How to Get a Bunny to Come to You

When I first brought my bunny home, I was eager to build a connection with her. But getting her to come to me wasn’t as simple as I’d hoped. Rabbits are naturally cautious animals, and my little furball would dart away the moment I got too close. Over time, I learned that earning a rabbit’s trust and teaching them to come to you requires patience, kindness, and a few clever techniques. Let me share the steps that worked for me, so you can enjoy the special joy of your bunny happily hopping toward you.

1. Start by Building Trust

The first step in getting my bunny to come to me was earning her trust. I quickly realized that rabbits are prey animals, and their instinct is to flee from anything that feels like a threat.

I began by spending quiet time near her enclosure. Instead of trying to pick her up or reach for her, I simply sat nearby and let her observe me. At first, she kept her distance, her ears swiveling nervously. But over time, she began to relax.

I’ll never forget the day she finally hopped a little closer to me. It felt like a breakthrough, a sign that she was starting to trust me.

2. Use Treats as a Reward

One of the most effective ways I encouraged my bunny to approach me was by offering treats. I made sure to use rabbit-safe snacks, like small pieces of parsley, basil, or even a sliver of banana (in moderation).

At first, I placed the treat on the ground a few feet away from me and waited patiently. When she approached and nibbled on the treat, I praised her softly and stayed still to avoid startling her.

Gradually, I began holding the treat in my hand, extending it toward her. The first time she took the treat from my fingers, I felt a rush of excitement. Treats became a powerful tool for building a positive association with my presence.

3. Sit at Their Level

I quickly learned that rabbits feel more comfortable when you’re at their eye level. Standing over my bunny seemed to intimidate her, so I started sitting or lying on the floor whenever I interacted with her.

Being on her level made me seem less threatening, and it encouraged her to approach me more readily. I remember lying on the carpet one evening and feeling a little tickle on my arm—she had come over to sniff me out of curiosity. That small moment felt like a big step forward.

4. Use Gentle and Calm Body Language

Rabbits are incredibly sensitive to body language, so I made an effort to keep my movements slow and deliberate. Quick or sudden actions would cause her to retreat, so I avoided reaching out to her too quickly or making loud noises.

Instead, I let her approach me on her terms. Sometimes, I’d stretch out my hand palm-down, letting her sniff it before attempting any interaction. This approach showed her that I wasn’t a threat and helped her feel more comfortable coming closer.

5. Call Them by Name

Teaching my bunny to associate her name with positive experiences was another effective technique. Every time I offered her a treat or spoke to her gently, I used her name.

At first, it felt like she wasn’t paying attention, but over time, I noticed her ears twitch whenever I said her name. Eventually, she began hopping toward me when she heard it, especially if I paired it with the rustling sound of her favorite treat bag.

6. Be Patient and Consistent

One thing I learned quickly was that building trust with a rabbit takes time. There were moments when I felt discouraged, especially when she seemed uninterested or wary. But I reminded myself to be patient and consistent.

Every day, I spent a little time sitting quietly near her, offering treats, and speaking softly. The progress was slow, but each small step felt like a victory. I’ll never forget the moment she finally hopped into my lap for the first time—it was a clear sign that my patience had paid off.

7. Create Positive Associations

I made sure that every interaction with my bunny was positive. I avoided chasing her, picking her up unnecessarily, or doing anything that might scare her.

Instead, I focused on creating a safe and enjoyable environment. I noticed that when I brought her favorite toys or fresh greens, she started associating me with good things. Over time, she began approaching me more frequently, even without the promise of treats.

8. Encourage Natural Curiosity

Rabbits are naturally curious animals, and I used this to my advantage. Sometimes, I’d sit on the floor with an interesting object, like a cardboard box or a ball. My bunny couldn’t resist coming over to investigate.

I remember one evening when I brought a small pile of shredded paper into the room. She cautiously approached, sniffing the paper and eventually hopping right onto my lap. Encouraging her curiosity helped her overcome her initial fear and made our interactions more fun.

9. Avoid Forcing Interaction

One of the biggest mistakes I made early on was trying to force my bunny to interact with me. If she didn’t approach me right away, I’d feel frustrated and try to coax her more aggressively. But I quickly realized that this only made her more hesitant.

The turning point came when I started respecting her boundaries. If she didn’t want to come to me, I let her be and tried again later. By giving her the freedom to choose, I noticed that she started approaching me more often on her own.

