Easy Ways to Socialize Your Rabbit
You’ve finally decided to bring a new rabbit home. Perhaps you’ve even chosen a breed and a name. Perhaps you’ve even found the rabbit you will call yours. However, there is one more thing you need to consider: socialization.
Rabbit socialization is essential if you want to effectively bond with your new rabbit. It will also determine how well your rabbit interacts with others of its own species or even other species. If you have pets like dogs or cats, early socialization with those animals is even more important.
If you are new to rabbit ownership, here are the basics of socialization.
Why is socialization important?
Before we discuss how you socialize your rabbit, we need to mention in more detail why it is such an important part of rabbit ownership. Rabbits, or more specifically, lagomorphs, have their own language.
Rabbits are also extremely social animals. They have a hierarchical society just like dogs. It is not good for a rabbit to be anti-social or isolated. Socialization is the best way to prevent loneliness and boredom in your rabbit, and to ensure your floppy-eared friend thrives.
Proper socialization creates many positive outcomes. First, it allows you to bond with your rabbit and fully enjoy living with this amazing, funny animal. Most rabbits do not naturally enjoy being picked up or handled by humans. They are prey animals in the wild, and so tend to be skittish if not properly socialized.
A second positive outcome of socialization is that your rabbit will be able to have a friend. Bonding between two rabbits takes time and may take some of their focus off of you. However, it helps them lead their happiest lives. Instead of two rabbits, you can also introduce another species like a dog or cat into the household. Socialization is essential in this scenario, as it allows the rabbit to accept these predators are his or her friends.
Seven tips for socializing your rabbit
If you are ready to begin socializing your rabbit, continue reading. The tips presented in this section will ensure proper socialization and a healthy, happy rabbit.
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- Keep your rabbit in a cage while they get to know you. When you bring a new rabbit home, keep him or her in an indoor rabbit hutch or a secure location. The cage or holding area should be placed near the rest of the family. The rabbit should be able to hear and see all of your daily activities. It’s definitely worth sitting and chatting to your new member of the family, introducing yourself and the rest of the family, and getting them used to your smell and the sound of your voice. Through doing this you are letting your bunny take in the new sights, sounds, and smells while feeling protected and not threatened.
- Introduce them to your kids. While it’s not advised to overload your bunny’s brain by letting them meet ten people at once, when they feel comfortable in your presence, it’s time to introduce the kids. Experts suggest getting your kids to read to your rabbit while they’re in their cage; this will enable your bunny to get used to your child’s soothing vocal tone, while helping with your kids’ development.
- Let your rabbit get used to being touched. We recommend giving your rabbit 2-5 quick pats at least once a day to help them get used to being touched. If you have an aggressive or scared rabbit, make sure to approach from above so they don’t feel threatened and bite. This will speed up the socialization process.
- Treat to reward social behavior. Once your new rabbit has worked up the courage to begin investigating their new surroundings or is becoming more social, make sure to acknowledge this behavior with a treat. Rabbits respond to treat training like any other pets. In fact, they love treats. Give your rabbit tiny amounts (1-2 raisins) and choose healthy treats such as raisins, thin slice of banana, thin slice of apple without seeds, a baby carrot or a grape. Try to avoid yogurt drops, or seed treats. Follow these rules and your rabbit will begin associating you with good things, and they will be more likely to approach other humans as well.
- Provide places to hide. This step is especially important if you have children in the home. Rabbits can get easily overwhelmed, especially in a new environment. It is important to provide them places to hide or rest when they don’t feel like socializing. This “safe space” can help the rabbit feel confident enough to continue exploring their new surroundings.
- Introduce your rabbit to the other animals of the house. Once your rabbit has begun feeling comfortable in your home, it is time to introduce him or her to any other animals you own. Do not rush this process. Make sure the rabbit and other animals are safe throughout. It is also important to watch body language during this step. If the rabbit’s body language tells you they are angry, ready to fight, or panicked, remove them from the situation. You can try again once everyone is calmed down.
- Go slowly. Every rabbit is different, and so the socialization process will take a unique amount of time for each animal. Do not rush things. Let the rabbit determine their own pace. And, try to be patient. Once your rabbit has been socialized and bonded with you and your other pets, you will see that the time and effort was worthwhile.
Final thoughts
Proper socialization is just as important for your rabbit as providing for its other basic needs. Yes, housing, diet, and medical care ensure the longevity and overall health of your rabbit, but socializing your rabbit is imperative for their mental health. Bringing home your new family member is an exciting time, and socialization ensures that your rabbit stays happy and active.
Follow the steps above to begin the socialization process and remember to take your time. It will be worth it, we promise.