How Pet Bunnies Enjoy Being Stroked

Rabbits are prey animals, so they do not like being picked up. However, they can learn to enjoy being stroked. It is important to be gentle and patient and to stroke them only when they are eating something tasty so that they do not associate being touched with running away. Over time, they will learn that being petted is a positive experience.

How to get rabbits used to being petted

It is not uncommon for rabbits to be averse to petting and stroking, especially when they are being approached to be picked up. This behaviour stems from their instinct as prey animals, where being picked up in nature means that they are about to be eaten.

However, with time and patience, your rabbit can learn to enjoy petting and being stroked. Here are some tips to help you get your rabbit accustomed to petting:

• Use treats to earn their trust: Food and treats are the best way to earn your rabbit's trust. Hand-feeding treats will help to speed up the process of gaining your rabbit's trust and will teach them to come to you when called. Just be sure to feed treats in moderation.
• Gentle petting while eating: Try gently petting your rabbit while it is eating something tasty, so it won't consider bolting straight away. Most rabbits like being stroked on their forehead or between the eyes.
• Short petting sessions: Give your rabbit a few strokes, then stop. Do not keep petting until they move, as this will only reinforce their association of being touched with running away. Give them a few seconds, or however long they need, then give them a couple more strokes. Gradually increase the duration of petting as they get more comfortable.
• Do not startle them: Avoid making loud noises or sudden movements, and do not grab or pick up your rabbit suddenly, as this may frighten them.
• Spaying or neutering: If you have two rabbits of the same gender, separate them until they have been spayed or neutered. After they hit puberty (around 3 months old), their hormones can make them aggressive, so they should not be together at this age.
• Avoid picking up: Rabbits do not like being picked up, and their hind legs are incredibly strong. If they kick out, they can break their own backs, so it is best to avoid picking them up unless necessary.
• Be cautious with children: Rabbits are not recommended as pets for small children, as they are loud and like to run around, which can startle rabbits. Additionally, children may accidentally drop or hurt the rabbit if they are not careful.

Remember, every rabbit is unique and has its own personality. Some rabbits may take longer to warm up to petting, so be patient and respect your rabbit's boundaries.

How to get rabbits to like you

Rabbits are prey animals, so they do not like being picked up. However, they can learn to tolerate it if you start by gently petting them while they are eating something tasty, so they won't consider running away. Most rabbits like being stroked on their forehead or between the eyes. Give them a few strokes, then stop. Do not keep petting them until they move, as this will only make them associate being touched with running away. Give them a few seconds, then give them a couple more strokes. You will quickly figure out how much petting they can take before wanting to move away. As they get more comfortable, you can pet them a little more. Before long, they will learn that being petted is a good thing.

Food and treats are the best way to earn a rabbit's trust. Hand-feeding will teach them to come to you when you call them. Many rabbits love craisins, but these should be fed in moderation.

If you have a rabbit that is happy to be stroked, it is probably best not to let your child pick it up. A rabbit's hind legs are incredibly strong, and if they kick out, they can break their own back.

How to get rabbits to come to you

Rabbits are prey animals and can be easily startled by loud noises and sudden movements. They are also naturally wary of being picked up, as this would mean they are about to be eaten by a predator in the wild. Therefore, it is important to approach rabbits in a calm and gentle manner and allow them to come to you. Here are some tips to gain your rabbit's trust and encourage them to approach you:

• Spend time near them: Sit quietly with your rabbits in a safe enclosure and let them approach you in their own time. This will show them that you are not a threat and can be trusted.
• Be at their level: Crouch down to the ground and let the rabbit come to you. Rabbits feel more secure when they are low to the ground, so sitting or lying on the floor can make them feel more comfortable approaching you.
• Make sure they can see your hand: Rabbits have a blind spot right in front of their nose, so always approach them with your hand at least slightly to the side of their head. This will prevent them from getting scared and allow them to see your hand as friendly.
• Approach from above: In a group of rabbits, a dominant rabbit will assert its position by getting in the face of other rabbits. To avoid your rabbit mistaking your hand for a dominant rabbit, approach with your hand held above their head.
• Offer treats: Hand-feeding treats to your rabbit will help them associate you with positive experiences and encourage them to come to you. Rabbits love treats such as craisins, Selective Naturals Meadow Loops, and pineapple (given in moderation).
• Be patient: It may take time for your rabbit to get used to you, especially if they have had negative experiences with human hands in the past. Be consistent and patient in your approach, and over time, your rabbit will learn to trust and feel comfortable coming to you.

