I adopted a rabbit 2 weeks ago and its previous owner did not give it any human contact or attention. My rabbit is a female and she is pretty smart and got litterbox-trained in no time but refuses anyone to pat or carry her, what should i do?
2007-09-10 06:03:46 · 6 answers · asked by Negm 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
first of all well done for adopting. i adopted a rabbit after its previous owners gave it up for being agressive. taming could take a long time but its worth it.
The safest initial approach with rabbits is to begin by stroking the top of the head. Do not offer your hand for a bunny to sniff the way you would to a dog, because most seem to find this gesture offensive and may attack. Most buns also do not like having the tips of their noses or chins touched. Their feet also tend to be ticklish.The amount of time you spend on the floor with your bun can determine how much attention they'll let you give them. While some rabbits are naturally affectionate and love to be petted for hours, others require that you first cultivate a relationship of trust and expectation. Quality time for these rabbits must be given on a regular basis, so that they come to expect a certain level of interaction. (Picking the right time to pet or play is important too; some only like to be touched when relaxed.) I always used to lure my rabbit out of his cage and pet him while he fed from my hand.. associating petting with good food. he could hop into his cage at any time and be 'safe'.
some websites (sorry but i dont understand how to copy links!)
www.clickertraining.com
www.aspca.org
www.rabbit.org
good luck..
2007-09-10 09:12:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are rabbit treats, yogurt, in the pet shops and Wal-Mart. Mine love them and will take them from my hand. It will take time as this bunny has not been handled. Talk to her in a soft voice and give her a treat, NOT Lettuce!! She'll get the runs. Baby carrots are also good. NOT too many, don't want her to get sick. You may put a towel on your lap and let her sit with you while you watch TV. Put a treat on the towel and she'll get used to that. Again, this will take weeks of calmness for her to get to know you aren't going to hurt her.
My best to the both of you and good for you to take this rabbit into your home.
2007-09-10 06:25:12 · answer #2 · answered by Suzy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have two rabbits myself and the previous owner berly gave them attention either....... any chance u get just pet them on the back dont try to hand feed just yet cuz she could bite you so make sure if you do create space between you and the food and put ur other hand against her nose so she can pick up your scent.. do this b/c if she recognizes u. she knows she can trust u then try picking her up but if she trys to kick away let her go and keep petting her till she starts to stop when you pick her up then put her on your lapand keep petting her when shes able to relax with u then u can start just caring her around but be patient b/c if u hurt her in anyway shell lose all trust for u
2007-09-10 08:32:13 · answer #3 · answered by Sulfina B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont force her to be picked up she doesnt trust people yet.
tempt her to the front of the cage with some treats and show her you wont hurt her.
try brushing her rabbits love this!!
good luck
2007-09-10 07:01:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
somewhat there's a one word answer on your question...."persistence." No humorous tale! basically take a cracker, carrot, apple, banana, or maybe though and carry it out to the rabbit. ultimately it gets used to you and you will cope with it.
2016-10-18 13:20:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i find that just laying on the floor and letting them hop all over you is a good way to get new bunnies to trust you, but if it dosnt hop near you, then i dont know
2007-09-10 09:54:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