The most comfortable positions for a rabbit show deep relaxation, like flopping fully onto their side, stretching out with hind legs splayed (the "sploot" or "sun bather"), or sitting in a relaxed "loaf" (legs tucked under, ready to move) with ears back and loose; these indicate they feel safe and secure in their environment, allowing them to rest deeply without being in a constant "flight" stance, though a loaf is common for naps and warmth.
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.
Wrap them in a blanket like a burrito and snuggle on the couch. Pet their forehead and give a small treat. Keep it relaxing and nice. They feel secure and will love being pet on the forehead and a small treat. We also made a point of getting rabbits that were handled consistently and regularly before we got them.
Never pick rabbits up by their ears.
This is extremely stressful for them and is highly likely to injure them.
🐰 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 are sociable creatures that can form deep bonds with their human companions.
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].
Signs of a stressed rabbit include body language like ears pinned back, a tense hunched posture, wide eyes, and stillness, combined with behavioral changes such as hiding excessively, aggression (biting, lunging), destructive bar biting, changes in eating/toileting, restlessness, rapid breathing, or unusual vocalizations like grunting. These signals, often a prey animal's reaction to feeling threatened or unhappy, need prompt attention as chronic stress can cause serious health issues.
Unfixed rabbits after this age can get very territorial and spray urine and poop everywhere. Spaying and neutering your rabbit will make it more likely for him to learn proper litter habits. Another reason your rabbit may have messy litter habits is that you are giving him too much freedom at once.
Never, ever, pick up your rabbit by the ears or scruff of the neck. You'll hurt them and can cause permanent damage. You want your bunny to be well supported and held firmly, which helps them feel safe.
As a rule, a rabbit should be able to take at least three hops in a row from one end to the other. It can be difficult to buy purpose-built accommodation measuring these dimensions but there's no reason why you can't build your own! Rabbits are a prey species and need to be able to hide from things that scare them.
Do rabbits like cuddly toys? Some rabbits may cuddle certain soft toys, but chewing and destruction are more likely. Stick to sturdy, interactive toys meant for chewing and playing. Supervise any plush toys to avoid choking hazards.
Rabbits aren't “starter pets”—they're high-maintenance, long-term commitments. While healthy adult rabbits will typically use a litterbox to do their business, they do a lot of business—and you will have to keep their box clean by changing it at least every other day.
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.
While a healthy rabbit typically urinates 2-8 times a day, variations from your rabbit's normal pattern could signal a problem. Urinating Outside the Litter Box: A deviation from usual litter box habits, especially in a rabbit that's litter-trained, might indicate bladder issues.
Put a litter box out in their free-run space too. Use the same method with this space as you did with the enclosure: start small, only giving them more room once they're going to the bathroom in their litter boxes reliably. Give your rabbit fresh hay in their litter boxes every day and even several times a day.
The rabbit will produce 2 types of feces, the hard-feces and the soft cecotrophs. The hard feces pass during or shortly after eating. The smaller and softer cecotrophs are often passed at night or at least 4 hours after eating. The rabbits will ingest these directly from the anus.
Is there such a thing as a 'low mood' in rabbits?
Symptoms of stress
Yawning: Rabbits will stretch out their front feet and pull their head back, opening their mouth to yawn when they wake up or before they go to sleep like other animals. Zooming: When rabbits are very happy and have a lot of energy, they may run around the room fast and binky up in the air.
Natural enemies of jackrabbits include hawks, owls, eagles, coyotes, bobcats, foxes, and weasels. While predation will not eliminate the population, presence of predators will provide some useful assistance in rabbit control.
Zoonotic diseases associated with rabbits include pasteurellosis, ringworm, mycobacteriosis, cryptosporidiosis and external parasites. Rabbits can transmit bacteria through bites and scratches.
If you notice these symptoms in your bunny, it's time to see a vet as soon as possible.