Q&A for How to Calm a Rabbit

They'll take one of their back legs and make a big sound on the ground. So that can sometimes give you an idea that you know something's going on in the environment that might be stressful to them. Try and find out what that is, and see if you can fix that.

If you don't cradle the bunny, they can struggle so hard that they can break their backs. So it's really important to make sure that you know how to pick them up appropriately. Sometimes you can calm them if you put them in what we call a bunny burrito.

Yes, but you need to be especially patient and understanding. It takes time to build new associations with people and forget about the past. Be sure to give him a couple of different shelters to hide in, as rabbits cope with stress by hiding. Then, when the world is quiet, he's more likely to summon the courage to come out. Try sitting on the floor near him while you read a book. This will help him grow used to your presence. Offer him tasty treats such as dandelions or parsley, but don't force attention on him. When you handle him, sit on the floor and use a towel, so that you don't get scratched and he can't fall far if he wriggles.

Think about what rabbits eat in the wild, which is grass, tender shoots, and herbage. The ideal diet for rabbits is fresh growing grass, and for indoor rabbits the closest substitute is good quality green hay. The latter should be available at all times for the rabbit to graze on. Offer a range of fresh vegetables and fruit, but vary what you offer from day to day. Finally, pellets or kibble should only form a small part of his diet as they are calorie-laden but don't contain enough fiber to keep teeth and guts healthy.