10 Ways to Bond With Your New Rabbit

You may think your rabbit hates you, but really they just need some time to learn how to trust you. Use these 10 tips to bond with your rabbit and help make your bunny a part of the family.
Check out bunnylady.com/bond-with-your-... for more tips about how to bond with your pet rabbit.
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FOOD AND SUPPLIES THAT I USE AND RECOMMEND FOR RABBITS:
Hay:
2nd Cutting Timothy Hay from Small Pet Select - mbsy.co/36rNng
3rd Cutting for Picky Rabbits - mbsy.co/36rNpj
Orchard Hay - mbsy.co/36rNqv
Pellets:
Oxbow Garden Select Fortified Pellets for Rabbits - petco.9zpg.net/OxbowPellets
Enclosure:
Rabbit exercise Pen - petco.9zpg.net/PetPenWithDoor
Toys:
Small Pet Select Toy Sampler - mbsy.co/3bCGGn
Blue Food Dispenser Ball - petco.9zpg.net/SlimCatBlue
Treats:
Unsweetened Dried Fruit Sampler from Small Pet Select - mbsy.co/36rNCh
Oxbow Simple Rewards Treats- petco.9zpg.net/SimpleRewards
You can also use this link to get 15% off your first order at Small Pet Select: mbsy.co/36rNFL
Important: These are affiliate links to Petco Animal Supplies Inc. and Small Pet Select. I receive a small commission for referring customers to these sources. While I am careful to only recommend products I use and like, you should be aware of my relationship to these companies.
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My name is Amy and I am the Bunny Lady!
I work with rescue rabbits at my local animals shelter and help to educate fellow volunteers and caretakers about rabbit behavior and care. I am here to make sure all of you rabbit lovers have everything you need to have a happy and healthy bunny in your home.
My mission is to help you fellow rabbit lovers get all the resources you need to help your rabbits thrive. A happy bunny is the best companion, and they worth all the trouble those little fluffballs cause.

[@marcusroele]

My bunny seemed distant so I got down on his level. He pulled a knife on me and stole my wallet. I then tried petting him to make him like me but I guess he took that as weakness because now he's sleeping with my wife. I guess I will try feeding him the same time every day?

[@LadyNolaJ]

LOL

[@zainab2737]

sir that may not be a rabbit

[@mixz9929]

39ini9XxH@@LadyNolaJX nlz

[@thatotsime8315]

What do you smoke

[@destineeslaughter6419]

@@thatotsime8315 i need whatever it is

[@mrmono4202]

we recently found a bunny abandoned in a plastic bag and we do not know much about bunnies, your videos helped me a lot thank you :)

[@heatherva]

That's sad, are you going to keep the bun?

[@manylittlefish693]

How is he doing now?

[@MrPaulcoster94]

Bless you for rescuing this bunny 🐰

[@katherinegoddard6672]

How could anyone put a bunny in a plastic bag like trash! I am so happy that you rescued the bunny.

[@livinglikefariha1320]

Awful things people do these days, Hope you’ll keep the bunny 🐰

[@prometheus-ii7030]

video: "how to bond with your new rabbit!" me, who never intends to get a pet rabbit ever: I N T E R E S T I N G

[@chrissyhill7890]

Lol

[@amandamccallum6796]

I never thought I would get a rabbit then I got one for my son and I am totally in love.

[@Iverson1590]

Ellie looks like the softest thing I've ever seen in my life, I can't cope with the cuteness

[@deborahfaria3651]

I LOVE ELLIE DOING THE HIGH FIVE!!! She is so beautiful and a sweet pet. I LOVE BUNNIES, but cannot have one where I live, and don't have the option to move at present. So I get the Bunny Lady emails and watch the cute videos. Hope all you bunny owners enjoy your rabbits! 🐰🐇

[@corpseboba2029]

This helps a lot! Also when feeding your bunny you should also feed them by hand cause it helps them think your hand is safe Also some good treats that are pretty healthy so personally my bunny enjoys spinach, parsley, and lettuce

[@leilahouston267]

@GachaEye if ur rabbit is free rain its less likly to do this - if ur sticking your hand in there hutch they have a automatic responce. they have impulses from being in the wild some how. i always think about it like if they were in a burro and something unexpected came in they d attack . a hand just going to put food in a bowl is the same- for some reason they are confused 'is the hand taking my food or attacking me' i think tho with all my buuys ive had ( one 3 year, one 9 years old and now i have a 1 old- all at seperate times) the more they are out and u just sit with them and let them come to u and treat them the lesser the aggression.