What to do if your rabbit doesn't like being picked up

Rabbits are prey animals, so it is in their nature to be wary of any potential threats. Being picked up is not a natural experience for them, and it can often trigger their survival instincts. Even if they know that you mean no harm, their primal instincts can take over, causing them to panic and struggle when handled.

If your rabbit doesn't like being picked up, there are several things you can do to make the experience less stressful for both of you:

• Rebuild trust: Your rabbit associates being picked up with something scary. To change this perception, you need to rebuild trust and break the association between being handled and feeling frightened. Stop picking up your rabbit and give them space. Spend time with your rabbit without attempting to pick them up, allowing them to explore and approach you on their terms.
• Gradual desensitisation: Start by working on getting your rabbit comfortable with your presence and touch. Offer treats and food from your hand to encourage positive associations. Gradually work on touching the areas you would hold when picking them up, such as their chest, shoulders, and bottom. Over time, your rabbit may learn to tolerate being touched in these areas without running away.
• Positive reinforcement: Always reward your rabbit with treats and positive reinforcement when they display calm behaviour during handling. For example, if they allow you to touch their chest without moving away, provide a treat and verbal praise. This will help create positive associations with being handled.
• Slow and gentle movements: Rabbits are sensitive to sudden movements, so always approach and handle them slowly and gently. Avoid making direct eye contact, as this can be perceived as a threat. Instead, approach from the side, slightly turned away, and keep your body language relaxed.
• Use a carrier or box: If you need to move your rabbit, use a pet carrier or box that they can enter voluntarily. Encourage them to enter with treats, and they will soon learn to associate it with rewards. This method can also be used for grooming or health checks, reducing the need for direct handling.
• Get down to their level: Instead of picking your rabbit up, try getting down to their level by sitting or lying on the floor. Allow your rabbit to come to you and approach you for snuggles and pets. This gives them a sense of control and can help build trust.

Remember, it's essential to respect your rabbit's boundaries and comfort level. Some rabbits may never fully enjoy being picked up, but with patience and positive reinforcement, you can help them feel more secure and reduce their stress levels during handling.

How to get rabbits to enjoy being held

Rabbits are naturally sociable and inquisitive, so developing a good relationship with them can be rewarding for both parties. However, rabbits are a prey species, so they are constantly on the lookout for predators and may see you as a threat. This is why they often don't like being held or carried, as it makes them feel insecure and trapped. Nevertheless, there are some things you can do to help your rabbit feel more comfortable with being held.

Socialise Your Rabbit from an Early Age

It is important to get rabbits used to human touch by socialising them early on. Start gently handling baby rabbits when they are over 10 days old, interacting positively with them for a few minutes each day so they associate people with positive experiences. Rabbits who aren't handled regularly from a young age, or who have experienced rough handling, may find human contact distressing.

Move Slowly and Speak Quietly

Move slowly and talk quietly around rabbits so as not to startle them. They are more likely to relax in a calm and quiet environment.

Cover Their Eyes

Covering a rabbit's eyes with a towel or the crook of your arm can help them feel more at ease while being held, but ensure their nostrils aren't blocked.

Hold Them Correctly

It is very important to hold rabbits securely but gently, supporting their back and bottom with one hand at all times. Help them feel secure by holding all four feet against your body. Never pick up a rabbit by its ears or hold it on its back, as this is extremely stressful for them.

Interact at Ground Level

Interact with your rabbit at ground level, as this is less likely to scare them. Also, if you are close to the ground, there is less risk of dropping the rabbit from a height by accident.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Training your rabbit through positive reinforcement is a fun and less stressful way of interacting with them. Only use positive training methods, such as 'clicker' training followed by a treat. Never use punishment, such as shouting, as this will likely make your rabbit nervous or scared.

Be Patient

Even shy rabbits or those with negative past experiences can learn to enjoy being held. Be patient, and they will eventually make positive associations with human hands and feel content in your care.

Frequently asked questions