Socializing Rabbits...

@krebstar5 (1266)
United States
May 7, 2007 3:02pm CST
A friend of mine has a house rabbit that she lets hop freely around her apartment. It is the cutest thing I have ever seen and she says that he is a great companion for her. Since they seem like a great indoor pet and an even better alternative for me (since I don't like cats and don't have enough space for a dog), I was wondering about how social rabbits can be. If I get a rabbit, how can I make it as easy as possible for him/her to be comfortable around both me and other people? I'd hate to have a pet that hides under the couch whenever I'm around.
2 responses
• United States
7 May 07
Rabbits are prey animals meaning they are low on the food chain and tend to stress easily. House rabbits tend to bond to one person and are wary of visitors and especially other animals. They are not like a dog or cat in the sense that they will hop up to anyone and everyone to greet them. If you have company chances are the rabbit will hide for awhile to assess the situation and once he or she feels comfortable, they may come out of hiding to go about their bunny business, but I wouldn't expect them to be too thrilled about new people around. Generally speaking, the bigger the bunny, the better the temperment. Flemish Giants and other large breeds tend to be a bit more placid and easy going than say. . a Netherland Dwarf, who stress out easily.
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@krebstar5 (1266)
• United States
7 May 07
Thanks for the info. I guess my main concern is that I want the rabbit to be comfortable around my boyfriend and I. I cwn get over him hiding when there are new people around, but I would feel sad if if was afraid of me too. Especially if I need to groom it.
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
8 May 07
It depends a lot on the personality of the rabbit. The good news is, if you'd like a rabbit that will run around in your house and be friendly, you could ask a rabbit rescue and their foster homes will know the personalities of the rabbits. It does take a rabbit awhile to get used to you, but some of them just have a more aloof personality while others want to be around what you're doing. It's easiest if you find a rabbit that is already of the personality you want, and plus you'd be saving a life by rescuing one (or two).
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