How to Bond With Your Rabbit Explore this Article parts 1 Reading a Rabbit's Body Language 2 Making Your Rabbit Comfortable In Your Home 3 Bonding with Your Rabbit Other Sections Expert Q&A Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Last Updated: January 14, 2026 Approved
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This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. In addition, Dr. Elliott is a freelance veterinary copywriter specializing in taking dense topics and making them easy to digest. Her clients include The Webinar Vet, PetPlan US, TIME, and other top-ranked blogs. She also works with Improve International as a developmental editor for veterinary textbooks. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 55 testimonials and 90% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 535,649 times.
Rabbits can be adorable, beloved pets, but because rabbits exist as prey animals in the wild, they can often be frightened and mistrustful of humans. Learning how to read your rabbit's body language and give them what they need will help your rabbits learn to trust you and deepen the bond between human and pet.
Veterinarian Pippa Elliott observes: "Rabbits are traditionally looked on as children's pets. However, rabbits are easily stressed and it takes gentle handling and patience to earn their trust. This doesn't mean children shouldn't keep rabbits, but adult supervision and guidance are necessary to raise a rabbit right."
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 3:
Reading a Rabbit's Body Language
1 Listen to your rabbit's vocalizations. Rabbits have a surprisingly broad range of vocalizations, which help them communicate everything from pleasure to loneliness to fear. Listen to the sounds your rabbit makes when you approach him and adapt your interactions to better meet his needs.
Tooth-clicking, contrary to what you might assume, is a sign of comfort and contentment. A rabbit may click his teeth while being petted, the way a cat purrs. Other rabbits make this sound simply when feeling safe and content in a cage or home environment. If your rabbit is clicking his teeth, it's a good sign that he likes and trusts you.[1]XResearch source
Snorting could be interpreted as either a cry for attention and affection, or an indication of displeasure or distrust. In some rabbits, snorting may also be a sign of a respiratory infection, especially if the rabbit has discharge from his nose. If you believe your rabbit is snorting because of a respiratory infection, it's best to have a veterinarian examine him to rule out any illness.
Whimpering or squealing is typically a sign of pain or fear. If your rabbit whimpers or squeals when you pick him up, you could be handling him wrong, or it's possible that you haven't earned his trust yet.
Tooth-grinding is a sign of pain, illness, or anxiety. If your rabbit grinds his teeth, you may be holding him wrong in a way that causes discomfort, or he may be sick and in need of veterinary care. As a precaution, you should take your rabbit to the vet if he begins to grind his teeth.[2]XResearch source
Grunting is a sign of displeasure or fear. If your rabbit is grunting at you, it means that he feels threatened and does not want to be handled. It's best to avoid reaching for your rabbit's food, toys, or litter box when he has grunted with disapproval at you.[3]XResearch source
Screaming indicates extreme pain or fear of death. If your rabbit starts to scream when you handle him, he may be injured, or he may believe you are going to harm him. As a precaution, you should have a veterinarian examine your rabbit if he starts to scream.[4]XResearch source
2 Observe body language. Just as your rabbit's sounds can tell you a lot about his mood or feelings, so too can your rabbit's posture and body language. Learning to differentiate between a rabbit that feels lonely and a rabbit that does not want to be handled can help you build up your relationship with your furry friend.
Look at your rabbit's ears. Rabbits have exceptional hearing, but they also use their ears to communicate body language cues. If your rabbit's ears are back flat against his body, it means he's letting down his guard and feels safe. If they're pulled forward, it means he has heard or sensed something that may or may not be concerning. One ear forward and one ear back usually means your rabbit has noticed something going on around him, but hasn't quite decided whether that activity is alarming or not.[5]XResearch source
If your rabbit has his hind legs stretched out behind his body, it indicates that he is relaxed and comfortable. Having his legs behind him means that he cannot leap to run away or attack, which indicates that your rabbit trusts you and feels safe in your home.[6]XResearch source
If your rabbit's body is tense, it is a sign that he is frightened or anxious. Perhaps something you've done has scared him, or perhaps something in your home environment is putting him on edge.[7]XResearch source
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3 Take note of how your rabbit behaves around you. In addition to sounds and body language, some rabbits will communicate their needs or dislikes by acting in response to human touch.