10. Reward Small Steps

Each time my bunny made progress, I made sure to reward her. Whether it was a soft “Good girl” when she came closer or a small treat when she sniffed my hand, I celebrated every little milestone.

I’ll never forget the day she hopped onto the couch where I was sitting. It was a small act, but it felt monumental to me. These small moments of connection added up over time and strengthened our bond.

Reflecting on the Experience

Looking back, teaching my bunny to come to me was about more than just convenience—it was about building trust and forming a meaningful bond. It required patience, understanding, and a willingness to let her set the pace.

Today, she happily hops over to me whenever I enter the room, whether it’s for a treat, a pet, or just to sit beside me. That trust we’ve built is one of the most rewarding aspects of having a rabbit.

FAQ: How to Get a Bunny to Come to You

Here are some frequently asked questions about getting a bunny to come to you, based on my experiences and what worked best for me.

1. How long does it take for a bunny to come to you?

The time it takes varies depending on the bunny’s personality and previous experiences. Some rabbits may warm up to you in just a few days, while others might take weeks or even months. Patience and consistency are essential.

2. What treats should I use to encourage my bunny to come to me?

Use small, rabbit-safe treats like:

• Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, cilantro).

• Small pieces of vegetables (carrot, kale, or romaine lettuce).

• Tiny slices of fruit (banana or apple, but in moderation).

Make sure the treats are appropriate for your rabbit and don’t overfeed.

3. What should I do if my rabbit won’t come to me?

If your rabbit is hesitant, give them more time and space. Sit quietly nearby and let them approach on their own terms. Avoid chasing or forcing interaction, as this can make them more nervous.

4. Why is my bunny scared of me?

Rabbits are prey animals, so they are naturally cautious. If your bunny seems scared, it may be due to unfamiliar smells, sudden movements, loud noises, or past negative experiences. Building trust through calm, consistent behavior will help them feel safer around you.

5. Can I pick up my rabbit to make them come to me?

No, it’s best to avoid picking up your rabbit unless absolutely necessary. Most rabbits dislike being lifted because it makes them feel vulnerable. Focus on building trust through gentle interactions and letting them come to you voluntarily.

6. How can I make my rabbit feel safe?

Create a calm and comfortable environment by:

• Providing hiding spots like boxes or tunnels.

• Keeping the area quiet and free of sudden movements.

• Sitting or lying on the floor to interact at their level.

• Avoiding loud noises or startling actions.

7. Will my bunny recognize their name?

Yes, rabbits can learn to recognize their name if you use it consistently in positive contexts, such as during feeding or playtime. Pair their name with treats or gentle interactions to encourage recognition.

8. How do I know if my bunny is starting to trust me?

Signs of trust include:

• Approaching you willingly.

• Eating from your hand.

• Relaxing near you or flopping onto their side.

• Nudging you gently or grooming you.

9. What games or activities can help my bunny come to me?

Playing with your rabbit can encourage interaction. Try:

• Rolling a ball for them to push.

• Offering a treat and letting them “forage” for it.

• Providing a digging box filled with paper or hay.

  
  

  These activities stimulate curiosity and help create positive associations with you.

10. What should I avoid when trying to get my bunny to come to me?

Avoid:

• Forcing them to interact.

• Making loud noises or sudden movements.

• Hovering over them or standing too close initially.

• Using food they don’t like or offering unsafe treats.

11. Can I bond with an older or previously mistreated rabbit?

Yes, older or previously mistreated rabbits may take longer to trust you, but it’s entirely possible to bond with them. Focus on creating a safe, consistent environment and using gentle, positive reinforcement. Patience is especially important in these cases.

12. How often should I interact with my rabbit to build trust?

Daily interactions are best for building trust. Even if you only spend 10–15 minutes sitting quietly near your rabbit, consistency will help them feel more comfortable around you over time.

Getting a bunny to come to you isn’t something that happens overnight, but with patience and love, it’s absolutely possible. By building trust, using positive reinforcement, and respecting their boundaries, you can create a strong and lasting bond with your rabbit.

For me, the journey of earning my bunny’s trust was filled with small victories and heartwarming moments. If you’re on a similar path, remember to stay patient and enjoy the process because once your bunny starts coming to you, it’s a sign of a truly special connection.