Befriending Your Rabbit

Start on the floor

Rabbits feel safest at ground level. Sit or lie down in your bunny’s space, read a book, and let them explore you on their own terms.

• Stay still. Let your rabbit sniff, hop over you or ignore you. All of those are good signs.
• Keep your hands low and visible. Reaching down from above can look like a hawk. Offer a flat hand at nose level instead.
• Talk softly. Loud noises and sudden movements can send a rabbit running.
• Keep sessions short and regular. A few calm minutes a day beats one long visit.

Share a treat

Food is the quickest way to a rabbit’s heart. Offer a small piece of a leafy green from your hand, and let your bunny decide whether to take it. Check the safe foods checker before offering anything new, and see Rabbit Diet 101 for how treats fit into a healthy diet. Keep treats small, since most of the diet should be hay.

Pet the way rabbits like

• Start with the forehead and cheeks. Many rabbits lower their heads to ask for strokes there.
• Skip the belly, feet and tail. Most rabbits dislike being touched there, and may feel trapped.
• Watch for a flop or soft eyes. A relaxed rabbit may stretch out or close their eyes.
• Stop if your rabbit moves away. Let them leave. Respecting no makes the next yes more likely.

Picking up and holding

Many rabbits dislike being picked up, and that doesn’t mean they don’t like you. Lots of bunnies are happiest with all four feet on the ground, so let them come to you for cuddles on the floor.

• Never lift a rabbit by the ears or scruff. It hurts and can injure them.
• Support the back end. Slide one hand under the chest and the other under the hindquarters, and hold your bunny close to your body.
• Stay low. A strong kick from a frightened rabbit can injure their spine. Sit on the floor while holding them, so a fall is short.
• Supervise children. Young kids should pet rabbits on the floor rather than carry them.

If you want a second rabbit

Many rabbits enjoy company, but pairing them takes patience. Introductions work best on neutral ground, with both rabbits spayed or neutered, and with a barrier between them at first so they can sniff each other safely. Rabbits can fight seriously, so never leave a new pair alone together before they’re bonded. Ask your vet or a rabbit rescue for help with the process.

Troubleshooting

• Hides or runs away. Give your bunny a hideout and more time. Sit nearby without reaching.
• Thumps or freezes. That is fear. Back off and move more slowly.
• Nips or lunges. Rabbits that aren’t fixed can be territorial. Ask your vet about spaying or neutering.

To understand what your bunny is telling you, read Rabbit Body Language. For a rabbit-safe home, see Bunny-Proofing.