Accordingly, you should always give your rabbit a warning that you're approaching so he won't get scared. It makes them feel trapped and unable to escape if a predator happens to come along. However most of the time, the aversion to being pet comes from some bad association with human hands. The common conception is that rabbits will just nosh on vegetables all day long, and some might want to do that, but providing your rabbit with a varied but healthy diet is important. Train your rabbit. Many rabbits also enjoy being pet on their cheeks. This can help you catch any signs of overgrown teeth as soon as possible. Armed with some knowledge, however, you can be prepared to care for a rabbit — or, well, rabbits, but more on that in a moment. Multi-tiered containers are also recommended. If you’re feeling really dexterous, you can give your rabbit a massage behind their neck with the four fingers of your hand while rubbing their forehead with your thumb. Like with any pets, you need to be aware of your rabbit's overall well-being, but rabbits have their own needs. When your rabbit is comfortable with receiving scritches on their forehead and behind their ears, it’s time to try giving them a full body massage with strokes down their back. In the meantime, you’ll want to avoid holding your rabbit as much as possible, because that will lead your rabbit yo distrust you and continue to be afraid of human hands. Follow the Bunny Lady and her bunny partner Elusive and they seek to educate rabbit caretakers and make sure everyone is able to have a happy and healthy bunny in their home. To prevent your rabbit from getting aggressive, you’ll want to approach your rabbit with your hand above them. Exercise for rabbits, like for humans, helps with overall health, including digestion, and mental health, and why wouldn't you want a happy rabbit? When a rabbit must be held or carried, support their front half, under their rib cage, with one hand and their rear end with the other, holding them close to your body like a football. Rabbits have a knack for hiding their illnesses, which means they often goes unnoticed until the rabbit is very... You’ve heard that rabbits tend to be happier in pairs and groups of their own kind, so you’re thinking about bringing a second rabbit home. 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Foster a Pet, as the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) notes, rely on one another to survive in the wild, PedMD recommends a solid four hours of exercise a day for rabbits, As for wood furniture or baseboards, Best Friends Animal Society recommends, according to the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund. Rabbits' teeth never stop growing, so they love chewing on everything, including furniture and cables. For their chest, you can first start massaging the rabbit along the sides of their body. Post the flyer in vet offices (especially exotic vets as rabbits are technically considered an exotic pet) and pet … As you are petting their forehead, occasionally give them a little rub on either cheek. It’s also the easiest place to reach with your hand coming from above their head. The safest place to pet your rabbit is on their forehead. If you don't have the space for a dedicated rabbit room or a large cage, giving your rabbit free rein of the living area may be your only option, and that means preparing the rest of the home. One of the scariest parts of being a rabbit caretaker is when our pet rabbits get sick. That means they are naturally used to being hunted, so if you startle them they'll run away. Short, smooth fur that … She helps to socialize the rabbits and educate volunteers on the care and behavior of these small mammals. But you still need to groom your rabbit on a regular basis. Rabbits like being with other rabbits. Also helpful? These vegetables can include kale, broccoli, romaine lettuce and parsley. Plastic tubing around cables will take care of that chew temptation, or taping the wires up and out of the rabbit's reach will also work. Rabbits are prey animals, as the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) notes, and as such, they're easily startled by loud noises and lurching movements. Give them a massage behind their neck here. Rabbits require unique medical care. All in all rabbits are very social, and if you take the time to bond with your rabbit, they’ll be happy to send love back to you too. Given how long they live, it's a good bit of work that's more than just feeding and picking up after their poop. Rabbits can live for 10 to 12 years. Adopting a rabbit is a long-term commitment. And speaking of children ... 2. Many people believe that bunnies don’t really like being pet. Continue giving your rabbit scritches on their forehead and behind the ears while adding in the occasional stroke down their back. As long as you know what to expect from a pet rabbit, they have the potential to be wonderful pets. You should find lots of valuable information and links on … Flemish Giants are notoriously one of the oldest, calmest, and largest breed of rabbit … Subscribe to the Bunny Lady e-Newsletter and receive a FREE pdf guidebook going over all the basics of rabbit care. This is especially true for rabbits. Most of the time rabbits don’t like to be held. As you’re petting your rabbit try giving them long strokes down their back that end at their butt. Rabbits are naturally clean animals and wash themselves frequently. unlocking this expert answer. Similar to being pet on their backs, they may be startled at first when you go to pet their cheeks. Get the scoop on feeding your rabbit … Avoid the use of alfalfa after a rabbit has reached approximately 7 months of age as it is very high in calcium and protein and more than a rabbit needs. Petting a rabbit is a little bit different than petting a cat or a dog. Pet Rabbits Welcome! In my experience, even these rabbits actually love to be pet. These little bunnies tend to have a lot of energy and a short attention span. Rabbits aren't great pets for kids. Rabbits love the sensation of being pet … When you are going to pet your rabbit, make sure your hand is approaching from above their head and to one side. They may say they trust you by laying down on the floor next to you, or they might lick you to groom you and show that they care about your well being. However, you should not under any circumstances try to pick your rabbit up by their ears. They will be completely avoidant of human hands at first, but then they have a eureka! Mini Rex. 2. Therefore you always want to approach your rabbit with your hand at least a little bit to one side of their head. Similarly, you can desensitize your rabbit’s paws by touching them for short periods of time while you are also petting them in ways they enjoy. These Are the Most Common Mistakes We Make With Our Pets, According to Vets. Most of us know what to expect when we get a cat or a dog, more or less, but caring for a rabbit isn't something we just know. We also need a basic understanding of some dominance-based rabbit behaviors. Rabbits love the sensation of being pet here. Learning how to read your rabbit's body language and give him what he needs will help your rabbit learn to trust you and deepen the bond between human and pet. 5. I am here to make sure all of you rabbit lovers have everything you need to care for your fluffy little bundle of joy. 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