Setting Expectations: The 3-3-3 Guide

Keep in mind it takes time for a new rabbit to adjust to you and your family. It’s a lot for a small animal to get used to a new environment, with lots of new smells and sounds. Your new rabbit will need time to decompress before they’re truly comfortable with your home and routine. All rabbits are different*, but in general, remember the 3-3-3 rule:

Trust Building Timeline

In the first 3 days: Expect your rabbit to be overwhelmed. They may be skittish, scared, and not interested in interacting with you. They’ll likely also leave territorial poops around your house as they start to bravely explore. If you’re bringing home a potential new friend for your rabbit, we recommend waiting a day or two before trying a date at home (always in neutral space!).

After 3 weeks: Your rabbit will begin to settle in, realizing this may be their new home. You’ll also start seeing their true personality shining through.

After 3 months: By now, your rabbit should feel used to their home and have started to build trust and a true bond with you.

*This is a general rule of thumb. Some rabbits adjust quicker while others adjust slower.

Trusting Building Stratedgies

You’re ready to shower your new rabbit with love, but they aren’t too sure about you just yet. Here are some ideas to get your friendship started!

Get down on their level

  • Quiet activities are highly encouraged, like reading, yoga, and watching TV.

  • Let them come to you! They might sniff or even climb on you.

  • It sounds silly but talk or read to them, so they get used to the sound of your voice.

  • Rabbits love to eat, so a great way to win them over is by hand feeding them their pellets or greens.

Playtime

  • Start learning what kinds of toys and activities your rabbit likes. Try a variety of things like stacking cups, creating a dig box, or stuffing a toilet paper roll with hay and a treat hidden inside.

  • Respect your rabbit’s boundaries, and only pet them if they are open to it. Reward positive interactions with a small treat or toy.

Resist handling them immediately

  • Rabbits associate being picked up with being caught by a predator. Most rabbits don’t like to be held.

  • Touching and carrying your rabbit too much from the beginning will make it harder for them to trust you.

  • If picking them up is inevitable, quickly reward them with a small treat afterwards.

Most rabbits do enjoy being with people. With patience, understanding, and an acceptance of individual differences, your family can earn the rabbit’s trust, learn to appreciate your individual rabbit, and enjoy a long time together.