(This is a guest blog by one of my customers, Claire, age 12. She adopted an adult female bunny named Ember, who was extremely shy and very wary of people. Claire was able to tame her by working with her slowly. The videos show her progress.)
Ember in her new home:
If you want to bond with your rabbit or tame your rabbit, this post will show you exactly what you need to do!
1. Let your bunny approach you. If your rabbit cage is big enough that you can go into it, go in the corner and sit until your rabbit is ready to come out and investigate you. Bunnies are very curious animals so give your rabbit time to come out. Do this 2 to 3 times a day.
2. Once your bunny finds your presence normal, the next time you go in its cage and it comes near you, stroke it on the head softly. If your bunny tries to run away when you pet it, try to go in the cage a little more than usual; but if your bunny is letting you pet it every time you go in there, just pet your rabbit.
3. Something else that can help is talking to your rabbit. This makes your rabbit used to your presence and less scared of you.
4. Petting your rabbit increases the bond between you. Bonded rabbits groom each other all the time. Grooming shows respect. If your rabbit senses you are grooming it, it feels closer to you. Rubbing the top of the bunny's head makes the bunny feel like you are grooming it, and it feels loved by you.
5. Once you've gone through these steps, you should be able to pick up your rabbit and maybe put it on your lap. Once your rabbit is not only tamed, but has a strong bond with you, it will probably start licking you. And always wanting to be with you.