Yes, you can kiss your baby bunny, especially on the forehead or head, as they often interpret it as grooming and affection, but avoid their mouth if you have cold sores (Herpes Simplex Virus), use products on your lips, or have a compromised immune system; gentle forehead kisses are a great bonding way, but always watch for their comfort and signs of enjoyment like teeth chattering or licking you back.
Absolutely! As long as your bunny consents, give them all the kisses!
The 3-3-3 rule for rabbits (and other pets) is a guideline for adjusting to a new home: 3 Days for the rabbit to feel overwhelmed and hide, 3 Weeks to start settling in and showing personality, and 3 Months to feel truly at home and build a strong bond. It helps adopters manage expectations, understand that fear and skittishness are normal, and encourages patience as the bunny decompresses in its new environment, emphasizing providing a safe space and routine.
Be very careful in handling a newborn rabbit for the first couple of weeks of their life, as Terri says. In fact, you should only handle them at all once a day or so for a brief time to check that their mother is feeding them properly and that they're staying warm.
Zoonotic diseases associated with rabbits include pasteurellosis, ringworm, mycobacteriosis, cryptosporidiosis and external parasites. Rabbits can transmit bacteria through bites and scratches.
If holding your rabbit like a baby means you are cradling them on their back, I recommend you find new ways to cuddle with your rabbit. While some rabbits may appear comfortable being held on their backs, this position can actually be quite stressful for them.
Rabbits will groom each other to show love and dominance If you see more than one rabbit living together, you might notice that they will often lick each other.
Rabbits and older children
Teach older children how to hold a rabbit. They should use both hands and support the back legs properly. Never pick up rabbits by their ears or by the scruff of their necks.
Never pick rabbits up by their ears.
This is extremely stressful for them and is highly likely to injure them.
Rabbits are sociable creatures that can form deep bonds with their human companions.
Rabbits need unlimited access to grass and hay, so they shouldn't ever be left without food. However, if it's an emergency and there's no other choice, then they can go up to 12 hours without eating.
Their back legs are stretched out behind the body and their front paws are pointing forward. A happy rabbit jumps into the air with all four paws off the ground and twists in mid-air before landing. This is called 'binkying' and is a sign that the rabbit is happy or excited.
Rabbits use a similar method of cleaning to cats and dogs. They lick themselves, using their specially evolved tongues to get a good, thorough clean. Also this doesn't seem like the highest standards of hygiene to you and I, rabbits have been using this method for thousands of years and it suits them very well.
As your bunny's parent, being vigilant will ensure a safe, happy rabbit, one that may live to be 10 to 12 years old.
Although many rabbit bites are defensive, some rabbits may bite aggressively for a variety of reasons. Rabbit bites can be painful and serious. If a bite bleeds excessively, shows symptoms of infection, or concerns you in any way, it's best to seek medical attention.
It's easy to take care of them, but you should keep in mind the things these little guys do NOT like the most.
Diseases Rabbits Can Carry: Rabies & Others
Tularemia gets the popular name rabbit fever from its link with these wildlife pests. Symptoms of the disease can include ulcers and stomach pain. Other common rabbit diseases include ringworm and Lyme disease.
They are seeking attention and affection and the area they use to nudge is an ideal area to pet your rabbit. The area between the ears/top of the head is also a favorite spot for most rabbits. Some rabbits enjoy having their cheeks stroked but be careful to avoid his/her chin!
The 3-3-3 rule for rabbits (and other pets) is a guideline for adjusting to a new home: 3 Days for the rabbit to feel overwhelmed and hide, 3 Weeks to start settling in and showing personality, and 3 Months to feel truly at home and build a strong bond. It helps adopters manage expectations, understand that fear and skittishness are normal, and encourages patience as the bunny decompresses in its new environment, emphasizing providing a safe space and routine.
Rabbits who listened to soft classical or new-age music appeared more relaxed. Surprisingly, they were even calmer than rabbits kept in complete silence! These music-loving buns showed fewer signs of stress, like thumping, hiding, or overgrooming.
Yes, rabbits absolutely recognize their owners and form strong bonds, identifying people through scent, voice, and routine, often showing affection through behaviors like nudging, grooming, or seeking attention, though they are prey animals and prefer interactions on their own terms. They remember individuals and can associate them with positive experiences, becoming attached to their primary caregivers.
A previous study based on primary veterinary care showed that the most common causes of death in pet rabbits were myiasis, myxomatosis, and bite injuries, which could be prevented by improved housing and suitable care [5].
Two baby rabbits (under 12 weeks of age) that are the same sex, or a “love at first sight” couple, can live with each other immediately. All other combinations will need to be carefully and gradually introduced. Rabbits are surprisingly vicious fighters.
Start working with your rabbit through any discomfort with being touched and handled. Only after they are comfortable with that should you practice picking them up. Start with sitting on the ground and just lifting them up into your lap, or against your chest in your lap—not picking them up in the air.