bunny

Answer 2

Always remember that rabbits are very sensitive and feel vulnerable, and as a result want to be very aware of their surroundings. Just lay on the ground for a minute and look at the world from their eyes, and you'll understand better why they're so sensitive and a little insecure - everything looks so big from their viewpoint!

The very best way to get closer to your rabbits is to sit on the floor/ground while you let them explore, and they'll eventually come and explore you - and have some food with you, so that when they approach you, you can show them that you're a friend with this food - a little slice of carrot, or apple, or banana. But don't try to force them, wait until they approach you. Another thing you can try is laying on your stomach ... when we do this, our bunn comes right up to my face and sits on the floor in front of me. But this will only happen when they've had plenty of hours and days to explore first! The longer you have them in your company, the more they will become familiar with your room, and then will settle down, sit down and relax, and then you can pet them. Another tip, keep things the same around your room, so that they don't have to begin their explorations from scratch every time. Bunnies need their areas to be the same every day ... this is how they feel safest and become calmest and more interested in you.

Here's a few excellent articles on rabbit care, behaviour and communication -
http://www.muridae.com/rabbits/rabbittal... - this one is SO good - how to translate bunny behaviour and language!

Additionally, here's a few articles on aggressive rabbits and how to deal with them -
http://www.rabbit.org/journal/3-3/age-related-behavior.html
http://www.rabbit.org/journal/2-2/mean-rabbit.html
http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/aggression.html

And more general info -
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AmVwuwYeeKDZ58Zd.L169SLsy6IX?qid=20060725170557AAUOWsu
http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/rabbits/a/?once=true&
http://www.tagyerit.com/hopline/cold.htm
http://www.rabbit.org/
http://www.houserabbit.co.uk/
http://au.geocities.com/leaswebsite/bunnyhouserabbits.html - this is my site - please have a browse and enjoy!

Answer 3

with experience iv learnt that rabbits are very weary animals, just like chinchillas. the best way to gain their trust is to do things partially they're way. be patient and gentle. Also, be more loving and caring. and sometimes you just have to hold them on your shoulder and stroke them. when a rabbit trusts you she will show this by coming up to you occasionally when let free, she won't be scared or jumpy when you try to stroke her.

Answer 4

You need to describe what you mean by it not trusting you. That is a very vague description. Rabbits are normally very wary animals since they are hunted by many predators.

Answer 5

1. By four years, it's too late.
2. If it isn't your fault, don't fret. Rabbits are naturally fickle and bity creatures.

Answer 6

Now what kind of responses do you think you will get with that question?

Answer 7

me nither??????