It’s not about the rabbit

Recall – see also – Attachment and the Stages of a Placement – NCERCC

Keep in mind it takes time for a new rabbit to adjust to everyone and everything.

It’s a big change for your rabbit. Many rabbits come from situations involving loss. Even confident rabbits need time to settle into a new environment.

Your new rabbit will need time to decompress before they’re feeling’ at home’,  comfortable in their new home and with a new relationship and routines.

All rabbits are different,  but in general, understand the 3–3–3 rule

The 3–3–3 rule helps explain the emotional adjustment timeline many rabbits experience. Every rabbit is different, this framework offers helpful guidance.

First 3 Days: Decompression – Your rabbit is coping with being overwhelmed, and is learning –

• New sights, sounds, and smells
• Who you are
• Where food, water, and safety are
• At this stage, your rabbit may be skittish, shy, cautious, avoiding interaction, hiding, running away, staying very still, or seem uninterested in you.

Focus on:

• Providing a quiet, calm space
• Maintaining a consistent routine
• Allowing your rabbit to observe without pressure

These behaviours are normal and usually temporary. Rabbits observe quietly before trusting. With time and consistency your rabbit will begin to relax and show their true personality.

Patience during this stage is one of the most important gifts you can give.

After 3 weeks: Your rabbit is settling in and learning routines

There is realisation this is their new home. You’ll start seeing their true personality shining through.

Your rabbit begins to:

• Recognise daily patterns
• Explore more confidently
• Show curiosity or cautious interest
• Willingly approach you

You may notice:

• Improved appetite
• Showing their personality

Let your rabbit get used to you. Let your rabbit approach you on their terms.

First 3 months: Feeling at home

By now, your rabbit should be feeling used to their home and have started to build trust and a true bond with you.  Some rabbits adjust quicker, while others adjust slower.

Many rabbits will

• Feel safe and secure
• Trust their environment and caregivers
• Show affection, playfulness, and confidence

The ‘true rabbit’ starts to shine. Bonds deepen, and your rabbit begins to see you as part of their safe world.

Remember: this timeline is a guide, not a rule. Some rabbits need more time—and that’s ok.

How to build trusting respectful relationships with your rabbit

Trust with a rabbit is earned, built through respect, consistency, and understanding. It happens at its own pace, that of the rabbit. Respect their signals that it still needs time and  space. Communicate ‘Safety’ in your presence. Keep interactions calm and predictable. Use positive associations and praise.

Understand rabbit body language

• Relaxed flops and stretched-out poses = comfort
• Thumping or freezing = fear or uncertainty
• Gentle nudges or circling = curiosity or affection

Trust doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient. Each small step is a sign your rabbit is learning to feel safe with you.

Trusting – Building Strategies

Get down on their level

• Quiet activities
• Let them come to you
• Talk lots, about all sorts of things.
• Find their favourite food.

Play

• Start learning what kinds of activities your rabbit likes.
• Respect your rabbit’s boundaries.
• Reciprocate positive interactions

Above all – remember – it’s not about the rabbit – it’s about you.