Typical things that can make your rabbit stressed include: novelty (for example the first trip in a car or being handled by a stranger) fear-inducing stimuli (for example sudden noises) social stress (for example too many individuals in a small space, loss of a companion, living alone)
This means that a pet rabbit will still show fear over anything it feels threatened by. This may be a dog or cat, a wild animal, a human or even inanimate objects. Large shapes and quick movements especially can be very fear-inducing.
It's easy to tell if a rabbit is nervous or scared. They sit with their ears held back, tend to sit scrunched up like a big ball or always underneath something and startle at the smallest sound.
Rabbits are highly sensitive to loud bangs from fireworks and their natural instinct is to run away. Signs that your rabbit is scared during fireworks may include: Stamping hind feet. Staying motionless.
The instincts of your pet rabbits are the same. Fear can be triggered by fast or unexpected movements, loud noises, unusual odors, bigger creatures, and even their owners.
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. Showing their front teeth. If they show you their teeth, this is an extreme sign of fear and a 'final warning'.
Noise-makers: Loud noises can scare rabbits away from the garden. Use noise-makers such as wind chimes, bells, or whistles to make noise around the garden. Motion-activated devices: Motion-activated devices, such as sprinklers or lights, can effectively deter rabbits.
Purring: Purring for a rabbit is a lot like purring for a cat in that they both mean "happy and content." However, cats purr using their throat while rabbits make the sound by lightly rubbing their teeth together. It is a very soft sound, but one you will want to listen for.
The best way to gain your rabbits' trust is by simply spending lots of time being near them, while allowing your bunnies to approach you in their own time.
While it's true that some rabbits hate being touched, I have found that these rabbits are in the minority. Pet rabbits who have been socialized with people from a young age will typically grow to love being petted. For most rabbits, petting is a pleasant sensation.
Make sure they get mental and physical stimulation
Being social creatures that love to play, rabbits benefit from a rotating collection of toys. They are also incredibly curious little things, so give them puzzles and things to investigate to help stave off boredom.
Additionally, the strong odors of blood meal, garlic, onions, mint, thyme, sage, rosemary, lavender, daffodils, and marigolds act as natural repellents for rabbits. Planting these species in our gardens or using sprays that contain their scents can help protect our plants from rabbit damage.
Staring is very common in rabbits. It's likely your rabbit stares at you out of love and happiness, but they could also be hungry, or confused. Rabbits also have a transparent eyelid that they use while they sleep, which may make it seem like they are staring.
Common irritants to rabbits include:
Fireplace fumes – ensure your house is well ventilated so carbon dioxide fumes are properly dispersed. Dust. Cigarette smoke. Mites and fleas can also cause an allergic reaction, which is often treated with cortisol.
Rabbits are also capable of growling, snorting, and hissing, all of which are generally associated with signs of aggression. Whimpering and thumping (a sharp stomp of the hind feet) are often associated with fear. The final, most worrisome sound a rabbit makes is screaming.
For stressed rabbits who need some extra care, Pet Remedy, a clinically-proven, natural blend of valerian and vetiver, sweet basil and clary sage essential oils, can help.
While there will doubtless be anecdotal examples of rock-loving rabbits, many reject the genre. This is because rabbits dislike unexpected noise. Loud, sudden time changes will startle your pet. If your rabbit has a more nervous disposition, it will prefer to live a quiet life.
Rabbits will remember the people that they spend a lot of time with, and this includes their owners and caretakers. As prey animals, they have neurologically developed with a strong long-term memory for places and routines. You can use these associations to help strengthen your rabbit's memory of you.
Scared: Your rabbits are scared when they flatten their abdomen to the ground, have their ears against their head flat, and their eyes may bulge. Nipping is a gentle bite where your rabbit might be telling you to move over or to put them down.
Move slowly and talk quietly around rabbits so as not to startle them. They're more likely to be relaxed in a quiet and calm handling environment. Picking rabbits up when you're close to ground level is less likely to scare them, and is also safer, as it helps prevent them from being dropped from a height by accident.
Because rabbits are social animals, they will often get depressed if they are left alone for too long.
5. Nudging, head butting or rubbing against you is rabbit body language for loving attention. 'Give them a stroke or cuddle, or what you know they enjoy', says Rosie. 'Rubbing their faces against you is a way of sharing their scent profile, and showing that you really are friends.
You should avoid leaving a rabbit alone for more than 24 hours. This is because rabbits can get sick suddenly and require immediate medical attention. Conditions such as GI Stasis are very common, so you should always have someone checking in on your rabbit daily even if you are only away for the weekend.