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Bonding with an Adult Rabbit

22 9:57:19

Question
I just adopted a 4 year old female Rex rabbit from a family that was giving her away for free. The previous owners mentioned that she had never been handled much. They also kept her in a tiny cage or hutch outside without any toys. They never had her spayed either.

She is friendly enough to let us pet her and sit next to her and she likes exploring the house and playing with cardboard, so she's not  hiding in her cage in fear.

Still I'd like to know what's the best way to bond with our rabbit so she can be happy and less fearful with us as her new owners.

It would also be helpful if we could get to the point where we could pick her up in case we need to transport her safely, or remove her from danger. She hates to be picked up, usual for rabbits I have read. We tried putting one hand under her belly and the other hand on her bum, and we tried wrapping her in towel. But I don't think she's comfortable enough with us. I don't want to hurt her trying.

So I guess the second question is will our rabbit ever let us pick her up? Or should we leave the issue alone?

Answer
Dear Ellie,

This should help you gain your bunny's trust:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/shybun.html

It will take some time for her to adjust, but adult rabbits--unlike dogs--do learn new tricks. You may be surprised and delighted as she comes out of her shell.

Note that unspayed female rabbits have a very high risk of uterine cancer.  If she's not spayed (and if the previous owners didn't care much for her, it's unlikely), then she should be ASAP.  You can find a good rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Most rabbits don't like to be picked up, and I don't pick mine up unless it's necessary for medical treatment.  For now, you can let it be until she trusts you.  Gradually, you can practice picking her up and putting her down very shortly afterwards, so she doesn't associate being picked up with something unpleasant.  But doing what you describe is the right way, so keep up the good work.  :)_

Hope this helps.

Dana