If you find a wild rabbit on your property, you may want to catch him and tame him.Wild rabbits are not usually tame even with lots of training.Unless you are with a wildlife rehabilitation center, most states have a law against keeping wild animals as pets.Ask your doctor to let you know what the rules are.If you want to catch a rabbit so you can relocate it to a safer place, there are ways to help tame him.
Step 1: Prepare for it to run.
Rabbits are more stressed than other animals.If you try to approach the rabbit, it will most likely run away from you.Running away to a place of safety is the first survival defense.Don't try to stop the rabbit from running.This will make it more stressed.This can lead to its death, since rabbits can suffer a heart attack or go into shock, which can cause its gut to suck up food and cause it to starve.
Step 2: Don't lie down with it.
If you want the rabbit to get used to you and not see you as hostile, you should reduce your height.This will make it seem less threatening.Do not react to her at first.It may take hours to sit immobile for as long as it takes.She may take multiple tries as she gets used to you.
Step 3: Do not smell like other animals.
She may not approach you if you smell like a dog or cat.Before you go outside, make sure you wash your hands and put on freshly washed clothes.
Step 4: You should leave a trail of food.
When you are trying to get the rabbit to trust you, leave a trail of tasty food.This includes leafy green like dandelions and carrot slices.This will allow it to trust you and be able to tame it.
Step 5: Don't talk too much to it.
If you want to tame the rabbit, talk to it in a low voice.It will be soothed and not cause more alarm.Don't make loud noises or shout at the rabbit.This will cause it to run away.
Step 6: Deal with a frightened animal.
She may freeze if you scare her.A rabbit is able to fool the predator into thinking it is dead or hiding.She doesn't want you to pick it up if the rabbit approaches you this way.She is scared.It's not a good idea to help the rabbit by picking it up in this state.This will cause major problems for it.This can cause a heart attack or death.
Step 7: Don't lift them up.
Don't lift the rabbit in the air if you pick it up.Picking it up is frightening because rabbits are ground dwellers.This can cause a heart attack or shock.If you pick it up, you may hurt the rabbit's legs permanently.
Step 8: Pick the trap that's right for you.
If you want to catch the rabbit without handling it, make a humane trap for it.Talk to the local wildlife society or animal welfare charity to see if they have one.You can buy one at the store.A cardboard box can be used to make a box trap.To make this trap, prop a box up on a stick and poke a hole in it.Then, tie a carrot or other treat from a string and loop it through the hole and tie it to a stick.The box will come down when the rabbit grabs the treat.
Step 9: Tasty food can be placed inside.
Put some treats inside the cage for the rabbit to eat.Vegetables include carrots, leafy greens, or dandelion leaves.
Step 10: It's best to put it in a safe place.
If you want the rabbit to come to your trap, you need to protect it.The rabbit will feel safe coming to your trap and eating the food you left in it.
Step 11: You should put it out at the right time.
Make sure your traps are fresh and ready when rabbits are most active at sunrise and sunset.You should check the traps after these times to see if you were able to catch them.
Step 12: Relocate the trap.
If you catch the rabbit, cover the trap with a blanket.Pick up the trap and then move it to a new location so the rabbit can run out.Wherever you send it, make sure it is safe for rabbits.Ask your local animal control facility for advice.