Nudging a person with the nose is a rabbit's way of saying that he wants you to pay attention to him or pet him.[8]XResearch source
Licking a person is a sign of great affection. Rabbits do not lick people for salt; rather, the behavior is purely communicative, and is an indication of tremendous trust and appreciation.[9]XResearch source
Flopping down in front of a person is a sign of great trust and contentment.[10]XResearch source
If your rabbit exposes his inner eyelid (in the corner of his eye) while being handled, it means he is very anxious or frightened. It's best to avoid handling your rabbit if he responds this way to your touch - at least until you've earned his trust a little more.[11]XResearch source
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Part 2 Part 2 of 3:
Making Your Rabbit Comfortable In Your Home
1 Create a comfortable space. The recommended living area for 2 average sized rabbits (and they should be kept at least in pairs) is a single enclosed area of at least 3m x 2m by 1m high[12]XResearch source . Your rabbits may be resistant to your affection because they do not yet feel safe in your home. You can help your rabbits adjust by creating a quiet, comfortable place for them in which he will be safe from any other pets in the house. You may even want to keep your rabbits' enclosure in a separate room that will allow him to feel safe from commotion and disruption.[13]XResearch source
Keep rabbits in pairs. Studies have shown that rabbits value companionship as much as they value food. If you have a single rabbit, then it is important for their welfare that you look into getting them a friend or friends. [14]XResearch source
Choose an area in your home that will allow for daily interaction with and observation of the people in your household, but is still removed enough that your rabbits won't feel frightened by the chaos of day-to-day life.[15]XResearch source
Be sure to keep the room your rabbits live in at a comfortable temperature. Most rabbits need a stable temperature between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 to 21.1 degrees Celsius). Anything higher or lower than that range could prove fatal for your rabbit.[16]XResearch source
Keep your rabbit's cage out of direct sunlight. Providing adequate shade will help regulate his environmental temperature and keep him from overheating.
2 Give your rabbits room to play. Rabbits are high-energy mammals. In the wild they will roam for miles each day foraging for food and exploring. Anyone who has given a rabbit space knows that they love to run, jump, and ‘binky’. Not only is it vital for a bunnies’ welfare that they have space to behave naturally it’s also a lot more fun for you as their guardian to be able to watch them let off steam! 3m x 2m x 1m of unbroken space is the very minimum amount of space a rabbit should ever be in.
Play areas should be rabbit-proofed. Remove any electrical cords and other household objects that you don't want your rabbit to chew on. If it is an outdoor area, be sure that the enclosure is completely fenced in and that your rabbit will not be able to hop out of the enclosure.[17]X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
Supervise your rabbit any time he is outside of his cage. Rabbits are curious animals and can easily get hurt or find their way into dangerous places.[18]X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
3 Feed your rabbit a proper diet. One of the best ways to ensure your rabbit likes you is by feeding him the things he needs the most.
Rabbits need a constant supply of grass or hay. Providing the food that mimics what rabbits would eat in the wild is vital, can be inexpensive and even fun. You can even pick rabbit food in your garden![19]XResearch source
As a general rule, rabbits need a diet based on 85% grass or feeding hay, 10% greens and 5% good-quality nuggets.[20]XResearch source
10% of a rabbit's diet should be greens. This part of the diet is really important for providing all the vitamins, minerals and enrichment. The best way to do this is not through vegetables. Avoid feeding fruit and veg at all as this isn’t what bunnies are designed to eat. Instead, wild forage is far healthier. You can buy dried forage or pick your own. Look for things like dandelions, brambles and cleavers. Herbs like basil and parsley can also be fed as a back up if needed.
Ensure that your rabbit has constant access to fresh, clean drinking water, either from a rabbit bottle or a sturdy bowl that won't be easily tipped over.[21]X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
4 Give your rabbit plenty of toys. Rabbits love to play. You can buy toys specifically made for rabbits, or make your own at home.
Rabbits typically need toys that allow them to chew, dig/burrow, and hide. Empty cardboard boxes make excellent starter toys, but you can get as creative as you want while making or buying toys to enrich your rabbit's play time.[22]XResearch source
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Part 3 Part 3 of 3:
Bonding with Your Rabbit
1 Be patient. Let your rabbits run around and explore. You may find your rabbits want to hide somewhere dark, like under a couch, bed or dresser at the beginning. But rabbits are curious little creatures. They will not be able to resist the temptation of coming out to explore their new home. Just give the rabbits some time.
When your rabbits feels brave enough to come out for a look around, sit quietly (on the floor is best) and let your rabbit come to you. Rabbits are super cute and fluffy and the human being tends to want to hold, cuddle and pet the rabbit. Remember, they are prey animals and for the first day or two they don't know if you are going to eat them or not! So let your rabbits come to you first. If the rabbits sniff or nudge you with their noses, do not move away. This is a good sign that your rabbits are starting to trust you
2 Know how to hold your rabbit properly. It's an easy step to overlook, but an important part of bonding with your rabbit includes learning to hold him properly. Failure to do so can make your bunny uncomfortable, and may lead to him squirming and struggling to get away. This can be painful for you and for the rabbit, as any kind of thrashing could cause neck and spine injury to the rabbit.
