How To Get a Rabbit To Trust You

When I first brought my rabbit home, I was so excited to shower them with love and affection. I imagined they’d hop right into my lap and enjoy being cuddled, just like a puppy or kitten might. But that’s not what happened. Instead, they ran to the corner of their pen, ears back, staring at me like I was some kind of predator. At first, I was heartbroken, wondering if they’d ever trust me.

What I didn’t understand then was that rabbits are prey animals, and trust doesn’t come easily to them. They’re wired to be cautious and on high alert, and building a bond with a rabbit takes time, patience, and a lot of understanding.

Looking back, I made plenty of mistakes in those early days, but I learned so much along the way. If you’re struggling to get your rabbit to trust you, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Here’s everything I’ve learned about earning a rabbit’s trust.

1. Start by Understanding Rabbit Behavior

The first mistake I made was assuming that rabbits behaved like other pets I’d owned. What I didn’t realize was that rabbits are prey animals, which means they’re naturally cautious and can see humans as potential threats—especially at first.

They’re also incredibly intelligent and sensitive, which means they notice everything: your tone of voice, your body language, even how fast you move.

One thing that helped me early on was learning how to read rabbit body language. For example, if their ears are pinned back or their body is pressed low to the ground, they’re feeling scared or defensive.

If they thump their back foot, it’s a sign they’re alarmed. By paying attention to these cues, I was able to adjust my approach to make them feel safer.

2. Give Them Space to Adjust

I remember the day I brought my rabbit home. I was so eager to interact with them that I leaned into their enclosure right away, hoping they’d hop over to say hello.

Instead, they bolted to the furthest corner and froze. That’s when I realized I needed to give them space.

In those first few days, I focused on letting them adjust to their new environment without overwhelming them.

I made sure their pen had plenty of hiding spots, like boxes and tunnels, where they could feel secure. I also avoided hovering over their space, as I learned that looming over a rabbit can make them feel like they’re about to be attacked by a predator. Instead, I sat quietly nearby, giving them time to observe me from a safe distance.

3. Let Them Come to You

One of the hardest things for me was resisting the urge to pick up my rabbit or force interactions. I had to remind myself that trust has to be earned—it can’t be rushed. So instead of chasing after them or reaching into their space, I started sitting on the floor quietly and letting them come to me on their own terms.

At first, they were hesitant. They’d sniff at me cautiously and then hop away. But over time, they started lingering longer, nudging my hand or climbing onto my lap. These small moments of trust felt like huge victories, and I always rewarded them with soft, gentle pets or a tiny treat.

4. Use Treats to Build Positive Associations

Food was a game-changer when it came to earning my rabbit’s trust. I started by offering them their favorite treats—like a small piece of banana or a sprig of parsley—while sitting nearby.

At first, they’d snatch the treat and dart away, but as they began to associate me with something positive, they started staying closer.

Eventually, I got to the point where they’d eat directly from my hand. It felt like such a breakthrough, and I made sure to stay calm and still so they wouldn’t feel threatened.

Over time, I used treats as a way to encourage interaction, but I always kept it balanced—I didn’t want them to see me only as a snack dispenser!.

5. Speak Softly and Move Slowly

One of the things I learned early on was how sensitive rabbits are to loud noises and sudden movements. I remember accidentally dropping a book near my rabbit’s pen once—it startled them so much that they hid for hours.

From that moment on, I made a conscious effort to create a calm and quiet environment.

When I approached my rabbit, I always moved slowly and spoke in a soft, soothing voice. I’d say things like, “Hey, buddy, it’s just me,” as I approached, so they wouldn’t be startled. Over time, they seemed to recognize my voice and relax when I was near.

6. Respect Their Boundaries

One of the biggest mistakes I made at first was trying to pick up my rabbit too often. I quickly realized that most rabbits don’t like being picked up—it makes them feel vulnerable and out of control. Every time I tried, they’d kick and squirm, and it only made them trust me less.

I decided to stop picking them up unless it was absolutely necessary. Instead, I focused on interacting with them at their level. I’d sit on the floor and let them hop onto my lap when they felt comfortable. By respecting their boundaries, I noticed they became much more confident around me.

7. Establish a Routine

Rabbits thrive on routine, and I found that sticking to a consistent schedule helped build trust. I fed them at the same times each day, cleaned their litter box regularly, and made sure to spend time with them in the mornings and evenings when they were most active.

Over time, they began to anticipate our interactions and seemed more comfortable knowing what to expect. Having a routine helped them see me as a reliable and trustworthy presence in their life.