[@joke3611]

@GachaEye no it cant only if its aggressive or shows rude behavior im sure

[@sophiekwin8110]

Now my rabbit thinks my hand is food 😅

[@M-a-d-d-y-y]

@@sophiekwin8110 same

[@usagiislost]

Thank you so much!! It's my bun's second day home. He seems to be adjusting really well, but it's always good to go a little extra. These tips are helping me a ton!

[@TheBunnyLady]

Wonderful! Have fun with your new bun!

[@itacheeze3203]

Hello. I am commenting from Hokkaido, Japan. Rabbit is very cute. This kind of video will be soothing to us waiting at home. Please post videos that will be healed in the future. We have registered for the channel and highly evaluated it. I'm sorry that I'm new to English.

[@TheBunnyLady]

Thank you very much!

[@pamelatapia5595]

What a treat to see Pigpoke today! He's looking handsome and adorable 😍 as always! This morning reading Google news, there he was on Google news shorts! They picked the one where he was out side and stood on tippy toes to reach leaves. A very nice choice, and one that showed him off to his advantage. Hope you all recover from the ravages of the daylight savings time! 💚🐇💚 I would have loved one of these fountains for Bunners. Whenever I put out fresh water, I'd call out *fresh water*, and stand up, letting it drip and dribble into their crock. Bunners would put his face in it and lap it up and play!

[@laurafanner9428]

I've had my bunny Lola for just over a week. She still gets spooked whenever I try and pet her and as she is only 9 weeks old I haven't given her any treats as I am worried it will upset her stomach. She is free roam in my room and eats pellets and hay and drinks water and uses her litter box, but I think we are both still a bit wary of each other. I am on the floor with her a lot each day and I have seen her do zoomies and binkies which is heart warming. I hope she will begin to trust me more and we can move on to petting and cuddles one day.

[@laurafanner9428]

Update! Today she let me stroke her head as she ate her pellets from her bowl. We are making progress

[@lilbopeep246]

@@laurafanner9428 this made me happy :)

[@imsoooboredjaehyun]

I am scared when my two rabbits binky or run fast towards me when i am on the floor like they r 8 weeks old and sisters but i am kinda afraid of them idk if they will bite me or scratch me wat do i do when i am scared

[@bomcuming3007]

@@imsoooboredjaehyun Don't be they can't even really hurt you only somewhat hurt you

[@pickles7168]

oh wow I was going to name my bunny Lola too! I do not know their gender yet, but Lola is for a girl and Milo is for a boy.

[@abizarreyoutuber6317]

4 months ago i got my first ever bunny!! Hes the best ever and adjusting really quickly. He's about 1 year old and 4 months, we adopted him on his birthday and your videos are helping me bond with this little angel

[@sgt.guardsman2221]

I've learned sooo much from your videos! I have a "sick" 1 yr 4 month old Doe Rex that I have in the house I'm treating her for "suspected" GI Stasis. I let her run around early this morning and go flat on the floor with her. She came over, smelled my face and Booped me several time in my face. She then went off to come back and do it several times. She has been a great "patient" and has taken all the "meds" I gave her....Critical Care, Baby Gas drops, Probiotic, etc. I think we have bonded more in the last 2 weeks than we have since September when I got her.

[@katherinegoddard6672]

Thank you so much for the tips. I love watching Peter doing zoomies and binkies in my flat.

[@dorothyv6428]

> Keep quiet I'm sure you're right about not making loud noises, but I wanted to add how helpful talking to my rabbit was. I didn't expect them to understand tone of voice since they are so quiet, but mine is hugely sensitive to it. It was the key to bonding because I can demonstrate affection from a distance.

[@pickles7168]

oh lord... I have a baby bunny and a very loud little brother.

