Bonding with my Rabbit/Can a rabbit have socks?

Question
Hi, my rabbit Tucker (he's about 3 years old) is very shy, I've had him for more than two years and he has not gotten comfortable with me yet :( Do you have any tips for this, so that I can get him to trust me? Also, he enjoys chewing my clothing when it is accidentally left by his cage. Can I give him an old sock to play with? It does not have a pom-pom or anything because I don't want him to choke but do you think it is okay if he just plays/chews on a plain sock?

Answer
Dear Michaela,

Here are some tips for winning over a shy bunny:

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

Every bunny has a different personality, and some are naturally shy. But this will help you get the most out of your friendship with him, even if he's more retiring than some other bunnies.

If you give him fabric to chew, make sure it's 100% cotton, and that once it gets large holes or strings hanging loose, you replace it.  A bunny can stick a limb or head through a hole, or get it tangled in a loose string with disastrous results.

An inexpensive 100% cotton towel is a good choice, as long as you get replacements regularly.  You can get them very cheap at places like Marshall's in the bargain/clearance area.

Hope that helps.

Dana