8. Create a Safe Environment

I quickly learned that rabbits won’t trust you if they don’t feel safe in their environment. I made sure their space was free from loud noises, sudden movements, or anything else that could stress them out.

I also added plenty of hiding spots, like cardboard boxes and soft blankets, where they could retreat if they felt scared.

Once they realized they had a safe space to call their own, they became much more relaxed and willing to interact with me.

9. Groom Them Gently

Grooming became another way for me to build trust with my rabbit. Rabbits are naturally clean animals, but during shedding season, they need a little extra help. At first, my rabbit was hesitant when I tried to brush them, but I started slow, using a soft brush and offering treats during the process.

Over time, grooming sessions became something they enjoyed—or at least tolerated! They’d even start grooming me back sometimes, which is a sign of affection in rabbits. It felt like a huge step forward in our bond.

10. Be Patient

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about earning a rabbit’s trust, it’s that patience is key. There were times when I felt like I wasn’t making any progress, but I reminded myself that trust doesn’t happen overnight—especially with a prey animal like a rabbit.

I celebrated the small victories, like the first time they ate from my hand or let me pet them without hopping away. Those moments made all the time and effort worth it. Building trust with a rabbit is a journey, but it’s one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had.

FAQ: How to Get a Rabbit to Trust You

1. How long does it take for a rabbit to trust you?

Every rabbit is different, and the time it takes for them to trust you depends on their personality, past experiences, and how you interact with them. Some rabbits may start to trust you within a few weeks, while others could take months.

When I first got my rabbit, it took them about two months to feel fully comfortable around me. The key is to be patient and consistent. Avoid rushing the process—trust builds gradually over time through positive, gentle interactions.

2. What are signs that my rabbit is starting to trust me?

You’ll know your rabbit is beginning to trust you when they show these behaviors:

• Approaching you voluntarily: If your rabbit hops up to sniff or nudge you, they’re starting to feel comfortable in your presence.

• Flopping over: Rabbits only flop onto their sides when they feel completely safe and relaxed.

• Grooming you: If your rabbit licks you, they see you as part of their social circle.

• Allowing pets: A trusting rabbit will let you rub their head or cheeks without flinching or running away.

• Eating from your hand: Rabbits that trust you will confidently accept food directly from your hand.

These behaviors may start small, but as trust grows, they’ll become more frequent and noticeable.

3. How should I approach my rabbit to avoid scaring them?

Always approach your rabbit calmly and on their level. Here’s what worked for me:

• Move slowly: Sudden movements can startle a rabbit, so approach with slow, deliberate actions.

• Stay low: Standing over a rabbit can make them feel threatened. Sit or kneel near them instead.

• Speak softly: Use a gentle tone to reassure them as you approach.

• Offer a treat: Extend your hand with a small piece of their favorite food to create a positive association.

When I followed these steps, I noticed my rabbit was much less wary of me over time.

4. What are common mistakes people make when trying to build trust with their rabbit?

Here are some common mistakes I made (and learned to avoid):

• Forcing interactions: Chasing or picking up a rabbit before they’re ready can make them fearful.

• Ignoring body language: Rabbits communicate through subtle cues. Ignoring signs of stress (like thumping or ears pinned back) can damage trust.

• Making loud noises: Rabbits are easily startled by sudden sounds, so yelling or loud clapping can set back progress.

• Skipping routines: Rabbits thrive on consistency, so irregular feeding or interaction schedules can make them uneasy.

By avoiding these mistakes, I was able to build trust more quickly with my rabbit.

5. How can I use treats to encourage my rabbit to trust me?

Treats are an excellent tool for building trust, but it’s important to use them sparingly and wisely. Here’s how I did it:

• Start by placing treats nearby: At first, I’d leave a small treat close to my rabbit while sitting nearby. They eventually associated me with something positive.

• Offer treats from your hand: Once they felt comfortable, I began extending my hand with a treat. This helped them approach me voluntarily.

• Avoid overfeeding: Treats should be given in moderation to avoid health issues like obesity. Stick to small portions of rabbit-safe foods like a slice of banana, a piece of apple (without seeds), or herbs like parsley.

This approach helped my rabbit feel more comfortable around me without becoming overly reliant on treats.

6. How can I handle my rabbit without breaking their trust?

Most rabbits don’t enjoy being picked up, as it makes them feel vulnerable. I learned this the hard way after trying to lift my rabbit too often. Here’s what worked instead:

• Support their body: If you need to pick them up, always support their hind legs and chest to make them feel secure.

