Your new pet bunny rabbit
You Have A New Pet Rabbit
When you first bring your pet rabbit home, it is best to leave him or her in the cage for two or three days. He or she has a lot to get use to:
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new sounds,
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new smells,
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new cage,
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new diet, and
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new people.
All of that newness is stressful for your rabbit.
New pet rabbit owners have literally stressed their rabbit into serious illness by handling them too much (especially young ones), taking them too many places, and introducing too many changes just as soon as they come home.
Pet Rabbits Recognize Your Voice
Be sure to talk to your rabbit. Your pet rabbit will recognize you by your voice. You will find that your pet rabbit is startled by yells, squeals, and sudden noises, but can often be calmed by your voice alone.
Out Of The Rabbit Cage
When he has had a chance to settle in, you can open the cage door and allow your new pet rabbit to come out on his own. If she doesn't come out right away, just linger outside the open cage door for about fifteen minutes at a time until she determines that you are okay.
As he starts coming to the door, talk sweetly to him and rub his ears, or the side of his cheek, or between his eyes.
How To Hold Your Pet Rabbit
After you have started developing a relationship with your pet rabbit on his terms, it is okay to begin picking him up. You may find that your pet rabbit never really enjoys being held, though. That's not to say that he won't choose to crawl onto your lap!
Rabbits are prey in the wild and their natural instincts tell them that being captured is not okay. You may find that your pet rabbit reacts better if you approach him on his level, rather than from above, like a wolf would.
Try to avoid chasing your rabbit. It is better to give him limited room to roam until he learns to get back into his cage easily. A chased rabbit can get upset enough to have a heart attack or break his back.
When you hold her, bring her close to your body and hold her snuggly without pressing too hard. Just like babies, pet rabbits feel more secure and scramble less when they are held confidently. You can hold a pet rabbit in the crook of your arm on his back like a baby. You can hold him firmly on your chest or in the crook of your arm with his face tucked in. This hold is especially good if he's nervous.
It is fine, and sometimes a good idea, to hold a rabbit's ears firmly while you hold him. He's not likely to want to leave those behind! However, never, ever let your rabbit's weight be held by his ears. And don't pick up your rabbit by the scruff of the neck except in an emergency.
Some some pet rabbits are snugglers. Others like to hop on and off your lap on their own schedules. Still others will always want to have their feet on the floor when they interact with you.
Be patient and invest time into your rabbit. Make a body massage (not just petting the fur) be a part of your interaction. Your rabbit will love you for it.