[@JO-mp2tg]

I actually don't agree with keeping a rigid routine and reducing noise etc as it, ironically, can just lead to more stress in the instances when aversions to such inevitably occur For example, if fireworks were to go off in your neighbourhood, a rabbit that's used to loud noises is by far less likely to panic than a rabbit that's normally kept in a quiet environment Sound is harmless, it's preferable to acclimate them to that

[@haileyfindlay8069]

i just watched her bunny love video and she’s quite extra but i loved that she gave a bunch of things they’ll do but that even if they don’t do it it doesn’t mean the rabbit doesn’t love u, which made me feel really reassured for things like my bunny not wanting to sit in my lap

[@guitarman4242]

All very good points. Never thought about using routine as a bonding tool . But yes, for all the reasons you mentioned. Also, I like putting a pillow on the floor for my head and laying down in a small room or X pen with your rabbit. That worked well for me and built trust very quickly. Patients and persistence is the operative word with rabbits. Yours is the most insightful rabbit channel out there. Keep up the good work.

[@TheBunnyLady]

yupyup, laying on the floor with a rabbit is a great idea! I love when they hop up on top of you when you lay down too, it's so cute. Thank you!

[@Dasunmorgenstern]

Look at her, she's an Elusive little sweetheart!

[@lilbroccoli9235]

I love your content you have a realistic set up that’s not super expensive

[@aidanchaidez7822]

Wow this helped a lot! My family had 2 rabbits and one rabbit passed away so I came here to learn how to form a stronger bond the the other rabbit

[@kazoknats1171]

Thank you! This is a great video and I learned a lot.

[@libbie07]

Thank you this helps a lot!

[@MarinSofin]

You are so cute ! Thank you for the informative videos, you helped me ALOT with my new rabbit.

[@jmomma5]

Hi! Thank you so much Amy I got another rabbit named Buddy in November of last year, and bonded him to my 4 year old Netherland Dwarf Bella. Although I've had buddy for a while now he still is super shy, and runs away when I try to pet him your video on how to bond with shy rabbits has helped me a lot, and he's not scared of me anymore! Thank you❤

[@TheBunnyLady]

Oh wow! I'm so happy for you and your Buddy!

[@damienmckenna1741]

You are a great person

[@binkybunny3065]

This video helped me a lot to get bond with my imaginary bunny!!!

[@AudreyM3808]

i just sat down with my bunny and she knows what the treat bag looks and sounds like (even tho we have only had it for like 3 days0 so she ran up to me and i gave her a treat she backed away a bit and i put my hand up to her and she let me pet her i didnt get to her back but i gave her head scratches and she seemed like she liked it so im really happy bc i having even been trying to bond with her for a week yet like it has been 5 days at mosy

[@LBoopSnoot]

Hi! New to your channel! Loving your content!! 💕

[@acehasaface948]

Hello! My Name Is Ace, And I Came Here From Pinterest. My Grandparents Just Bought Three Rabbits For Easter (Arg!) And They Live In A *HUTCH OUTSIDE.* It Infuriates Me! So, I Typed Up A Fifteen Page Essay On Rabbit Care And Sent Them Links To Your Channel. Now They're Getting Help. So, Without Knowing It, _You_ Helped Save Three Bunnies From Abuse. Thank You.

[@TheBunnyLady]

Stories like this make me so happy! Thank you for looking out for these bunnies and giving your grandparents the resources to take better care of them. You're a hero to these bunnies!

[@fathorsefriknazis2360]

Bunny Hutch's outside aren't all bad if you have a good one I built one for my bunny attached to a run an he is perfectly fine.

[@acehasaface948]

Kermit Mckerm Rabbits Can’t Live Outdoors, And Almost All Hutches Are Much Too Small. Remember, 15 Square Feet Is A Good Minimum When Looking At Housing For Rabbits. I Recommend X-Pens Or Free-Roaming. Hope You Can Upgrade Your Rabbit’s Living Conditions Soon! (:

[@fathorsefriknazis2360]

@@acehasaface948 it's a matter of opinion my bunny was bred to be a outdoor bunny as I built he hutch and run for outdoor netting it all around in case of mosquitos his hutch is 7 by 5 and run is 16 by 5 I think he lives better then most bunny's with a custom built hutch and run than indoor bunny's as he is much more happy being able to run around and play in his grass and hay and such

[@acehasaface948]

Kermit Mckerm That’s Great! Just Be Certain That That Deadly Rabbit Illness Going Around The US Isn’t In Your Area.

