Handling and Companionship

Handling

Rabbits are sociable animals who will enjoy lots of attention and company from you. However, it might take them a little while to get used to you and your home.

Settling them in at home

• Rabbits are likely to be nervous when you first take them home, so during the first days talk quietly to them and encourage them to approach you by offering healthy treats.

• Once they are more confident, you can start to gently stroke them and, when they become more comfortable with this, you can gradually get them used to being picked up.

• Never sneak up on your rabbits.

• Let your rabbits come and sniff you on their own terms. Then offer a healthy treat and a gentle stroke.

• Give your rabbits a few gentle strokes before picking them up.

• Do not rush contact or force your rabbits to be held.

• Please spend some time on the floor hanging out with your rabbits so that they get used to your presence.

• The more you gently handle your rabbits, the friendlier they will be.

How to pick up your rabbits

1. Place one hand under the rabbit’s chest.

2. Put the other hand supporting their back legs.

3. Hold them gently but securely against your chest.

Rabbits’ spines are fragile and can fracture easily. Their hind legs need to be held securely so they cannot kick out and damage their spine.

If there are children in the house who might interact with your rabbits, they must be supervised and trained to hold the rabbits properly.

Remember: When rabbits are in the wild, they are a prey species. This means they are naturally fearful of a sudden approach, especially from above.

Companionship

• Rabbits are a social species and have evolved to live in groups. For this reason, they should not be kept alone; they are happier in the company of their own kind.

• A desexed rabbit friend is essential for your rabbit from a welfare, behavior, and health perspective.

• Rabbits form strong life-long bonds with one another – once a pair are bonded they should be kept together at all times, even at the vets.

• Even if you spend lots of time with your rabbit, they will be happier living with another rabbit, as you can’t be there all the time.

Bonding your rabbits

You must introduce rabbits to each other carefully and slowly – this is called the ‘bonding’ process, and it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to fully bond your rabbits. Rabbits who are not fully bonded need to be housed separately until they are.

Find a full guide on rabbit bonding here: www.spca.nz/bondingrabbits

So that's all, for now, subscribe for more information as my next topics will be Housing and Environment.