Rabbits are very social animals who really grow to love their humans. With time and patience, your bunny will trust and bond with you. Please understand that the bunny you're bringing home today, doesn't know who you are or where it's at.
Your bunny will be okay and within a couple days, they won't miss their old home, but they may still be nervous. |
When it's time to pick up your bunny, be sure you come prepared with a carrier, some loose hay and water(if you're traveling longer than 60 minutes). Most rabbits do just fine on car rides and will stay calm and munch on hay. Some can be nervous but if kept in a safe carrier, they will be okay until they arrive home. Some families enjoy holding their bunny on the car ride home but unless very rabbit experienced, I strongly recommend keeping your bunny in their carrier for the duration of the trip.
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Day one will be the hardest day for some bunnies. Upon bringing your bunny home, place them in their cage with fresh food, water, hay and a clean litter box. Provide them with a few toys and let them settle in for about 3 days. Unfortunately for anxious new owners (especially children) this can be the longest 3 days EVER. But allowing your bunny to understand this is their new home, without the added stress of being handled by "strangers" is the best head start to give them!
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Waiting to hold your bunny over the next 3 days can be tough. For best results, sit beside your bunnies cage, talk to them, have the kids read them a book and let them get used to your voices. They will be much more comfortable being handled by someone they can recognize. Remember to talk softly and move respectfully around their cage. Rabbits are prey animals and fear anything perceived as predator.
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Time is up (day 4 of your new bunny being home) and they get to come out of the cage! Be very gentle and remember to talk softly to them as you have the last couple days. When picking up your bunny, remember to "scoop" them up, hind legs and all. Make them feel as safe and secure as possible. Once your bunny is in your arms, sit on the ground and gently move them to your lap. Allow the other family members to slowly pet your bunny while it takes in its surroundings. If you're located in a bunny safe room or inside of a bunny X-Pen (see our The Bunny Check List page for an example) allow your bunny to hop off your lap/legs - and be sure you remove their litter box from their cage and place it near them.
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Continue to remove your bunny from their cage daily for another 7 days, allowing them to explore their surroundings and YOU. Be sure the litter box is kept near them and that they are returning to it to use. Eventually your bunny will be completely settled in and you will find some kind of a feeding/playing/cage cleaning routine within your family. Always remember that rabbits startle easy and it's important to respect their personal space when necessary. A bunny's love/trust is like no other and once you've gained that, you'll have a friend for many years to come.
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