Rabbits can be great pets.They are nervous and need a lot of care before they are comfortable with you.It is important to pet your rabbit for the first few times.When you've gained trust, petting your rabbit will be easier.
Step 1: Let the rabbit know that you're on your way.
rabbits are prey animalsIf you startle them, they will run away because they are used to being hunted.You should always warn your rabbit that you're approaching so he doesn't get frightened.Don't go behind the rabbit.Give your rabbit a signal if you enter the room and he is facing away from you.Light kissing noises can be made.He won't feel like you're trying to sneak up on him.
Step 2: Keep your head low as you approach your rabbit.
Even if they already know you're there, rabbits can be startled by something large.If your rabbit is not used to being handled yet, approach slowly and try to stay low.As you approach, make sure you don't startling your rabbit.
Step 3: The rabbit will come to you when you are down.
It's a good idea to grab your rabbit or force him to come over.The rabbit should come to you if you're close enough.He wants to come over to you if you allow him to move at his own pace.It will be easier for you to pet him, play with him and pick him up.If your rabbit is new to the house, he might be hesitant to approach you.It's important that he doesn't come to you.Continue this process for a few days to make sure he is comfortable when you start petting him.
Step 4: Show the rabbit your hand.
Place the rabbit at eye level and off to the side.Allow the rabbit to sniff your hand.If you just got your rabbit and he isn't used to you yet, you might want to give him a treat.Hand-feeding will teach your rabbit that you aren't a threat and that he can approach you safely.
Step 5: If you are showing the rabbit your hand, be careful.
If you do it wrong, you could scare your rabbit.Make sure your rabbit is comfortable and happy during this process.Don't back your hand to the rabbit's front end.When he sees your hand approaching, you'll scare him.Rabbits can't see under their jaw or in front of their face.If your rabbit sees it coming, bring your hand in from the side.Don't put your hand below the rabbit's nose.While presenting your hand under the jaw shows submission to dogs and cats, it has the opposite presentation in rabbits, as a dominant rabbit will approach another and demand to be groomed by the other.If you approach a nervous rabbit this way, it will likely make it more nervous, and if you do this to a territorial or dominant rabbit, you might get nipped.
Step 6: Before petting your rabbit, make sure it is comfortable.
rabbits can have nervous dispositions and may not enjoy getting a pet unless they are prepared.It is a sign that your rabbit is open to being a pet.Don't touch your rabbit until he approaches you.
Step 7: The right place to pet your rabbit is here.
Rabbits know where they are touched.Their favorites are on the cheeks, forehead, shoulders, and back.These are areas where rabbits groom each other, so they'll appreciate you petting them here.Make sure your rabbit has a good experience by sticking with these areas.Don't rub their chins.Unlike cats or dogs, rabbits don't like getting their chins scratched and it puts you in easy reach to receive a bite.Try not to pet your rabbit's stomach or paws as they are vulnerable areas.
Step 8: Pick up your rabbit with care.
Rabbits need to be gradually introduced to being picked up.They have to get used to it.If your rabbit has never been picked up before, don't try to get him right away.Pick up a Rabbit has an explanation on how to pick him up.
Step 9: Pay attention to your bunny's mood.
Your rabbit will tell you if he's happy.Pay close attention to the signals because you wouldn't want your rabbit to like something.Light tooth clicking indicates that your rabbit is happy.Rolling over, climbing on you, placing his head on the ground, licking, and nudging you with his nose indicates happiness and desire for attention.If your rabbit does these things, keep petting him.Growling and grunting indicate fear or pain.Put him down until he gets used to it.Rabbits can put out their front feet like they're going to punch you.If your rabbit does this, you should leave him alone because it means it wants to look at something higher up and needs a better view.Let your rabbit go if he tries to get away.It will make it worse if he is forced to play.Let him rest before he tries to play again.
Step 10: When you're done, put your rabbit back in his cage.
Young rabbits can be defiant and resist going into their cages.Since it can be dangerous to pick up your rabbit abruptly, you should only force him into his cage if it's an emergency.Rabbits will usually go into their cages on their own.If you need to get them inside in a hurry, place a treat in the cage.It's important to make sure your rabbit is comfortable going back in the cage.If you want to know how to set up your rabbit's cage and what treats are safe to give him, read Raise a Healthy Bunny.Don't force him out of the cage.Rabbits like to retreat to a space that they can relax in.They will come out on their own when they want to.If you suspect your rabbit may be hurt or sick, leave him alone.Allow him to come out when he wants to.