Be gentle but firm. Don't squeeze the rabbit, but make sure that your hold on him is firm enough that he won't fall or squirm out of your hands. Use the minimum amount of restraint necessary to keep him safely in your arms.[23]XResearch source
Support the back and hindquarters. This is a crucial part of properly holding a rabbit and should not be overlooked.[24]XResearch source
3 Let the rabbit come to you. If your rabbit isn't comfortable being handled yet, he certainly won't enjoy being picked up. Instead of removing him from his little home to spend time together, let him come to you. Leave the door of his enclosure open and wait until he feels like coming out to explore.
4 Give yourself alone time. This is particularly important if you recently adopted your rabbit, as he'll need time to adjust and grow comfortable to the people and place that make up his home.[25]XResearch source
Withdraw into a quiet, closed-off room. It should be just you and your rabbit, with no other animals and nothing to distract your bunny.[26]XResearch source
Offer the rabbit treats. These can help disarm an anxious animal, and they're good for your bunny, too. Aim for healthy treats like herbs (such as basil) or apple branches. Let your bunny eat a piece of the treats off the floor, then try to feed him out of your hand.[27]XResearch source
Make this a daily practice until your rabbit gets comfortable being around you. Repetition and routine are the keys to familiarity.[28]XResearch source
5 Don't rush the rabbit. If your rabbit is new to the household and isn't comfortable being handled or petted, don't force it on him. That will only traumatize him and could cause him to be fearful of you in the future.[29]XResearch source In fact, some rabbits never become accustomed to handling, because of their status in the wild as prey animals.[30]XResearch source If your rabbit won't let you touch him, there are other ways you can bond with and soothe your nervous bunny.
Use a soothing voice to calm your rabbit. Talk to him often, and let him get used to the sound of your voice.[31]XResearch source Let him get used to your voice. Rabbits are social creatures and they get bored sitting in cages all day. Sometimes, just by talking to your rabbit, it will lie down and gently grind its teeth in approval!
Never yell at your rabbit. They can't be disciplined or trained like other pets. They won't understand why you are yelling and you will only scare your rabbit if you are loud.
Offer your open hand for your bunny to sniff. If he's not used to being around you, he may need to get accustomed to the way you look, smell, and sound before he's comfortable being handled.[32]XResearch source
Never make any sudden movements around your rabbit. This could frighten him and send him running back into his cage.
6 Try mimicking your rabbit. Some rabbit owners may not be comfortable trying this at home, especially in front of other people. But some rabbit specialists advise that pretending to wash your face and head the way your rabbit does can be disarming to a new, frightened rabbit. Seeing his human act the way he does might help him get comfortable in his new home.[33]XResearch source
7 Adjust to his schedule. Remember that rabbits are most active around sunrise and sunset each day, and spend much of the afternoon resting. If you want to initiate playtime or bonding time with your bunny, do so during the time of day when he's most active and most likely to want to play. Advertisement
Expert Q&A
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Question What should I do if my rabbit is already afraid of me? Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. In addition, Dr. Elliott is a freelance veterinary copywriter specializing in taking dense topics and making them easy to digest. Her clients include The Webinar Vet, PetPlan US, TIME, and other top-ranked blogs. She also works with Improve International as a developmental editor for veterinary textbooks. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Expert Answer Rabbits are a prey species, and their default action is to hide if they feel threatened. Don't take this personally, but instead take time and patience to win her trust. Sit beside her hutch to read or watch TV, and talk quietly to her to get her used to your presence. Then offer her tasty treats through the wire of the cage. Speak to her when you give her food so she associates you with good things. This could take weeks or months but persist and she will accept your presence as a good thing. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 38 Helpful 397
Question My rabbit is a house rabbit but spends plenty of time outside. He licks me very frequently. Is this a sign of loneliness? Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. In addition, Dr. Elliott is a freelance veterinary copywriter specializing in taking dense topics and making them easy to digest. Her clients include The Webinar Vet, PetPlan US, TIME, and other top-ranked blogs. She also works with Improve International as a developmental editor for veterinary textbooks. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Expert Answer Far from it. Licking in rabbit language is a sign of affection and her way of saying: "I love and trust you." Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 48 Helpful 391
Question Can you declaw rabbits? Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. In addition, Dr. Elliott is a freelance veterinary copywriter specializing in taking dense topics and making them easy to digest. Her clients include The Webinar Vet, PetPlan US, TIME, and other top-ranked blogs. She also works with Improve International as a developmental editor for veterinary textbooks. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Expert Answer No. Declawing is painful surgery, and it is likely to be too traumatic for a rabbit to cope with. A rabbit's natural reaction to pain is to stop eating. Unfortunately, this causes the gut to shut down, which can be life-threatening. With painful paws, the rabbit may become too frightened to move, and, with the lack of eating, this could be very serious. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 58 Helpful 312
