Dwarf/bunny rabbit

Question
I just got a baby dwarf rabbit and she also has a bit of rabbit in her. Is there a way I can get her to relax around me and trust me more? I also have had her for a couple days and I want to be prepared. The lady I bought her from said not to feed her seeds like for an example apples with seeds in it because of the arsenic in them. I want to make sure she has everything she needs. Is there any other things I should be aware of? I want to take her outside and for a walk will a body leash/collar thing work or just a plain leash and collar if I want to take her on a walk around the area.

Answer
Dear Amanda,

To get your bunny to trust you, please read this article and follow the instructions therein:

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

The lady was right about seeds, although it's cyanide, not arsenic, that's a potential problem in the seeds of apples, peaches, plums, cherries, etc.  Seeds in general are not good because of their high fat content and the potential for their indigestible hulls to cause intestinal blockages.

For a complete rundown on healthy rabbit diet, please read:

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

and for all the best and most current information on proper rabbit care and health, visit

www.rabbit.org

I never recommend leashes or harnesses for rabbits.  I have heard of too many terrible accidents involving broken limbs, and one even potential case of a harness too tight causing seizures because the rabbit could not breathe properly!  Harnesses and leashes are not worth the risk, in my opinion, for many reasons.

Instead, find a safe, completely fenced yard where the plants and grass have not been sprayed with pesticide or fertilizer, and where no wild animals have defecated or urinated, and have closely supervised playtime there, with your bunny running free.  She will enjoy it much more, and so will you when you see her doing her wild, running bunny dances of joy we call "binkies."  She can't do those on a leash.

Hope that helps, and that you have a long, happy life of fun and love with your bunny.

Dana