Petting a rabbit can often be the best way to comfort them and help them to calm down. If your rabbit is on the alert, you can try giving them some scritches on their forehead and behind the ears. Watch your rabbit's body language to see if they are still on the alert.
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.
For nervous rabbits, Beaphar RabbitComfort® Calming Spray uses pheromone technology to provide a touch of comfort in your home or in hutches. Ideal for targeting specific areas of the home where your pet shows signs of stress or needs reassurance.
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.
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)
Rabbits that become depressed will usually sit around for most of the day. They will often lose interest in eating, grooming, or even socializing. Some rabbits who become depressed will even resort to aggressive behaviors, such as biting and swatting.
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.
Adult rabbits: 18 months – 7 years. As your rabbit reaches their adult years, they will calm down a little and settle into their own personality.
If your rabbits look tucked up and quiet with their chins tucked in and noses not twitching this can be a sure sign of them feeling unhappy or stressed, as this is not a normal position for a rabbit. Moving or running away. Your rabbits may turn and move away from you (or each other) if they're unhappy.
If your rabbits aren't getting enough mental or physical stimulation, they'll be spending a fair amount of their day sitting around, bored. Over time, this can lead to destructive behaviours like chewing. Your rabbits might also display aggressive behaviour like growling, scratching or biting when handled.
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.
The best places to pet a rabbit are their forehead and behind their ears. The cheeks and strokes down their backs are also good spots. But rabbits dislike being pet on their bottom, feet, chin, and underside.
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.
Bunny Butt. A bunny who is angry with their owner or another rabbit may let them know by giving them a cold shoulder, or Bunny Butt. They will turn their back on you and refuse to look at you. Bunnies hold grudges.
Rabbits are intelligent animals and require mental stimulation. If they become too bored, they may bite as a way to keep themselves feeling busy. If your bunny is bored, any bites will most likely just be a gentle little nip. This is their way of saying, “Hey, don't forget about me!” or “Play with me!”
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.