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Tips
Don't force your rabbit to interact with you. That will just make them withdrawn. Sit on the floor and let your rabbit come to you first. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Always keep rabbits in pairs or groups as they get lonely and need friends to be more confident. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
If your rabbit approaches you, or lays down next to you, slowly reach out your hand and gently pet your bunny's head. If he/she does not move away continue to pet his/her head and the back of the ears. If your bunny moves to get up, take your hand away. Respect your bunny and don't force them to sit and be cuddled. It will be much harder to bond with a bunny who is scared of you. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Warnings
Don't just hold him by the flap of skin/fur on his back. Make sure to support his feet. Thanks Helpful 201 Not Helpful 22
Never punish your rabbit for doing something bad. It will not learn from it. Thanks Helpful 253 Not Helpful 40
Make sure that your rabbit cannot chew on electrical cords. Chewing on wires and cords could lead to electrocution and death. Thanks Helpful 193 Not Helpful 34
Don't pick your rabbit up if they don't like being picked up; some prefer to be stroked. Thanks Helpful 165 Not Helpful 43
Don't get a hamster-style bottle for their water. Use a ceramic cat/dog bowl. They need more than one drop at a time. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Rabbits can bite hard when they want to. If your rabbit is grunting and his ears are pinned back, back off and leave the rabbit to calm down. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
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Things You'll Need
A predator-proof space of at least 3m x 2m
Some toys
A water bottle
Herbs or fresh greens like grass and dandelions
Pellets
Timothy hay
A brush
Newspaper or shavings.
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Co-authored by: Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. In addition, Dr. Elliott is a freelance veterinary copywriter specializing in taking dense topics and making them easy to digest. Her clients include The Webinar Vet, PetPlan US, TIME, and other top-ranked blogs. She also works with Improve International as a developmental editor for veterinary textbooks. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. This article has been viewed 535,649 times. 517 votes - 90% Co-authors: 82Updated: January 14, 2026 Views: 535,649Article SummaryX
To bond with your rabbit, start by opening the cage, sitting quietly on the floor, and letting the bunny explore the room on its own. Next, offer the rabbit some of its favorite treats and wait for it to approach you rather than lunge for it. When your rabbit seems comfortable and ready, pick it up gently and place it in your lap or hold it in your arms. Be sure to support the bunny's back and hindquarters when you're holding it and use a firm grip without squeezing the rabbit. For more tips on spending quality time with your rabbit, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Kathy Threadgill
Jul 23, 2018
"I rescued 2 rabbits, a male and female. I was assured the female was spayed, so I did not separate them. These being my first experience with bunnies, I was shocked and nervous to find 8 tiny babies under a nest of fur! Your articles have been a Godsend!"..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Co-authors: 82Updated: January 14, 2026 Views: 535,64990% of readers found this article helpful. 517 votes - 90% Click a star to add your vote
Kathy Threadgill
Jul 23, 2018
"I rescued 2 rabbits, a male and female. I was assured the female was spayed, so I did not separate them. These being my first experience with bunnies, I was shocked and nervous to find 8 tiny babies under a nest of fur! Your articles have been a Godsend!"..." more
Brenda Wood
Oct 22, 2018
"Everything is helpful. I saved your page to reference as needed. So far, sounds like my little bunny likes me. I adore her and enjoy being with her. She is cute, playful, loving, cuddles and is so comical to watch. What a blessing she is to my life."..." more
Thomas Gilmer
Jul 20, 2016
"I'm taking care of my son's rabbit while he's away on vacation. I have never had a rabbit before so information helps greatly. She is scared and anxious, I just want her to be okay and feel loved! This article is very informative! Thank you! :)"..." more
Ellie Morales
Mar 9, 2019
"From the information given, I've come to understand it takes time to build a relationship and trust with a new bunny. The tips are so helpful, regarding how to hold it, what the sounds/body language mean, and what to do/not to do. So helpful."..." more
Haylee Quirk
Jun 6, 2016
"I've never had a rabbit but I plan on getting one, and knowing the body signs and how I should or shouldn't respond to them really helped. Now I know what I can and cannot do and what might help aid in the process of him settling in."..." more More success stories Hide success stories
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Co-authored by: Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. In addition, Dr. Elliott is a freelance veterinary copywriter specializing in taking dense topics and making them easy to digest. Her clients include The Webinar Vet, PetPlan US, TIME, and other top-ranked blogs. She also works with Improve International as a developmental editor for veterinary textbooks. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. This article has been viewed 535,649 times. 517 votes - 90% Co-authors: 82 Updated: January 14, 2026 Views: 535,649 Article SummaryX
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613 
1 Listen to your rabbit's vocalizations. Rabbits have a surprisingly broad range of vocalizations, which help them communicate everything from pleasure to loneliness to fear. Listen to the sounds your rabbit makes when you approach him and adapt your interactions to better meet his needs. 
