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How to deal with my bunny?
So I recently got a cute little dwarf rabbit as a present from a friend and I honestly have no idea how to take care of her/him (the gender is unidentified since (s)he's only about 3 months old). I did some research but due to my inexperience with rabbits, I have no idea of what to do. I got the gist of it, I suppose, but there's still a lot in which I need to be advised on. My bunny is very hyper when I let him/her out, running everywhere really quickly and doing twists in the air. I don't think (s)he likes me, though, since (s)he refuses to allow me to put her/him back into the cage. As soon as (s)he spots me, she dashes off and avoids me at all costs. Can anyone give me some tips on what to do? I'm also wondering what I can do to bond with him/her more? I mean, (s)he licks me when (s)he's in the cage but refuses to let me touch him/her once (s)he's let out. There's one incident in which (s)he just dropped down to her/his side with his/her mouth gaping open and laid there extremely still for awhile. I don't know what that is, but it scared me so badly. Can someone please tell me what that is? Is (s)he sick?
Thank you for any replies and tips!
I understand that rabbits are hard to take care of. They're not just cuddly animals who likes being picked up and coddled - in fact, most despise that, especially mine. They require time and patience LIKE ANY OTHER ANIMAL. I don't see why you had felt the need to point that out to me. I have taken him/her to vet who gave me very generic advices, such as they need exercise and proper food. Taking care of rabbits take time just like being a first time pet owner to any other animal. Thanks, Kaitlyn
Thanks, Kaitlyn. Your advice did help. I just kinda oppose to what Ponzi had said when this person told me to give my bunny away due to my inexperience as a pet owner. If that was true, who would even have pets in the first place? There's a first time pet experience for everybody, and as long as my bunny is safe and healthy (and apparently happy according to Kaitlyn), I don't see a reason as to why I should give him/her up.
3 Answers
- 7 years ago
Take your rabbit to the vet so they can check on your rabbit, and give you any tips you need to take care of it.
For Bonding:
Understand what rabbits are not. Because they look like cuddly toys, many people automatically assume rabbits love being hugged and petted, but they don't. This is an extremely important step; if you try and cuddle your pet constantly, he/she will be terrified of you and you will never be able to make friends.
Get him/her used to your voice. Sit next to his cage every day for a few hours, reading out loud, absently chatting while you check your emails, even saying nonsensical words as you do something else. It doesn't matter what you say; just keep your voice calm, relatively quiet, and friendly. Try not to shout near your rabbit. When you think your bunny is no longer frightened of your voice, go on to the next step. Remember not to rush it!
Remove distractions. Get everyone and everything that might cause a distraction out of the room containing your bunny - no pets, music, etc. Try to push most of the furniture against the walls for now. Make sure there are no hazards that may harm your bunny, such as trailing cables, small spaces under furniture where he may get stuck, etc. It may be a good idea to carry the cage up to the bathroom or another small space and block spaces behind toilets, furniture, etc. for the next steps
Open the door to your rabbit's cage. The door must remain open throughout this step, every time you do it. This is so that if the rabbit feels frightened, he has a safe place to go to. Make sure he can get in and out comfortably.
Sit or lie down on the floor, near the cage. Have a small treat in your hand, such as a tiny piece of apple, a small pinch of oats, or a tiny piece of banana. These foods are treats only and should not be offered often!
Do a quiet activity, such as reading, writing, even meditating. Just stay quiet and don't move around too much or too suddenly
Try stroking him. When he seems absolutely comfortable in such close quarters with you, start talking quietly, reaching out your hand. Let him see it. Don't hold your hand directly in front of him; rabbit's eyes are on the sides of their head, and he may be unable to see your hand and feel uncomfortable.
gently stroke him between his ears. Remember to keep talking. If the rabbit seems frightened or uncomfortable, pull your hand away slowly. It may help if you make a low humming noise, as rabbits sometimes use this noise to communicate with each other.
Keep stroking him and letting him investigate you and the room. You can offer another tiny treat. Do not chase your bunny. Stay as quiet as possible. If the bunny hops back into his cage, let him. If you want to leave, slowly and gently close the door, talking all the while, and leave the room
If a bunny is acting very hyper or doing twists that means she is very happy:D let her out more thats why she doesn't like going back in
Repeat this every day. Hope this helped :)
Source(s): I own a bunny:) - Anonymous7 years ago
Hello well I own 3 rabbits one bout to have babies. but as for the running thing the twists n stuff means (s)he's happy! So that's great! But at for the catching thing I've learned the more freedom rabbits have the wilder they get. So as for letting my rabbits out in the fenced field I only do it bout 3-4 times a week. Although I still have trouble catching them but I trained my retriever to herd them in to their pen with no harm. But when I put them back to regular cage they become sweet again so it's just a matter of freedom I'm my opinion. I had this 1 free range rabbit sweetest thing but after a month of roaming fee she turned VERY mean. Any way as for the freedom thing I warn u cuz too much Lead to a wild rabbit! But as for the care thing u should take her to a vet. But it's really not heard just make sure she has food and water salt n chewing blocks. If u don't have a salt lick just go ahead and put salt in her water not to much tho. And loads of attention!!!! :D
Source(s): Hope it was helpful!! :D - 7 years ago
Rabbits should never be gifts. They require time and work and are not as easy as everyone thinks they are. The vet should be able to check your rabbit and give tips+advice. I encourage for you to give your rabbit to a new home if you really cannot take proper care of him.