Rabbits love the smells of fresh, sweet-smelling things like Timothy hay, leafy greens (basil, cilantro), and fruits (banana, apple), as well as their own scent, which indicates safety and territory. Strong, artificial smells like smoke are disliked, but natural aromas like lavender (in moderation) or even their own urine/chin markings are comforting to them.
The best way to protect your bunny is simple: keep their home smoke-free and scent-free. Fresh hay and leafy greens (and some occasional banana!) are the only scents they need.
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.
The easiest way is to provide food for the rabbits to enjoy. Some of their favorites include clover, lettuce, and, of course, carrots. Rabbits also enjoy the occasional sip of water so put out a small dish of water that they can enjoy at their leisure.
Although they don't like to be picked up, most rabbits do desire physical affection. Most find petting, snuggling, nuzzling, and sitting companionably beside each other pleasurable activities. Play with toys together.
In answer to the question what animal eats rabbits, the most common that springs to mind is the fox. But there are numerous others including pet dogs and cats, birds of prey, stoats, weasels, ferrets, badgers and snakes.
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.
Rabbits have delicate respiratory systems. NO scented sprays, diffusers, oils, Febreeze, incense, perfume, or vaping/smoking around your rabbit. Some may cause respiratory irritation while others may cause liver damage, kidney damage, neurological problems, or cancer.
They groom you
They will lick each other and maybe give a couple love nips to help the other bun out. When your rabbit starts to lick you or your clothing, it means that they see you as part of their bunny family. They trust you and love you enough to care about your cleanliness and well being.
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.
It's easy to take care of them, but you should keep in mind the things these little guys do NOT like the most.
Consistent cleaning is the cornerstone of rabbit odor control. Remove soiled bedding daily, scrub surfaces weekly, and use white vinegar and water to neutralize urine odors. Adding baking soda to your cleaning solution can provide extra deodorizing power for stubborn smells. Ventilation is equally important.
Every bunny is unique and has their own “favorite spot.” But in general, it's best to offer pets on the forehead and behind the ears, says Harting. Be sure to avoid their blindspot (the space near their mouth in the front of their face) when reaching out your hand.
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.
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.
There are scent glands located just underneath a rabbit's chin, so your pet is leaving little notices to say, “I've been here, this is now mine!” A rabbit can be known to nudge you for attention, as a way to say “hello, time for a stroke please!” They can also give you a little lick and a nibble as a sign of affection.
Do rabbits really like carrots? Yes, they do! But carrots are more like a sugary treat for a rabbit (so are fruits), so they should be given in small quantities. They can upset a rabbit's digestive system if given too much.
It is important that you understand all the requirements for caring for a rabbit before you buy one. Rabbits generally live for 5 to 8 years depending on their environment and breed, but they can live for as long as 12 years. If you decide to purchase a rabbit, make sure you are prepared to care for them that long.
Rabbits will usually be scared of cats and dogs, as they're natural predators.
Fresh fruits like apples, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, oranges, peaches and pears are excellent treats. Dried fruit may work as well for treats but do remember to check labels for any added sugar. If you find there is added sugar, keep looking for a better option for your rabbit.
Expert Baiting Tips
Pour some apple cider into a spray bottle, and spray it thoroughly on the inside of your trap. The apple scent will serve two purposes: luring rabbits into the cage and covering up any human scent that may deter rabbits from entering.