2 Observe body language. Just as your rabbit's sounds can tell you a lot about his mood or feelings, so too can your rabbit's posture and body language. Learning to differentiate between a rabbit that feels lonely and a rabbit that does not want to be handled can help you build up your relationship with your furry friend. 
3 Take note of how your rabbit behaves around you. In addition to sounds and body language, some rabbits will communicate their needs or dislikes by acting in response to human touch. 
1 Create a comfortable space. The recommended living area for 2 average sized rabbits (and they should be kept at least in pairs) is a single enclosed area of at least 3m x 2m by 1m high[12] . Your rabbits may be resistant to your affection because they do not yet feel safe in your home. You can help your rabbits adjust by creating a quiet, comfortable place for them in which he will be safe from any other pets in the house. You may even want to keep your rabbits' enclosure in a separate room that will allow him to feel safe from commotion and disruption.[13] 
2 Give your rabbits room to play. Rabbits are high-energy mammals. In the wild they will roam for miles each day foraging for food and exploring. Anyone who has given a rabbit space knows that they love to run, jump, and ‘binky’. Not only is it vital for a bunnies’ welfare that they have space to behave naturally it’s also a lot more fun for you as their guardian to be able to watch them let off steam! 3m x 2m x 1m of unbroken space is the very minimum amount of space a rabbit should ever be in. 
3 Feed your rabbit a proper diet. One of the best ways to ensure your rabbit likes you is by feeding him the things he needs the most. 
4 Give your rabbit plenty of toys. Rabbits love to play. You can buy toys specifically made for rabbits, or make your own at home. 
1 Be patient. Let your rabbits run around and explore. You may find your rabbits want to hide somewhere dark, like under a couch, bed or dresser at the beginning. But rabbits are curious little creatures. They will not be able to resist the temptation of coming out to explore their new home. Just give the rabbits some time. 
2 Know how to hold your rabbit properly. It's an easy step to overlook, but an important part of bonding with your rabbit includes learning to hold him properly. Failure to do so can make your bunny uncomfortable, and may lead to him squirming and struggling to get away. This can be painful for you and for the rabbit, as any kind of thrashing could cause neck and spine injury to the rabbit. 
3 Let the rabbit come to you. If your rabbit isn't comfortable being handled yet, he certainly won't enjoy being picked up. Instead of removing him from his little home to spend time together, let him come to you. Leave the door of his enclosure open and wait until he feels like coming out to explore. 
4 Give yourself alone time. This is particularly important if you recently adopted your rabbit, as he'll need time to adjust and grow comfortable to the people and place that make up his home.[25] 
5 Don't rush the rabbit. If your rabbit is new to the household and isn't comfortable being handled or petted, don't force it on him. That will only traumatize him and could cause him to be fearful of you in the future.[29] In fact, some rabbits never become accustomed to handling, because of their status in the wild as prey animals.[30] If your rabbit won't let you touch him, there are other ways you can bond with and soothe your nervous bunny. 
6 Try mimicking your rabbit. Some rabbit owners may not be comfortable trying this at home, especially in front of other people. But some rabbit specialists advise that pretending to wash your face and head the way your rabbit does can be disarming to a new, frightened rabbit. Seeing his human act the way he does might help him get comfortable in his new home.[33] 
7 Adjust to his schedule. Remember that rabbits are most active around sunrise and sunset each day, and spend much of the afternoon resting. If you want to initiate playtime or bonding time with your bunny, do so during the time of day when he's most active and most likely to want to play. Advertisement 
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. In addition, Dr. Elliott is a freelance veterinary copywriter specializing in taking dense topics and making them easy to digest. Her clients include The Webinar Vet, PetPlan US, TIME, and other top-ranked blogs. She also works with Improve International as a developmental editor for veterinary textbooks. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery.