Becoming Friends with a Wild Rabbit
What I find to be rather interesting is the friendship between humans and animals and while it’s ok to befriend domestic animals such as a dog or a cat it is startling to see how some have taken it to a whole other level in bonding with wild animals such as lions, tigers, bears, and other dangerous animals that live in the wild and while this article is not geared towards these animals we will be looking at another animal that many persons have come to love and befriend and while it may seem all right in seeking to win the trust and affections of wild rabbits caution should be taken to avoid one being injured. Remember no matter how cute and cuddly these rabbits are they are still wild.
In some states, it’s against the law in seeking to capture and keep wild rabbits as pets, once a wild rabbit feels threatened it will defend itself by fighting. Wild rabbits can carry disease and because of this caution should be taken. With that said if you’re still interested in catching and keeping a wild rabbit as a pet and as long as it’s not prohibited by your state then continue reading to see how it’s done.
How To Befriend a Wild Rabbit 6 Simple Steps
Don’t frighten them away
1. I know that you’re excited about befriending a wild rabbit, once you spot one don’t chase it you will only frighten it away, the key is to be very patient and let it come to you. Start with a good gesture by putting out and leaving a trail of food, the reason for this is when wild animals enter our yards or gardens even our homes they are looking for water, food, and shelter.
Providing a food source will make them feel more at home allowing them after a while to drop their guards so to speak. Who knows this kind of invitation may cause you to have more visitors the next time around.
What do rabbits eat
2. Some foods to consider leaving out for your rabbit friend include spinach, basil, mint, Collard greens, Bok Choy, romaine green leaf or red lettuce, beet greens, carrots, celery leaves, cilantro, swiss chard, broccoli, peapods, dandelion leaves, dill, mustard green, clover, wildflowers, apples, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, etc…
Give it time
3. I know that you’re excited that your plan is starting to work you are having some success but the rabbit’s trust level towards you is still not where it ought to be. Don’t despair remember this may take some time but keep at it.
Don’t move towards the rabbit wait and until they come to you which is a good sign that they are getting more comfortable with the environment that you have created.
Avoid certain odors
4. Rabbits have excellent hearing and a strong sense of smell this is what helps warns them when danger is approaching. If you have a dog or a cat or even both wash your hands and even change your clothes when seeing to build trust in a rabbit because once a rabbit picks up on these odors they will run for cover.
They are beginning to warm up to you
5. Once the rabbit frequently visits your yard you can begin moving slowly towards it, if the rabbit runs away be patient and wait for another opportunity. If the rabbit allows you to come in touching distance without running a way this is a good sign.
Slowly raise your hand and place it near the rabbit, you will know that the rabbit’s trust level in you is growing as they begin to smell your hand.
Rabbit talk
6. Ok I know there is no such thing as rabbit talk except for rabbits communicating with each other but to help the rabbit and yourself of cause, talk gently to them. This will help to break the ice so to speak helping the rabbit to feel more at home.
Additional information
- Trying to befriend a wild rabbit can take a very long time even weeks
- There is no guarantee that after all your effects they will befriend you
- If they come to you however don’t attempt to lift them up because this will frighten them into thinking they are being carried away by a predator. In response, they will fight by scratching you
- Wild rabbits are not as affectionate as a house or tamed rabbits
- Although wild rabbits may betray a calm behavior for a while once they get used to you it is possible for them at some point to show aggression towards you
- If there are pets around such as a dog or cat wild rabbits can transfer disease as well as fleas and ticks
The final word on how to befriend wild rabbits
As much as you would love to befriend a wild rabbit these are some of the challenges you’re going to face. I know that rabbits are cute and cuddly and who doesn’t want a cute and cuddly animal right. But this is just to let you know what to expect so if after what has been said you still want to give it a try then by all means go ahead but remember what we have discussed.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
Hi there. I agree with you that doing good gestures such as leaving a food trail attracts rabbits. I say this because we have some domestic rabbits at home. I use the same strategy of leaving carrots and collard greens for them. That way, they let me approach them and gain their trust, allowing me to touch them without chasing them.
Excellent article.
Hello that is so good to hear that you have befriend them keep up the good works but remember to continue to take percaution however. Have a good day.
I can really relate to this article as I grew up in New Zealand. Behind our house we had a big field with wild rabbits. It used to be a joy to watch them hopping around at dusk. My Father though was not so keen on them as he was an avid gardener. Is there any way you can keep the rabbits away from the garden? my Father used to grow a lot of vegetables and would get angry if the rabbits came into his garden. But I used to leave out lettuce unbeknownst to my Father. I think it is very important for all of us to look after all the animals. Thanks for a great article.
Stephen
Hello, I believe there is a powder called talcum powder that can be sprinkled on your plants that will keep them away also try installing a fences, a sprinkler with a motion decator, rabbit repellants are some ways to keep rabbits at bay. I hope this help
OMG this is so funny reading your article. WE have lots of wild rabbits around us. Many of them sadly die of a virus that infects rabbits. I love watching them hop around and when I read the lost of foods they love I’m like, “Oh no! Those are in my growing garden.”
Guess what I’ll be doing? Yep. Making my veggie garden rabbit proof.
So sad to hear about those rabbits that died but yes protect your veggies because they will be enjoying the fruits of your labor instead of you. I am so happy to help and all the best to you.