Bonding With A Rabbit

Are you considering adopting a bunny in the near future? Floppy is a very cute and entertaining pet. Rabbits are also very personable. However, these lovely little balls of fur are rather timid. This makes sense: after all, they are prey animals in the wild, and must constantly be on the watch for predators. How do you make friends with a bunny? A local Easley, SC veterinarian provides some advice on this below.

Start On The Right Path

Building trust begins on day one. Be sure to give your pet time to adjust before you try to handle or pet her. Do not reach into Floppy’s cage and attempt to pull her out. Give her a few days in her cage. This will help her start to think of it as home. Then, simply open the door and let her choose to come out when she’s ready. That may take some time, so settle in on the floor with a book or your phone.

Your pet will eventually want to explore her new surroundings. She’ll also be curious about you. When she starts to approach, extend your hand and let her sniff it. Offering a goodie won’t hurt either. (More about that later.)

Make Your Home Safe

Bunnyproofing is really crucial. That includes removing or fastening anything you don’t want your pet to chew on. You should also block off any open places beneath and behind furniture and mattresses, as well as safeguard baseboards, furniture legs, and any cables or cords. Consult your Easley, SC veterinarian for specialized information on bunnyproofing.

Talk To Your Bunny

Talking to pets is always a good way to get them used to you. It does not matter what you say. The main thing is to speak in a cheerful, friendly tone of voice. Speak joyfully. You can also help them become used to their name. Pay attention to Floppy’s lovely ears and wait for reactions.

Win Your Bunny Over with Treats

Snacks are always a good method to get a pet’s attention. Rabbits are no different in this regard than the rest of our patients. It is critical to stick with safe treats. There are many myths there. For example, carrots, while beloved by cartoon icon Bugs Bunny, are not the ideal pick for your pet.

Bunnies are famed for their love of sweets. While we normally advise against feeding Floppy’s sweet craving, you can feed her little pieces of apple, banana, or strawberry. Just stick to safe foods. Options include apples, apricots, asparagus, banana, bean sprouts, beet greens, bell peppers, blackberries, blueberries, brussel sprouts, cantaloupe, carrots, celery, cherries, cranberries, cucumbers, eggplant, grapes, green beans, honeydew, kiwi, mango, oranges, papaya, peaches, pears, pineapple, plums, pumpkin, raspberries, squash, strawberries, tomatoes (only the fruit), turnips, watermelon, and zucchini.

It’s also crucial to understand what’s not safe. The list of dangerous foods includes almonds, artichoke, avocado, beans, coffee, corn, currants, dates, edamame, figs, garlic, green onions, kelp, leek, lentils, mushrooms, nuts, olives, onions, peanuts, popcorn, potatoes, quinoa, rhubarb, rice, seeds, walnuts, and anything containing xylitol, alcohol, or a lot of salt, fat, or sugar. However, there are numerous foods that should be consumed in small amounts, such as cauliflower. Ask your veterinarian for particular guidance on this.

Get to Your Pet’s Level

From Floppy’s perspective, humans are essentially towering giants. Getting down to ground level can help you appear less intimidating.

Do Not Scare Your Pet

Avoid making loud noises or abrupt movements. Rabbits are easily startled. They also hold grudges, so if you frighten your canine companion, she will remember it.

Give Your Bunny Time

Love develops over time and only after trust is built. You don’t want to force attention on Floppy. Never pursue her, corner her, or do anything else that might scare her.

Do Not Pick Up Your Bunny Unnecessarily

Never pick up Floppy if she does not want to be held, unless of course you need to relocate her or place her in her carrier. It didn’t help the Abominable Snowman befriend Bugs Bunny, and it won’t help you either! You may believe your pet is the cutest thing ever—and she very well could be—but if you overpower her, you will simply scare her. 

Give Your Rabbit Plenty Of Toys

Rabbits are quite playful. (We probably don’t need to tell you how cute they are when they’re frisky.) They also have open-rooted teeth, which requires them to chew a lot. When you combine these two factors, you have a cute pet who requires a large number of toys, including a variety of safe, appropriate chew toys. You can get some great ones in stores, but you can also make your own at home. Paper, cardboard, wood, and wicker are often acceptable. Cardboard tubes from paper towels or toilet paper rolls can also be used for a variety of purposes. Fill them with crumpled-up paper balls, grass hay, shredded paper, or safe herbs. Alternatively, cut them into little circles and then reassemble them into small balls. 

Safety first, though: Avoid giving your pet anything with sharp edges, plastic pieces, or strings, and especially anything produced from potentially harmful materials. Contact your veterinarian for further information.

Take Time to Learn Bunny Body Language

you might want to learn more about rabbit body language. Rabbits communicate nonverbally, but identifying those signals requires study and practice. For example, if your pet is not feeling well, she may whine, grunt, grind her teeth, or withdraw. A joyful bun may headbutt you, lick you, or flop down alongside you.

There are also other individual characteristics. Some rabbits snort when they are upset, while others do so when they are excited. One bunny may thump her paw furiously if you pick up her favorite toy, while another may thump to beg for sweets or play time. Take the time to get to know Floppy.

Provide Excellent Care

At the end of the day, the most important thing is to take good care of your pet. Animals form attachments to individuals who care for them and show them love and kindness. Rabbits are no exception.

Your veterinarian can provide basic rabbit care instructions. This includes tips on cage setup, typical ailments, feeding recommendations, and other care guidelines. We’re always delighted to help!

Keep an eye on Floppy and spend time with her every day. Rabbits require many hours of free time daily. Don’t be surprised if your adorable pet absolutely steals your heart. Rabbits are quite adept at it!

Let Your Bunny Take Their Time

Dogs and cats can create strong relationships right away, but bunnies take longer. It may take some time for your pet to warm up to you. Love takes time!

Make An Appointment At Our Easley, SC Pet Hospital

Do you have any queries about rabbit care? Have you recently adopted a pet rabbit? Please call us, your Easley, SC animal clinic, at any time! We are dedicated to providing excellent care.