|
|||||||||||
|
Rabbits Are Prey Animals Rabbits are prey animals. This means a lot of things: Cocoa protects Brownie while she uses the litterbox. If I want to talk to Brownie, I'll have to go through her first. Whenever one would come out whatever hidey box for food or water, the other would invariably show up - this was to provide "strength in numbers" and to help keep a lookout. After Noffy lost Tamari and eventually bonded with them, he was included in their protective detail. The more eyes watching out for predators (especially the giant furless bunny that walks around on two feet, a.k.a. Chief Concierge and Head Chef). Rabbits are built for speed - they have high muscle mass and low skeletal mass (lots of muscle and lightweight bones). This means they are strong, but also delicate and easily injured, even from their own struggling when they don't want to be handled. They can kick hard enough to break their own bones or even their back. Please see Handlng. Rabbits hide illness and injury - this may attract predators who will go after the easiest target - this means that you may not be aware of a problem until it is well along. See Health and Behavior.
In order to have a good relationship with your rabbit, you must first gain its trust, and this is something you can't rush - let the bunny get used to you, get curious about you, and eventually he will come check you out and ask for attention. Never break the trust your bunny has in you or it could take a very long time to get it back.
Recommended Reading:
Frightened as a Rabbit: Anatomy and Physiology of Fear and Stress in the Rabbit The House Rabbit Society's article on the effects of stress on the domestic rabbit The First Line Of Defense Against Disease The Wisconsin House Rabbit Society's article covering the effects of reducing stress on a domestic rabbit's health Appearance And Development Of Diseases A good general article on the appearance and development of disease Dana Krempels's article on understanding the "shy" bunny
Copyright ©2020
3 Bunnies Rabbit Resources All Rights Reserved About Us Contact Us Site Map This site is supported strictly by donations from our readers A Buck for the Bunnies Last update: Sun Jun 28 21:49:23 EDT 2020 |