[@seaneriltobias7986]

Thank you :D this helped me

[@clairekurronen4527]

You are just the nicest person ever and have really helped me with my new bunny Francis! Thank you so much

[@skoodlesissucharandomnameidk]

I mimics my kunji and also runs along with her on 4 feets😂😂

[@nancyrburch1309]

I’m New to your channel. Like your videos. Great 👍 job with the videos. Like your personality. And the the way to speak to us . Thank you 🙏 so much for your videos. Great 👍 job .

[@nancyrburch1309]

The way you speak to us. Thank you sooo much.

[@aklolz7301]

Your bunny is adorable I have a bunny just like yours

[@mythpatfanbase6768]

Me too

[@VBYCHOICE]

Luv you❤️

[@3bunnies111]

Nice

[@oliviathomas3268]

I just got a bunny home from the pet store and I'm hoping these tips will help

[@mxllow8214]

I hv an albino female rabbit like urs im trying alot to bond with her thank you for showing:)

[@horses8104]

Hello great video to listen to we have picked up 2 Dutch boy rabbits seem to be settling well we have large indoor cage with most of the kitchen for free space they are 9half weeks now is their any think about these you can tell us thankyou

[@mileymbclimb17]

I know this is really odd and partially part of the reason I picked this video but my rabbit likes to be picked up held and lay on my collar bone and just lick me and purr Ive had him for about a week. He licks my dog too who also loves my bun

[@TheBunnyLady]

Awww what a sweet bunny!

[@jenniferstryker3419]

You are very lucky!!💛💛💛

[@danellewilson7412]

My bunnie is about 3 months old and he's so affectionate and he loves being petted not so much picked up but he likes being held like a baby? I dunno if this is weird I've never owned a bunny but he's my buddy for sure I haven't gotten him fixed yet but I wonder if I don't if he'll still be aggressive since he's soo sweet now

[@katherinegoddard6672]

Peter always has his breakfast at the same time. I try to exercise and clean out my bunny at the same time m.

[@aroosulbahr7799]

Thanks so much amy for the tips...but for me, I have like about four rabbits as my pet, and its been like around 2-3 months I'm with them, but they seems not interested in me. I tried petting them and everthing, but it seems doesnt work at all, they just socializing among themselves. Is it because the more rabbit pet I'm having,the harder it gets to bond with them? Any tips regarding this matter amy?

[@franchesca9900]

I have an English Angora that requires weekly grooming (brushing, trimming, etc). Do you have any tips on how to handle/groom a rabbit in a way that won’t completely upset them? He is getting used to it but again, this does require handling and that can’t really be avoided.

[@katherinegoddard6672]

My bunny has a soft toy rabbit and lots of other toys. I must get him some puzzle toys. I suffer with mental health problems and Peter has changed my life so much. Peter is 12 weeks. When should I get him fixed?

[@TaraHower]

My rabbit is 6 month old havana. Just got him two days ago. I love him but I've never had a rabbit or experience so I'm the scared one. The first night i left his xpen open so he can free roam tons and he explored. He smelled my foot and it tickled so I moved it lol! It scared him He runs up to me but I cant tell if he is charging me so I get scared and tense up. He has lots of toys, good safe cardboard, hidy holes, willow sticks, hay, bowl of water I love him I'm just a little scared lol please help. My biggest fear is trying to pet him when he is trusting and submissive but getting bit. I'm really scared

[@TheBunnyLady]

Congratulations on your new bunny, it sounds like you're taking great care of him! It's possible that your rabbit is just being playful and is not charging at all. Rabbits like to zoom around a lot when they play, it's a sign of a happy bunny. However, sometimes when rabbits reach maturity (around 4-6 months), they'll start to have slightly territorial behaviors if they haven't been neutered yet (which can include charging at people). It can also take a couple weeks for a rabbits hormones to settle down after they've been neutered, so if your rabbit just recently had the surgery before you brought him home, he will probably calm down in a few weeks.

[@dramaticallyareta3126]

So your both shy lol! :D i once was scared of rabbits to!

[@eclipsed7719]

I have the same rabbit, Havana rabbits are a calm breed of rabbit they don’t do much usually better suited for older owners.

[@reginaniles3499]

I am new to your Channel🤩

[@TheBunnyLady]

Welcome!!