• Use a calm, slow approach: Avoid grabbing them suddenly—this can make them panic.

• Minimize handling: Only pick them up when absolutely necessary, like for grooming or vet visits.

By respecting their preference to stay on the ground, I noticed my rabbit became much more trusting and confident around me.

7. My rabbit thumps their foot whenever I come near. What should I do?

Thumping is a sign that your rabbit feels scared or threatened. If your rabbit thumps when you approach, try these steps:

• Pause and give them space: Back away slightly and let them calm down.

• Speak softly: Reassure them with a gentle voice, saying something like, “It’s okay, I won’t hurt you.”

• Move slowly: Approach again with calm, slow movements.

I remember when my rabbit used to thump at me whenever I entered the room. By being patient and respecting their boundaries, they eventually stopped seeing me as a threat.

8. How can I make my rabbit feel safe in their environment?

Creating a secure, comfortable space is key to building trust. Here’s how I set up my rabbit’s environment:

• Add hiding spots: Provide tunnels, boxes, or covered areas where they can retreat if they feel scared.

• Keep it quiet: Avoid loud music, shouting, or sudden noises near their space.

• Rabbit-proof the area: Ensure their play area is free of hazards like wires, toxic plants, or sharp objects.

• Stick to a routine: Feed them and clean their space at the same times every day to create a sense of predictability.

Once I made these changes, my rabbit became much more relaxed and willing to interact with me.

9. Can I build trust with an older rabbit or a rabbit that has been mistreated?

Yes, you can build trust with older rabbits or those that have had negative past experiences—it just takes more patience and understanding. Rabbits that have been mistreated may take longer to feel safe, but it’s absolutely possible to earn their trust with consistent care.

I once adopted an older rabbit who had clearly been mishandled in the past. At first, they wouldn’t let me near them, but by using the techniques I mentioned (like sitting quietly, offering treats, and respecting their boundaries), I gradually gained their trust. It took several months, but the bond we formed was incredibly rewarding.

10. What if my rabbit still doesn’t trust me after weeks or months?

If you’ve been patient and consistent but your rabbit still seems wary, don’t give up. Some rabbits take longer than others to open up, especially if they’re naturally shy or have had negative experiences in the past.

Here are a few tips that helped me when progress seemed slow:

• Reevaluate your approach: Make sure you’re not accidentally overwhelming them or moving too quickly.

• Try different bonding activities: Some rabbits prefer quiet companionship, while others might enjoy interactive play or grooming sessions.

• Seek advice: Joining online rabbit forums or consulting with a rabbit-savvy vet or behaviorist can provide fresh ideas and insights.

Trust is a process, and every rabbit is unique. Keep showing them love and patience—they’ll come around in their own time.

11. What are some bonding activities I can do with my rabbit?

Bonding doesn’t have to be complicated! Here are a few activities that worked for me:

• Sit quietly together: Simply being in their presence without forcing interaction can help them feel comfortable.

• Offer interactive toys: Toys like treat puzzles can be a great way to engage with your rabbit.

• Groom them: Brushing your rabbit gently can be a relaxing experience for both of you.

• Let them explore: Allow your rabbit to hop around a safe, rabbit-proofed area while you sit nearby. They may come up to you out of curiosity.

These activities helped me form a deeper connection with my rabbit and build their trust over time.

12. How do I know if I’m making progress with my rabbit?

Progress may be slow, but you’ll notice small signs that your rabbit is beginning to trust you. For example:

• They start staying near you instead of running away.

• They let you pet them without flinching.

• They approach you for treats or attention.

• They stop thumping or hiding when you enter the room.

These small victories mean you’re on the right track, even if it doesn’t always feel like it. Keep going—the bond you’re building is worth the effort.

Getting a rabbit to trust you takes time, patience, and a willingness to learn about their unique needs and behaviors. It’s about creating a safe, calm environment, respecting their boundaries, and building positive associations through gentle interactions.

Looking back, I’m so glad I took the time to earn my rabbit’s trust.

The bond we share now is incredibly special—they’ll nudge me for attention, flop over next to me when they’re relaxed, and even groom me as a sign of affection. Trust is something you earn, but once you have it, it’s a beautiful thing.

If you’re just starting your journey with your rabbit, don’t get discouraged. Take it one day at a time, and remember: every small step forward is a victory. With patience and love, you’ll build a bond that’s worth every moment of effort.