How to Make Your Bunny Come to You when You Open the Cage

Last Updated: February 7, 2023 References Approved

Despite looking like adorable stuffed animals, rabbits are often wary about physical contact. Remember that these are not predators like a dog or cat, and their default response is to run to a safe hiding spot. Befriending your rabbit will take plenty of patience, but most rabbits will eventually learn to approach and cuddle you.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Teaching a Shy Rabbit to Approach You

1
Keep the cage in a safe room. If the rabbit is new to your home, keep it inside the cage when unsupervised, and give it access to just one room. Choose a small room without much foot traffic, to avoid scaring the rabbit.^{[1]
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Research source}Rabbit proof the room by moving electrical cords and houseplants out of the rabbits' reach.^{[2]
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- The cage should include some place for the rabbit to hide, so it feels safe. It also helps to keep one side of the cage against a wall.
2
Give a new rabbit time to adjust. If you just bought a rabbit, it's a good idea to leave it alone for at least three days. Provide food, water, and a clean litter box, but don't try to pick it up or play with it.
- Some rabbits may take weeks to get used to the new home, especially if they've just been neutered or spayed.
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3
Put down a towel or rug. Many rabbits dislike walking on hard, slippery floors. If your rabbit is reluctant to leave its cage, try putting down a towel or rug for it to walk on. Stick to natural, cheap materials, since the rabbit may try to chew through it.^{[3]
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4
Let the rabbit out. Make sure all doors and windows are shut, and no pets or other people are in the room. Open the rabbit's cage door, then back away. Let the rabbit hop out when it wants to.
- Shy rabbits and old rabbits may not want to leave the cage. Places boxes or other hiding spaces nearby so they can run out without staying in the open. Once these are set up, it's just a matter of patience.
5
Talk to the rabbit as it leaves the cage. Sit quietly on the floor near the rabbit, but not right next to it. Talk to it in a calm, encouraging voice.^{[4]
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6
Lie on your stomach. Hopefully, this will make you seem small and nonthreatening. At this point, you're just waiting for the rabbit to approach you. This might take several long sessions if the rabbit is shy, so get comfortable.^{[5]
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Research source} If possible, spend an hour or more with the rabbit.
7
Place treats next to you. Put a sprig of parsley, a tiny piece of apple, or another treat on the floor, halfway between you and the rabbit.^{[6]
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Research source} Leave them there for the rabbit to investigate.
- Stick to one or two tiny treats. Rabbits have delicate digestive systems.
- Once the rabbit is curious or brave enough to approach and eat the treat, move it closer on your next visit, or put it in your pocket for the rabbit to find. Pretty soon, you can hold one end of the treat and let the rabbit nibble the other.
8
Let the rabbit sniff you. Once the rabbit finally approaches you, don't move or try to pet it. Let the rabbit sniff and explore as much as it wants. This is how the rabbit checks you out and decides you're friendly.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Befriending the Rabbit

1
Stroke the top of the rabbit's head. When the rabbit finally approaches you and is done sniffing you, gently stroke the top of its head with two fingers.^{[7]
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Research source} Avoid touching its ears.
- Don't start by offering your hand, as you would with a cat or dog. The rabbit may get scared and bite you.
2
Nuzzle the rabbit's face. If the rabbit grunts at your hand or runs away, don't chase it or try to keep petting. Once it comes back, try slowly moving your nose toward its forehead, while humming in a deep, soft tone. Some rabbits will let you do this even if they're scared of your hand.^{[8]
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3
Pet the rabbit whenever the rabbit is comfortable. As the rabbit gets to know you, it will gradually get used to your petting. try gently cuddling the roots of the rabbits ears, or the top of the rabbit's back.
- Stop whenever the rabbit runs away, gives a startled hop, grunts, or tries to bite you. Grunting may sound cute, but it's a sign of an angry rabbit. Win it back with a pellet or treat, while speaking in a calm, reassuring voice.
- Avoid the rabbit's feet, chin, and nose until it is very friendly with you.^{[9]
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  Research source} Some rabbits are nervous about their ears being touched as well.
4
Repeat this daily. The more you feed your rabbit and pet it, the more comfortable it will get. Once it's your friend, your rabbit will run to you for a treat or attention every time you open the cage.
- Stay patient. Some rabbits are extra-shy or have had bad experienced with humans. These can take months to befriend you.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I train a rabbit to eat out of my hand?

Community Answer

You really don't have to train them to do that. It can actually be a way to get your rabbit to trust you more and associate your hand with something positive. If you put a treat into your hand and gently hold it in front of your rabbit, they will likely start to eat it. You can even try gently petting your rabbit's head while it eats out of your hand.
Question

My bunny is very stubborn and won't come out of her cage. How do I change that?

Community Answer

Try finding out which treats or toys she likes the most.Then, lay down on your stomach and place the treats right in front of your face. It may take a few weeks, but eventually your rabbit will hop out and greet you up close.
Question

I try to open the cage. My rabbit will come out, but as soon as he sees me, he hops frantically back to his cage and hides. Why?

Community Answer

It sounds like he's scared of you. Try to coax him out with toys and/or treats. Get low to the ground so you're not hovering over him, and speak in a calm, relaxing tone.

Warnings

Some rabbits may bite if frightened.

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Do not feed your rabbit a new treat, or more treats than recommended, without checking a trusted source.

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If the rabbit resists returning to its cage, try to lure it back with treats. Forcing it back or grabbing it can make it less likely to approach you in future.

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