FIRST WEEK HOME: Do not hold bunny too much this week. Its tempting, but it is not good for the rabbit. They can only handle so many stresses at a time before they die. Limit your time together to about 10 minutes per day. If bunny is in the back of the cage and doesn’t seem to want to interact, give it time. Most rabbits come around in about a week and will start being more playful and friendly once they feel safe. I have had rabbits who stayed in the back of their cages for several weeks. You can judge by the rabbit’s attitude whether it is okay to hold it. If it is running around the cage, seems curious and playful, and shows no signs of stress (is eating all of its food, for instance), then you can probably spend more time with it. If it is hunkered in the corner, doesn’t move about much, and isn’t eating much yet, it is stressed and you should limit your time together. If bunny struggles when you hold it, you can cover its eyes and put its head between your elbow and your side. Bunnies must be held very securely or they get very scared. Never lift bunny by the ears! This is very painful for them. You may hold their ears for control, but not for lifting. It is best to pick a rabbit up with one hand underneath its front arms, under its belly, and one hand underneath its rump.
REMEMBER HEAT KILLS! - Rabbits are very susceptible to heat. Anything over 80° is dangerous.Never place cages in the sun. They must be placed in a sheltered, shaded location. Freeze empty soda bottles for the bunny to lay against and plenty of cool fresh water.
REMEMBER HEAT KILLS! - Rabbits are very susceptible to heat. Anything over 80° is dangerous.Never place cages in the sun. They must be placed in a sheltered, shaded location. Freeze empty soda bottles for the bunny to lay against and plenty of cool fresh water.