[@apearsey]

i got 2 4 day old bunnys and the mama and papa and I need to bond with theme so thx

[@hophoppington-hoppenhiemer2016]

noice, noice

[@mira269]

What treats did you give them?

[@amywilliams4063]

Im getting a 4 month old bunny today!

[@itsalexsstyle6017]

how’s your bunny?

[@kathyortiz4302]

When should you had them spayed or neutered how old

[@iiplay_inthe_mxdnxght_raxn380]

How are you meant to bond with an older rabbit? As I am adopting a two year old Rabbit from a friend, and am unsure as to how to best introduce it to a new environment

[@Ambrosha385]

PLEASE PLEASE a video on problematic behavior. Litter trained, now peeing outside/pooping outside around their box. I know it is their marking their territory. But how can I get them to stop?? They are both neutered bunnies. 3 mo old and got them 4 days ago. Very upsetting when they were so good the first few days. Help?? Thank you SOO much for your videos they are the best on youtube. keep going!

[@mikaelamiles5012]

I've had my bunny for about three and a half years and regretfully haven't been up to speed on bunny care. While she's not aggressive toward me or anything like that, she isn't bonded to me either. Is it too late to get that special bond?

[@dewisoejono2066]

Ms how to bond with the rabbit after loosing trust

[@DRock70]

Hello. My wife & I had to put our 10 year old female Rex bunny to sleep a few weeks ago. Our other 5 year old mixed Rex/lop female bunny isn’t the same bunny. She more scared than before. . Do my wife & I have to do these same 10 things again before she starts biting or worse. She don’t approach us anymore. She gives us the cautious body language getting a treat from our hand. She has free roam of the house now. But she still stays in the living with a1/2 door. We spend most hours of day with her. Hope she doesn’t get depressed. She’s seems to sleeping more. What to do.?!

[@paulawbs]

Thanks, but my rabbit does not trust me at all. We found Loki about a month ago sitting in our garage. Since nobody missed a bunny in out neighborhood we kept him. But the problem is that he is really scared of like anything. Even when I bring him food he waits with eating until I'm gone. If you touch him just slightly he will run away from you immediately. When we let him outside Loki is scared all the time and just stands there hearing all the noises around him.😢 Does anyone have an idea how he is going to to trust me?🙏❤️ Might he still be scared from the days he was outside alone befor we found him? (ps. Sorry if i made any mistakes🙈 i normally speak German)

[@liestrada9516]

Hi, i am gonna have a bunny but in our place. We don't have any place near us where we can spay or neuter my bunny. Does that mean that my bunny wont be able to like me or bond with me??

[@bjk_welch2142]

I have to bunnies I've had them for a few days and they are not treat motivated they have not been eating any fresh food or drinking water that I've seen and when I get them out to Explorer me on their own choice they seem to hide but they allow me to pet them

[@Colappe]

I have 2 new rabbits and and I got them 2 days ago and I have no idea what to do…

[@tiagozendejas]

My rabbit always goes in my backyard and he isn’t scared of us he is just scared of us putting him inside because he loves being outside thats why he wont let us pet him do you know how to fix that?

[@seaneriltobias7986]

I have 2 rabbits :D

[@heatherva]

Can I give more treats if they are mostly made of timothy hay?

[@itsalexsstyle6017]

you can give them a bit more than usual BUT they’re still treats so.. don’t over feed them

[@arathy3036]

My parents are not allowing to take my bunny in the in our home so we are keeping them in a small cage they are really uncomfortable but my parents are saying that when we take it in the home they are shedding and their fur is all over our home so and they are not potty trained so I don't know I don't have any solution please give me a solution

[@arathy3036]

Please reply

[@roseadesjarlais5496]

May need another home.

[@Hawkeyeshy06]

Ik someone with a rabbit but it’s in a cage. When I go to their house I sit near the cage with the cage door open and stuff. I want it to get used to me. And take it out but it is a lil shy and hesitant with things and I don’t want to stress it out. What should I do ?

[@sylviademe4868]

Some parsley on your hand will help.

[@RetepElpmet]

I tried to imitate my rabbit's binkies. It didn't go well. There were......complications. So I gave up on imitating and now I'm just his Pez...I mean treat...dispenser.

[@melissalighthall6405]

What kind of treats can a 3 month old rabbit have?

