Gaining Trust
Keep the noise down
Too much noise will make rabbits run and hide. If a rabbit is new to your home, make sure you take the time to be particularly quiet at the start so your bunny does not feel threatened. Rabbits need somewhere safe to hide so they don't injure themselves if startled (a cardboard box, under the coffee table). Rabbits don't mind noise like tv or radio and they enjoy listening to your voice so chat on the phone or chat to your bunny.
Leave us alone
Just for a while anyway, to get to know our surroundings. Too much attention at the start can confuse and worry us.
Avoid the "pick up & cuddle"
All bunnies love affection and attention but being picked up is not the way to go. Imagine being lifted up so high that you can't see the floor! There is a serious risk when picking up your bunny that s/he will panic and jump out of your arms. If you need to pick up your bunny to move him or her to a new spot, make sure you cradle your bunny on your chest while all four feet are against your body and are not left hanging. Hold them very secure until you have reached your destination. It is recommended to squat down low to the floor before releasing your bunny as there is less chance of injury.
Get down on ground level
This is the best way to get to know your bunny. Try sitting on the floor and wait for your bunny to come to you. Rabbits are an inquisitive bunch and love to check everything out. If you're right there on the floor with them, guaranteed they'll be giving you the once-over in no time!
Offer yummy food
If you want a bunny to cover over to you, offer something yummy like continental parsley or a leaf of bok choy. You can offer maybe one sultana or a piece of apple occasionally as we all love sweet things but too much can hurt our tummies & our teeth.
Do not yell or scold
NEVER yell or hit a rabbit. Rabbits will only be repelled by aggression. They will retreat from you and never trust you.
Get a friend
If you find that you have a very shy bunny, getting a friend can be a good idea. A quiet bunny usually will gain much more confidence when they have a bunny friend to live with.
Rabbits are naturally nervous animals and they need a person who understands their needs. It's not the rabbit that needs to adjust, in most cases, it will be the human. Rabbits make wonderful companions for the right person. Rabbits do not interact with people like cats or dogs, so to learn more about rabbits & to elp gain your bunny's trust, here's a few tips on "bunny whispering" -
