Tips to Get Rabbits Bonding with Humans

Keeping a rabbit as a pet can be an incredibly warm and rewarding experience, especially once you have bonded. For bonding to be successful, you must first accept that your rabbit isn't like other pets, and that you have to accept the level of bonding at which your rabbit is comfortable with. Forced bonding attempts cause stress, and stress is very dangerous for rabbits. It may also cause them to lash out and potentially never bond. But don't worry, there are several things you can do to promote proper bonding with your furry friend.

Have Your Rabbit Spayed or Neutered

Young rabbits can be very aggressive and territorial, and they may scratch or bite you when you try to bond with them. Spaying and neutering helps both the behavior and the health of your young rabbit. It also helps them to bond not only with you but also with other rabbits if you add them to the family.

Be Patient

The most important first step in bonding with your rabbit is taking your time. You cannot expect your rabbit to simply hop in your lap and let you pet them. Forcing the issue may cause your rabbit to become afraid of human contact and could lead to never bonding. Sit quietly with your rabbit and let them come to you. Don't make any loud noises that may startle them. If you have children, spend time explaining rabbit behavior to them before their introduction and make sure to be there with your children until they are bonded with the rabbit.

Don't Insist on Holding

Rabbits do like to be physically close but may draw the line at holding. The best way to snuggle with your bunny is to get down on the ground or floor with them. Let them come to you and do some exploring, and they may just surprise you and crawl in your lap anyway.

Use Treats

Rabbits love to eat, and they love to socialize. Give your rabbit small carrot chunks or special treats like apple or willow chew sticks as you are getting to know each other. Taking food from you will help build the trust you need for a successful bonding experience.

Play With Your Rabbit

Rabbits love a good play session, and if you participate instead of just watching, it can increase your chances of bonding. Don't just toss down a chew toy. Sit down and wag the chew toy near your bunny and let their natural curiosity take over. Getting down and pretending to be a rabbit yourself is a fun way to become friends. Just be careful not to make any sudden moves or loud noises that your bunny might find threatening.

Learn to Recognize Fear

All rabbits tend toward skittish, but some become more easily frightened than others. If your rabbit is tensed up and looks ready to bolt, skip any bonding activities you may have planned. Watch to be sure they aren't widening their eyes or flattening their ears as you approach. The best time to bond with your rabbit is when they are already feeling a bit playful and jumping around.

Keep Your Rabbit's Cage Clean

Rabbits don't like a dirty house any more than people do. Not only is a dirty cage no fun to hang out in, but it can also lead to serious health issues for your rabbit. Clean the cage regularly, replace soiled litter, hay and bedding immediately, and make sure their food and water dishes are clean and free from debris. These steps can help keep your rabbit healthy and happy, and a healthy, happy rabbit is more likely to want to bond with their special human.

Feed Your Rabbit a Healthy Diet

As with a clean cage, a proper diet leads to a healthier, happier rabbit that will be more open to bonding with their human. Make sure you are matching the type of hay you feed them to their age and give them treats that promote rabbit health like greens and herbs along with treats like chew sticks that promote dental health. A rabbit with unhealthy teeth may not only be in pain, but they may also not be able to properly eat their food. This can interfere with any other bonding activities you may undertake.

Start your bonding experience with your rabbit off right by ordering farm fresh hay and healthy chew toys shipped straight to your door from RabbitHoleHay.com. A healthy, happy rabbit will look forward to hopping around with their loving human.