Making Friends With Your New Bunny

Have you been thinking about getting a rabbit soon? Floppy is a great little buddy. Rabbits are lots of fun, and are definitely super cute. They are also rather shy, though. That’s logical: they have to always be on the lookout for hawks, wolves, coyotes, wild dogs, and other animals in the wild. An Burlington, ON vet offers advice on how to win Floppy’s heart in this article.

Get A Positive Start

You’ll want to start out on the right paw. Don’t just reach into your new pet’s cage and try to pull her out. That will just scare her, which is one of the things you want to avoid. Instead, just open the door and let her come out when she’s ready. It might take a while, but your new pet will eventually want to investigate her new home and you. Offer your hand for sniffing. A treat won’t hurt, either. 

Make It Safe

Making your home rabbit-proof is very important! This should be completed before you bring Floppy home. You’ll have to address everything you don’t want Floppy to be able to get to. Seal off all and any gaps below and beneath beds, sofas, or chairs. Cover or protect baseboards, furniture legs, and any wires or cords that are within range. Other things that could be dangerous include small or sharp objects, personal items, plastics, drugs, and chemicals. Talk to your Burlington, ON vet about how to keep bunnies out.

Learn Bunnies’ Body Language

Bunnies do talk … but without words. Reading about bunny body language will help you understand your cute pet. This isn’t just good for learning about bunny moods: it can also help you notice warning signs that something is off.

Don’t Scare Your Pet

Take care not to frighten your furry pal.  Floppy holds grudges, so if you scare her, she will remember it.

·       Do not move quickly or make loud noises.

·       Floppy probably doesn’t want to be handled. Don’t pick her up unless you need to move her or put her in her harness. The Abominable Snow Man tried to make friends with Bugs Bunny by hugging and smooshing him, but it didn’t work. The same will happen to you!

·       We probably seem like huge monsters from Floppy’s point of view. Get down to ground level: you’ll be less intimidating.

Talk To Your Rabbit

Talking to your adorable little pet is always a good way to get them used to you. Keep your voice happy and calm. Pay close attention to how Floppy moves and what she does with her cute ears.

Give Floppy Some Fun Toys

Rabbits really like to play. They need to chew too, as otherwise they develop dental issues. You’ll need to offer lots of toys, including suitable chew toys. While you can buy some great ones in stores, you can also try making your own at home. There are plenty of ideas online. Make sure you only use safe things. Many paper, cardboard, wood, or straw items will work very well. Avoid anything with sharp edges, plastic parts, and ropes or threads. Ask your Burlington, ON vet for more information.

Don’t Skimp On The Treats

Treats can go a long way toward melting Floppy’s heart. Just choose safe objects. Don’t rely on hearsay: there are a lot of misconceptions here. For instance, carrots are Bugs Bunny’s favorite food, but they’re not the best choice for buns.

Bunnies usually really, really like sweets. You can give Floppy small amounts of safe foods like apples, bananas, or strawberries. You’ll also need to find out what isn’t safe. That list includes corn, currants, dates, edamame, figs, garlic, green onions, kelp, leeks, lentils, mushrooms, nuts, olives, onions, peanuts, popcorn, potatoes, quinoa, rhubarb, rice, seeds, beets, sweet potatoes, walnuts, and anything else that has xylitol and/or a lot of salt, fat, or sugar. Ask your Burlington, ON vet for more information on proper bunny diets and treats.

Just Take Good Care Of Floppy

Love takes time to develop, so be patient. The bottom line? Plain old TLC will go a long way to helping you forge that special bond people and pets develop. Ask your vet for bunny care tips. This includes setting up the cage, typical illnesses, food suggestions, and toys.

Make an Appointment at Our Burlington, ON Veterinary Clinic 

Do you want to know how to take care of rabbits? We are your cat hospital. Please call us whenever you need help! We are dedicated to providing top service and great veterinary care.