Rabbits are loving, kind, and friendly pets. However, they are somewhat skittish animals that require a lot of care and attention before feeling completely comfortable with a person. Therefore, if you have just adopted a rabbit, you will have to earn its trust little by little. When you have his confidence, it will be much easier to caress him, so you can strengthen the bond with your pet.
Come closer little by little
Remember that rabbits are very scary because they are used to being hunted. That means if you scare him, he will instinctively run away. Therefore, you should get closer little by little so that he notices his presence and knows that he is not in danger.
On the other hand, you should not approach from behind the rabbit, as this could scare him. It is better that you give him a signal that you are in the room, or that you speak in a low voice. This way, you won’t feel like you’re at risk.
Next, you will have to show your hand to the rabbit, allowing him to sniff it. It’s also a good idea to give your pet a treat if he’s confident, especially if he’s not used to your presence yet. Remember that feeding is a good exercise to bond with your rabbit, as it will teach him that you are not a threat.
Pet him in the right areas
The best areas to pet your rabbit are the cheeks, forehead, and back. These are the parts where they tend to groom themselves, so he will appreciate it if you pet him there. Therefore, if you still do not have confidence with your pet, it is better that you stick to these areas to ensure that he is happy and has a positive experience.
In contrast, rabbits do not like to be stroked on the chin. You should also avoid stroking their stomach or legs, as these are vulnerable areas for them. Be careful if you don’t want to take a bite!
Pay attention to their mood
Your rabbit will give you signals with its body to indicate if it is happy or not. Therefore, you should respect his space when he is not in a good mood and pay attention to these signs so that little by little he trusts you.
The purr indicates that your rabbit is happy. In the same way, if he climbs on you, puts his head on the ground or licks you, he is also indicating that he is happy. Keep petting your rabbit if he does these things, as that means he is having a good time.
Instead, grunts and squeals suggest fear or pain. You should leave him alone in his cage until he relaxes. Rabbits also sometimes stand up on their hind legs and spread their front legs as if they were going to hit you. This is a defensive stance (but it can also mean you want to look higher up). In any case, you should leave your rodent in the cage if it behaves this way. Keep an eye out!
