Why are Rabbits scared of everything?
“My bunny is scared of absolutely everything and everyone”.
This is the concern many bunny owners have including me. In the two years, we’ve had Junior ( Our 1 yo Bunny), I’ve never seen him sleep, he hasn’t even approached for a cuddle or pat and runs away at any sign of movement.
One of the first things you notice when you get a rabbit is how nervous they can be as pets.
They are startled by the slightest noise or movement, dislike being surprised, often dislike being picked up, and are, in general, pets that must be carefully cared for. All of this is especially important if your rabbit is surrounded by children. Some rabbits are more nervous than others.
I’m just wondering if it’s anything we might be doing which makes this happen.
Will he always be like this? Can we change to make him more receptive to affection?
These are some of the questions we had when we got our 1st rabbit (named him Junior). So, I did a bit of research and found out these things about Rabbits being fearful of everything.. Read On the article.
Why Rabbits are fearful:
Well, Rabbits are small animals in a vast world. These prey animals have a lot to be afraid of.
This means that rabbits are easily startled by loud noises, strong odours, and quick movements.
So, How can you figure out if your pet bunny is scared of something Or just being a Brat?
Is My Rabbit Nervous?
Rabbit fearful behaviours
Use this list of behaviours to determine whether your rabbit is scared.
However, depending on the context of the situation, many rabbit behaviours can elicit a variety of emotions.
You’ll need to pay close attention to your rabbit’s surroundings to figure out what their behaviour is really saying. If there is a random cat roaming around your house, your bunny will be heck scared.
It is quite simple to determine whether a rabbit is nervous or scared.
They sit with their ears back, scrunch up like a big ball, or always underneath something, and are startled by the slightest sound.
If they are very nervous, scared, or hear a loud noise they don’t understand, they will thump their back feet on the floor loudly to warn all the other rabbits that there is danger.
When rabbits have their ears forward and a rigid body posture, they are alert and trying to find the source of potential danger.
They may also be standing on their tiptoes, ready to flee at any moment.
When rabbits are scared, they thump their powerful back legs. It’s their way of alerting those around them to the fact that they are in danger.
Thumping, on the other hand, can indicate that a rabbit is angry.
If your rabbit continues to thump and has alert body language, they are most likely afraid, but if they have a confident body posture, it may be just angry.
Hiding: A rabbit that refuses to come out of hiding indicates that it is afraid. They believe that something dangerous awaits them outside of their safe space.
The rabbit may occasionally poke their head out to get a different perspective and see if the danger has passed.
Over-grooming themselves: It is natural for rabbits to keep themselves clean, but excessive grooming is a stress-related behaviour.
You may notice that your rabbit is cleaning themselves a lot more frequently than usual.
Rabbits that are extremely scared may exhibit the classic deer-in-the-headlights behaviour. Instead of fleeing to hide, they will freeze.
Some rabbits may flatten themselves on the ground as well. In severe cases, this can cause rabbits to go into shock and become unresponsive.
When they are scared, some rabbits will try to appear tough & Aggressive. They will growl and swat at anyone who comes too close to them in an attempt to protect themselves from a perceived threat.
How Can I Help?
Once you’ve gotten to know your rabbit, you’ll quickly figure out what frightens him or her.
Some rabbits are afraid of fast movement, most are afraid of noise, and almost all rabbits dislike being picked up – especially by children who may not know how to pick up and hold a bunny securely.
Follow these five tips if you have a nervous rabbit who is always on edge:
1. Please do not pick up your rabbit.
2. Make No Loud Noises
3. Communicate With Your Rabbit
4. Respect their privacy and space.
5. Avoid Making Sudden Movements
Can a rabbit be affectionate, if they are so fearful.
Rabbits are extremely intelligent, social, and affectionate creatures. They can also be obstinate, willful, destructive, and even vengeful.
Rabbits are very affectionate and enjoy snuggling with you, especially if you bring their favourite snack.
Rabbits groom each other, and you should do the same. He or she will require brushing and nail trimming, and will most likely begin grooming you in return.
When approached properly, most rabbits enjoy being cuddled and stroked.
Very Few bunnies enjoy being held or carried because being so high off the ground makes them feel insecure:
however, many bunnies will happily sit on your lap or snuggle up next to you for a cuddle. When your rabbit is sleeping, try not to wake it up.
Comfort your Scared rabbit
If your rabbit has been startled and is showing signs of fear, you can comfort them to help them calm down.
You can reassure your rabbit that there is nothing to be afraid of by gently talking to them and petting them.
If that doesn’t work, you can also distract your rabbit with treats and toys.
When given time and patience, even the most anxious rabbit can be soothed.
Pay attention to your rabbit’s body language and make them understand that they are safe and that nothing will harm them.
As your rabbit’s caregiver and protector, you can make your rabbit happy again, regardless of how scared they are right now.
When do you need to get help?
As long as your rabbit is alert and eating and pooping, the situation is not too dangerous. With time and some comfort from you, your rabbit will be able to recover.
However, if your rabbit becomes unresponsive or refuses to eat, you must seek emergency care.
If your rabbit hasn’t eaten in more than 10 hours, you should take them to the vet right away.
You can tempt them with a piece of their favourite treat or some delectable leafy greens to put them to the test.
Sometimes it may appear that a rabbit isn’t eating when, in fact, you simply didn’t notice the munching.
However, if they refuse to eat their favourites, you can be certain that something is wrong.
If your rabbit becomes unresponsive and does not respond at all when touched, they may be in shock.
Wrap your rabbit in a towel to keep it warm, then contact your veterinarian.
It is critical that you contact your veterinarian before loading your rabbit into the car. The stress of the car ride can worsen the rabbit’s condition, so consult your veterinarian before you go.
About the Author: Ash loves Pets! Ash is an animal lover. She loves caring for and sharing her knowledge of all kinds of pets.
Ash is a long-time pet lover. There has always been a soft spot in her heart for dogs. Although she has owned many dog breeds in her lifetime, Cavoodles have become her favourite.
Her Love for pets made her Join the pet paws hub Team, to share knowledge with the world.