Manchester & Salford Branch
Charity number 232255
Getting to know
your new rabbit
Bringing your rabbit home
 Before collecting your rabbit ensure you have their accommodation set up ready for
their arrival.
 When you collect your rabbit ask for some of their bedding so there are familiar
smells to help reduce stress levels when travelling home and settling in.
 The journey home will have been stressful for your rabbit so place him/her straight
into their new home and leave them to settle in.
 Ideally you should leave your rabbit in his/her new home for approximately 12-24
hours. This will allow time for them to make their new home their own, but make sure
they are eating and passing droppings.
 99% of the animals we take into our care have been rescued by National RSPCA
staff so they may need a little more time and patience to adjust to their great new
home.
 Research has proven that soothing music played at a low level can help reduce the
stress levels of your rabbit.
 Please remember your rabbit maybe experiencing sights, sounds and smells for the
first time so keep noise and visits from guests to a minimum initially.
Playtime in the early days

It is great fun to watch your rabbit explore their new environment; just make sure you
remove anything you do not want them to chew, e.g. exposed wires/cables, poisonous
plants, books, magazines, clothing, shoes etc.

If you have a house rabbit ensure you place safety guards in front of fires, whether or
not they are lit.

Not all rabbits are good at climbing stairs (or coming down them!). Place a baby gate
on the entry way to protect them from falls.

Make sure landing banisters are covered if the gaps are wide enough for a rabbit to fit
through!

Supervise your rabbit’s playtimes, but leave him/her to explore at their own pace and
without any intervention from you (unless they are in danger). You may find they spend
their time ‘chinning’ everything, including you – this is normal rabbit behaviour and they
are simply marking their territory.

Leaving your rabbit to become familiar and comfortable with their new environment
will greatly assist in the ‘bonding’ process between you and them.

Make sure you place their litter tray, food and water and a hidey-hole in their play area
and be prepared for toilet ‘accidents’. Rabbits mark their territory with droppings
initially in a new environment.

Research has proven that rabbits can highly prize a particular toy. It may take a while
to find toys your rabbit likes and it can be quite short lived; it is therefore important to
provide a variety of toys.

Once you find out what item they most value please make sure you always replace it if
it is ever broken or lost to limit any distress.
Building your relationship

Sit on the floor with your rabbit and let them check you out. Avoid touching them at
first, let them become familiar with your smell and presence. Stay at their level so as to
not intimidate them. Remember rabbits are prey animals!

To gain your rabbit’s attention try lying on your front on the floor so they cannot see
your eyes/face. Hopefully this will prove less threatening to them and they may hop on
your back and explore you!

If this still fails to bring your rabbit close to you then try sitting in their environment
looking distracted, e.g. reading a book or watching TV. By appearing to be ignoring them
they may learn to relax in your company and not perceive you as a threat.

Once your rabbit has accepted your presence, offer them your hand. Place it in front of
them on the floor, or near their face, and let them sniff it. Gradually build up rabbit’s
trust and slowly move to stroke them.

Most rabbits like to be stroked on the top of their heads or on the sides of their faces.
If they are enjoying it they will relax, often lower their heads, or even quietly ‘tooth
purr’.

‘Rude nudges’ with the head or a tug of your trouser leg demonstrates that rabbit is
growing in confidence and letting you know of their presence —obey the bunny!
Handling

Begin handling your rabbit daily as soon as they have settled but remember that
rabbits are ground dwelling creatures and liken being picked up to being captured by a
predator.

Do not pick your rabbit up by the ears or scruff of the neck as this is unnecessary and
stressful for your rabbit. Instead pick them up with one hand placed under the rib cage
and the other under the bottom; bringing them quickly into your body.

Rabbits must be held confidently and firmly; avoid letting legs kick out because this can
cause spinal damage. If they struggle try covering their eyes with your hand – it makes
them think you have gone away and will likely relax some.

Try to create positive associations with being picked up. For example, feed your rabbit
a treat each time you handle them or put them back on the floor.

Be prepared for it to take several months before bunny becomes tolerant of being
handled.
Points to remember

Provide a stress free environment initially (e.g. no loud noises and busy activity).

Let them explore their new environment on their own terms.

Spend plenty of time with them, even if it’s just sitting with them.

Handle your rabbit daily.

Be patient and take things slowly