Comments on: How to Bond With Your Rabbit

on 12/27/2006 if you are getting a baby rabbit, remember that it is a baby first, and a rabbit second. would you take home a new baby and leave it unattended in a cage or box? not likely. carry your new baby bunny around just as you would a baby human. hold it while you're sitting down, walk around the house with your bunny snuggled close to your shoulder. talk to your bunny, hand feed your bunny often (though not all the time, they are capable of eating from a saucer or shallow bowl). bunny-proof your house like you would baby-proof your house, and let your bunny have run of the house. start small, with a "safe" room, and as bunny feels comfortable in that space, enlarge his area to explore. you wouldn't put a cat or dog in a cage. why put a rabbit in a cage? they can be litter box trained. beware of kitty litter. the dust from kitty litter can cause respritory problems in bunnies. i used shredded newspaper in a plastic lined litter box, topped with hay. treat you bunny like a true member of the family and he will be a true member of the family. rabbits who are truly a part of a family develope very interesting personalities, and (i believe) a true sense of humor!

on 9/4/2006 Once you and your rabbit have bonded, here is something you can try to strengthen your bonds with him.

Pick him up calmly and gently, and put him in your lap. Try and do this in a place where there aren't too many sounds to distract you. This works even best if you're feeling down or depressed. Wait until his breathing has slowed, then close your eyes and imagine happiness, warmth and joy pulsating around your body. Imagine that you're drawing it in, from the tips of your legs and arms, up your knees and elbows, across your head and through your thighs and shoulders, all collecting in the center of your stomach. Imagine that you're channeling this joy into your rabbit, feeding him on your happiness, love and trust. When you believe you have channeled enough joy into him, open your eyes. This actually works - you and your rabbit will feel better, and he will love and trust you more. This only works if you really and truly love your rabbit 100%.

on 9/4/2006 Bring your rabbit inside and put him on the sofa. Then lie down, stretched out on the sofa making sure you don't squish him. Just read a book or watch him, and let him climb on you or sniff your face. After a while try sitting up and reaching toward the rabbit, as if to pick him up. Do so gently. If he doesn't jump when you touch him or run away, try putting him onto your chest while you're lying down. Just watch him, and stroke the back of his neck gently with one thumb. If you hear his teeth chattering, it is the equal of him purring. Finally, if you're not too hygienic about things like these, kiss or touch him with a wet finger around his face, nose, eyes and ears. In the wild, this is their form of affection.

on 8/8/2006 Hold your rabbit regularly. Have your rabbit on your lap and sit there talking softly. Let him sniff you and climb up on you. This will strengthen his trust in you.

on 8/8/2006 Place one hand under the rabbit's belly and one hand at the rear end, lift up and support. Rabbits aren't animals that like being on your lap, instead, go down to their level. Sit on the floor, then they will get used to you being around.

on 2/7/2006 If your rabbit runs away when you try to pat him, next time pick him up and trance him by picking him up and cradling him with his back in the crook of your arm. Then gently stroke both his cheeks at the same time. Talk softly to your rabbit. Your bunny may not like you doing this often, but do this at least once a week to make your bunny have a deep connection with you.

on 11/22/2005 If you let your rabbits play in your yard, or some other place outside, you need to provide them with adequate shade. They will also need shelter, in case it rains.