The Delicate Nature of Rabbits
As you probably know, rabbits are prey animals. This means their instincts are simply to run, it’s what they do best. Even if there is no real danger, if they feel uneasy in any sense, they will run. This instinct is much different from dogs or cats because they are natural predators. Meaning, they do the hunting, they have confidence to enter a room and not fear for their life. This is why dogs and cats are generally much more relaxed than rabbits. It is important to recognize that it is not entirely your fault if your rabbit seems to be afraid of you, it is simply their instinctive nature.
With this in mind, try to think about the times you have approached your rabbit and it was unsuccessful. What about that approach do you think caused your rabbit any fear? It is helpful to analyze our behavior before blaming the rabbit because it is an easy fix for us, rabbits can’t simply change their instincts.
Improperly approaching a rabbit not only causes fear but also causes great stress. If rabbits are in a constant state of stress it will cause great harm in the long term. It can be difficult to understand why simply walking up to a rabbit causes so much fear but think of it this way… Imagine you are just relaxing in your living room at home when you notice a strange person on your porch. Then they abruptly enter your home and begin to approach you. Before they even enter your home you are probably starting to freak out and plan an escape. Once they enter, you are probably already on your way to the nearest exit because you don’t know if they are armed or not. It is the same way with rabbits- when YOU approach THEM you are entering their personal space and they have no idea what your intentions are.
If you have ever tried and failed to approach a rabbit, don’t be discouraged. If you have failed in the past you can always improve in the future you just have to put in the effort to restore your relationship with your rabbit, there are many ways you can put your rabbit at ease before you approach.
Perfect Timing: When to Approach a Rabbit
There are multiple factors to consider when approaching your rabbit, one of which is timing. Just like us, rabbits have varying activity levels throughout the day. Rabbits are not nocturnal but they have the highest energy in the evening and early morning and the lowest from mid-morning to afternoon. It is best to approach them when they are active and not trying to hide, sleep, or eat. Rabbits need alone time just as much as they need attention so it is best to let them relax while they have low energy and approach when they want attention.
It is also important to pay attention to any signs of stress or fear in your rabbit. This can look like hiding, freezing, or being extra watchful. Anything that shows signs of nervousness would indicate it is not a good time to approach. If you pay attention to your rabbit’s body language and approach it accordingly, your bunny will have much more trust in you.
Understanding Bunny Language: Interpreting Rabbit Behaviour
Body language is a rabbit’s main form of communication because they make limited vocal sounds. Because of this, it is our job as rabbit owners to listen to their expressions, behaviors, and reactions to interpret what they are thinking and feeling.
It is not very difficult to know when a rabbit is upset, they will make it very obvious. They may thump their hind legs or make a low growling noise to get your attention. Sometimes they lay flat on the ground with their ears pinned back. Or they will simply swat at you with their front paws. All these are very CLEAR signs they do not want to be approached. The signs of a content rabbit are a little less obvious. It could look like playfully running and jumping around or simply lying sprawled out on the floor like the image above. The biggest sign of a content rabbit is a lack of stress. If your rabbit is doing anything that doesn’t require them to defend themself like playing or relaxing they are most likely happy.
It is just important to be patient and attentive to learn your rabbits’ behavior. Over time your rabbit will gain trust and bond with you and not fear your approach, if done correctly.
Slow and Steady: Techniques for Approaching a Rabbit
Now on to the correct way to approach a rabbit…
- Slow Movements:
- The first step to approaching a rabbit is moving slowly so your rabbit does not think you are trying to “get” them in any way. Even if your goal is to eventually pick your rabbit up, do not start with it. Remember, as a prey animal, being picked up is one of the first signs of death. We do not want to stress our rabbits out so it is important to move slowly and lovingly.
- Moving slowly allows your rabbit to feel more in control like they can run away if needed.
- Get on their level:
- It is important not to tower over your rabbit and expect a positive response. To show rabbits you are not a threat, get on their level.
- After slowly entering the room you will want to sit or even lay on the floor in the general area of the rabbit but not too close, let them come to you.
- Rabbits are generally very curious animals and once they feel comfortable they will eventually want to explore you. Once the rabbit comes up to you, you can begin petting them.
- Soft Speaking:
- Sudden movements or loud noises are easily frightening to rabbits. This is why being quiet, gentle, and speaking softly will greatly help your rabbit relax.
- Your rabbit wants to hear your voice, they want attention, just in a gentle way. Talking to your rabbit will help them recognize you and feel familiar and comfortable with you.
- Calming music can also help set a relaxing mood.
Building trust doesn’t happen overnight, it takes many little positive interactions to create a bond. One way to help with this is using treats or toys so they remember that they enjoy interactions with you. This is called a positive association.
From Frightened Bunny to Cuddly Companion: Building Trust with a Rabbit
The basis of any relationship is trust, if your rabbit trusts you, you should feel very honored. It is not easy to gain the trust of a frightened rabbit, but once you do it is a very rewarding feeling. However, it is not a one-and-done deal, it takes consistency and time to keep that bond strong. The way to keep the bond consistent is to be aware of your rabbits’ behaviors and act accordingly to make sure they feel secure. It’s the same as if your friend tells you they don’t like it when you do something, you are going to stop if you want to keep the relationship. The same goes for rabbits, if you respect them, they will respect you.
Once you have established a bond with a rabbit, it feels much deeper and more rewarding than with a dog. Because you know you had to work to build it, and you saw a change in your rabbits’ behavior to go from skittish to sociable. It is not easy and it is sometimes very frustrating, but it is always worth it!
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments about approaching a rabbit. I am more than happy to help!