We usually tell our adopters that we expect the average bonding is going to take about two and a half weeks.
If a rabbit comes up and nudges you or hand and puts their head down to be pet, that's a sign that they love you and enjoy the way you interact with them. If a rabbit is willing to come up to you whenever they want and ask to be pet, then that is a clear sign that your rabbit loves and trusts you.
Rabbits can make amazing, affectionate, and social pets, often forming close bonds with their owners and enjoying their company. Like dogs, rabbits are very intelligent and can be trained to do tricks such as coming when called, or even jump through agility courses.
When a rabbit nibbles or bites you softly it is often accompanied with licking, which is a sign of love. He is trying to groom you and is simulating the grooming process (however, you have no fur to build up knots in so it results in just a little nibble of the skin).
For a rabbit to be comfortable with being picked up, they must learn through positive experiences that being lifted isn't something that causes harm. This should start when they are just as few weeks old as part of socialisation.
Pet rabbits can be kept alone if they are given daily attention and socialization from their human companions. It's best if single rabbits are kept as house pets so you can spend ample amounts of time petting and playing with them.
Common actions between rabbits in a bonding session can include: chasing, nipping, swatting, spraying or mounting. Flattened ears or a lifted tail are both signs of impending attack. Beware of nipping on the nose or ears of the rabbits.
Hold rabbits gently but firmly - ensure one hand supports their back and hindquarters at all times. Help them feel secure by holding all four feet against your body. Never pick rabbits up by their ears - this would be extremely stressful and is highly likely to injure them.
If they are sitting upright and their front paws are 'boxing' at you, they are likely very unhappy. Vocalising. Rabbits don't tend to make much noise and when they do it's a sign they're feeling very threatened. You may hear them grunting or growling and in extreme cases, they can scream.
The whole bonding process can take as little as one day or up to several months – it all depends on your rabbits. Usually, it's a few weeks before your bunnies will be living happily together but it is well worth the wait.
If you find you are stuck in the bonding process, try switching up the bonding area. Sometimes the first location you choose is not a place that's working for your rabbits. The area might not be neutral enough, or your rabbits might just not like the place. Try experimenting with different sized spaces as well.
Anything longer than 24 hours is too long – and even that is pushing the solitude limits of rabbits. Rabbits are social creatures and require about as much, if not more, interaction and maintenance as dogs do and more than some cats need. Considering rabbits to be low-maintenance pets does them a grave disservice.
Rabbits can develop abnormal behaviour and may suffer if you leave them on their own and with nothing to do for long periods, so you should keep your rabbit with at least one other friendly rabbit.
Rabbits are social creatures and live a longer and happier life when bonded. They provide emotional support to each other when one bunny is sick, bored, lonely, or stressed. Once your bunny is bonded it doesn't take any extra work to care for two bunnies.
Whether you allow your rabbit to sleep with you or not is a matter of preference. Observe where your rabbit feels most comfortable, and go with it. If you want to train it to sleep with you, then you can do it slowly while making your rabbit's safety your utmost priority.
You can bond with your bunny by relaxing at home and petting them quietly. When they're enjoying a good cuddle, they'll “chatter” by clicking their teeth together. Bunnies are super-soft, and many will love cuddling with you as much as you love cuddling with them.
Try to refrain from holding them every single time you interact with them. If you are trying to gain the trust of a shy rabbit, you will want to completely stop picking them up until your rabbit is very comfortable around you. Otherwise keep the cuddles to a minimum so that your rabbit doesn't become afraid of you.
Nose Nudging: Nose nudging is another behavior that has several meanings. Rabbits might nudge, push, or toss things around as a form of play, to solicit attention from you, or as a territorial behavior meaning “mine!” or “get out of the way!” Rabbits can be very territorial and particular.
If your rabbit grunts, it usually means she is angry – and possibly feels threatened. Sometimes, grunting is followed by a nip or bite. Some rabbits do not like it when you rearrange their cages as you clean; they may grunt, charge or even nip you when you try.