How To Be A Bunny Friend

By Wendy McQuillan, Wind Song Rabbit Garden

In nature bunnies have many enemies; they are hunted for food by nearly every creature they meet. Their instinct is to run and hide. They are fearful of being picked up because the experience mirrors being captured for dinner. If you want to be a bunny friend you must ensure you do not act like a predator. Don’t grab your rabbit around the shoulders or pick him up by holding his back. When you pick him up make sure you scoop him up from underneath and support his body in your hands. Hold him close to you so he feels safe. He doesn’t like ‘flying’ either, so make sure he is well supported when you carry him or pass him to another person.
Don’t chase your rabbit to catch him. When it is time to go back into his hutch, herd him in by walking behind him. Don’t pick him up to put him back, let him go in on his own. The same applies when letting him out, open the door and let him come out in his own time, don’t reach in and pull him out. Always respect his hutch as HIS.
To be a real bunny friend you want your rabbit to think you are another bunny. During playtime get down on the floor with him. Allow him to come to you, and when he does, gently pat him; don’t drag him onto your lap. Rabbits prefer to sit beside you. In nature rabbits show affection by licking each other on the face and ears. You can mimic this by stroking his face and ears with your fingers. Be patient with him, especially when he first comes to live with you. If you sit on the floor he will eventually come to investigate after exploring his new surroundings. Keep his running space limited until he gets used to you and so you’re not tempted to drag him back to your spot. Never, ever, pull a rabbit’s ears. In time he will learn that you are safe and he will enjoy a snuggle/cuddle on your lap.
Keep your bunnies nails clipped, as they have sharp claws and can unintentionally hurt tender young skin. Always supervise young children handling a rabbit, as it is hard for bunnies to unlearn the fear of rough tight squeezing, or worse, being dropped. Always have a child sit down to pat a bunny.
Be patient and don’t rush your bunny. One of the pleasures of owning a pet rabbit is that they teach you to take time out. Give your bunny time to discover you and you will be rewarded with a lifelong playmate