[@TheBunnyLady]

Small pieces of leafy greens (such as sprigs of parsley, basil cilantro, etc.) are good treats to give young rabbits

[@melissalighthall6405]

@@TheBunnyLady thank you so much. Love your videos

[@hrnnn1265]

I got two new rabbits recently but I am very scared of them even if they approach me I shoo them off and become all jumpy help

[@sonochisomubeats5544]

You seem to have very docile friendly rabbits? They are not to be feared and could be killed with your hands easily if they attacked, treat them with love and not fear and they will reciprocate

[@sandyreed9921]

Please help he took over my guess room. He won’t go in his cage he won’t let me pet or pick up.

[@medzvalencia8734]

And boy robert

[@evyanimations9540]

Is it ok if my bunny eats dry grass? He really seems to like it

[@handav8766]

Yes because it's basically hay But don't give clippings from a lawn mower

[@damiturner323]

How do I teach my bun to give me a high 5

[@zeinabousow5531]

My rabbit Dixie seems to lick me alot is this a good thing?

[@TheBunnyLady]

Yup, that's a sign of affection

[@grouphomework4760]

Yess it means she/he is saying "I love you"

[@zeinabousow5531]

Thanks for telling me! Sorry for the late reply

[@gizka9589]

My rabbit clicked on this video

[@joejoe5554]

My rabbit has nothing to do with me if i get close to it runs away

[@jamilakash6119]

which gender of rabbit can be best for adopting ? I listened that male rabbits are very naughty and aggressive. So I wanted to buy a female rabbit. but after more researching I knew that female rabbits have digging problem and 80% chance of overian cancer. so I am very confused. pls help me.

[@skippy6660]

Higher chance of developing ovarian cancer if you dont spay your female rabbit. That also applies with male rabbits, neutering them reduces the chance of developing testicular cancer.

[@jamilakash6119]

@@skippy6660 I know but I am still confused.

[@emmanalen825]

hey! I think you could get either and neuter/spay them. if u dont spay a female bunny it's super dangerous if u arent using it to breed. if their uterus isn't used it get filled with fluids that later spreads to the lungs and they die. a male u should also always neuter, since there's a risk for cancer, territorial behaviors, hard to potty train and aggressive behavior.

[@jamilakash6119]

@@emmanalen825 I also know these.

[@emmanalen825]

@@jamilakash6119 then why are u confused?

[@milo5134]

My rabbits will jump onto my lap and back but get scared when I pet them ;v;

[@ravensrealm1170]

Try to offer your rabbit a treat when they come up to you, pets can be scary for a bunny but that can get get better with time and treats to associate humans, especially you, with treats, then after about a week you can try to pet them, and remember to make your hand approach from the side so they can see it happening and have a choice to run away if they want to If you need any other advice feel free to ask

[@milo5134]

@@ravensrealm1170 thanks ^^

[@ameliaabeysekara9410]

My rabbit tries to avoid me all the time even tho I do all these things

[@medzvalencia8734]

I have a rabbit to teach me please there name is berna s a girl

[@jennyhauser6189]

I really don't know why so many rabbit owners only have one rabbit. They are very social animals and need at least one partner rabbit.

[@Cynthetik]

Jenny Hauser some people have rabbits that can’t get along with other rabbits.

[@jennyhauser6189]

@@Cynthetik I am well aware of this. Nevertheless, there are many who only keep one rabbit without ever having thought that it could need a partner.

[@ellabrash]

My rabbit is very territorial and hostile toward other rabbits, so i can’t get another one

[@ellabrash]

She is spayed

[@Linda-mh6tq]

My bunny’s keep making angry noice😭 how can I make them stop?

[@crooner5259]

Grillparty

[@MsOdingod]

Don't "fix" your rabbits!

[@hamstermelody4902]

Are you talking about neutering?

[@MsOdingod]

@@hamstermelody4902 yes, don't mutilate your rabbits.

[@hamstermelody4902]

@@MsOdingod why do you think that? Not saying you’re wrong just curious.

[@MsOdingod]

@@hamstermelody4902 No one should be cutting body parts of a animal for any reason ( except medical reasons, like saving his life after a injury).

[@joejoe5554]

My rabbit has nothing to do with me if i get close to it runs away