Rabbits can be wily, but they are good pets.You can catch them with the help of some fencing or pens and a few friends.Domestic rabbits are not equipped to survive on their own and may need to be caught in the wild.You would not want to trap a wild rabbit if you could tell it was a domestic rabbit.
Step 1: Understand why your pet rabbit is afraid of you.
Rabbits are easy to frighten.Your pet rabbit might be afraid of you because it doesn't know if you can be trusted.If you want your rabbit to be comfortable approaching you, you will need to do some work to boost their confidence and prove you are not a predator.As this increases their stress and reinforces the idea that they should be fearful, don't chase your pet rabbit.If you carry your rabbit high off the ground, they will resist being held.If you force this on your rabbit, it can cause them to struggle and kick, which can be fatal if they fall on the ground.
Step 2: The right environment is created.
Remove any other pets, turn off the television, and make the room as quiet and peaceful as possible.You want to make your rabbit feel safe and relaxed.
Step 3: There are some tempting treats to be found.
If you can get your rabbit to approach you, you should have some of their favorite treats.The trick is to have little bits of carrot, apple, bananas, or oats.
Step 4: Let your rabbit out of the house.
Sit or lie on your belly and wait for your rabbit to leave.Don't try to pull them out.Your bunny will come to you in time.It could take an hour for your rabbit to approach.Stay still and quiet.
Step 5: The rabbit can explore you and the environment.
Resist the urge to grab your rabbit.If your rabbit finds the treat in your hand, let them eat it while you hold it.You might need to do this every day for a while to get your rabbit's trust.Be patient, moving too early can ruin your work.
Step 6: When your rabbit is confident, pet it.
As your rabbit begins to approach you regularly, slowly reach out and pet them on the side or flank.Raising your hand above the rabbit's head could frighten them.
Step 7: The rabbit should be on your lap.
Rabbits don't like being lifted high above the ground.You can put your rabbit in your lap when it's comfortable and happy.Take a seated position and move the rabbit to your lap.Give treats and petting.Your rabbit will bond with you once they know you are safe.
Step 8: Pick up your rabbit quickly.
You may be in the process of getting your rabbit comfortable with your presence, but you may need to catch them quickly if you have to take them to the vet.Drop a large bath towel over the rabbit, covering them completely.Keeping their head covered, Scoop the rabbit up in the towel.The rabbit will be reassured by the darkness.The rabbit will be put in a box.
Step 9: Take some time.
Rabbits are fast.Pets can run up to 35 miles per hour, faster than a house cat.Their back legs are made for jumping, meaning they can leap far away from you.The domestic rabbit's ancestors ran away and hid well.It will likely take you more than one attempt to catch a pet rabbit outside.Argente crmes, grey and white rabbits that pet owners often show, and English lops, brown andwhite bunnies with floppy ears, are both particularly skittish so they might be harder to catch.Belgian Hares, named so because they look like wild hares in dark brown, may be difficult to catch.Lionheads, a brown bunny, is also smart.
Step 10: Some friends.
It's easier to catch a rabbit if you have people with you.It's easier to herd the rabbit where you want her to go with more people around.
Step 11: Have a carrier with you.
When you capture the rabbit, you want to be prepared.You can pop the bunny in if you have someone standing by with a carrier.
Step 12: A makeshift enclosure can be created.
Creating a makeshift enclosure is the best way to catch a rabbit.If you already have something on hand, you should be able to create this enclosure.You should be able to create an enclosure around a rabbit outside if you have something tall and wide.When you surround the rabbit, you will need more than one person to hold pieces of the enclosure.Chicken wire can be used to make fence frames.Many rabbits can jump higher than 3 feet, so these should be at least that high.If you plan on transporting them, you should consider the length or width of your car.The frames should be held together with hinges.You can use a puppy pen or deer fencing to create an enclosure.
Step 13: Find the animal.
If you've already seen the rabbit, you should look for signs of where she's been.You can see rabbit droppings.There are places where the rabbit chewed on plants or dug small holes.The signs will lead you to the rabbit.It's easy to sit and watch the area.If your rabbit likes some treats, don't give them to her.She could have escaped the yard if there were holes near the fence.
Step 14: Escape routes should be closed.
If you are in a yard, close any escape routes before attempting to capture her.Shut the gate.She can't escape that way if you cover the holes near the fence line.
Step 15: The bunny should be steered away from traffic.
Roadways can be dangerous for rabbits.If you can, push your bunny away from these areas.She will likely run away from them if you use people as barriers.
Step 16: The bunny should be surrounded.
You can watch the rabbit to see where she hides.Use the exercise pens or wood-and-chicken-wire frames to build a large enclosure.A large enclosure with several people holding different pieces is the easiest way to surround the rabbit.The rabbit cannot escape under the pieces.Slowly work the enclosure smaller by taking out sections while maintaining a tight circle, which will make it easier to trap the bunny.Don't leave where she can escape.
Step 17: The rabbit needs to be picked up.
You should be able to pick up the rabbit once the enclosure is small.The enclosure is easy to climb in with the rabbit.If you can, prop her feet against your body when you pick up the rabbit.Wrap your arm around her body and under the rabbit to secure her legs.Wrap your other arm around the shoulders.Getting on the ground with the rabbit is the best way to capture her.If she will come to you, talk to her gently.She will be less threatened if you are closer to her level.You may need more than one person to catch her if that doesn't work.Scoop her up from the floor.Don't pick up a rabbit by her ears.You will hurt her and frighten her.
Step 18: Put her in a vehicle.
Place her in the carrier for easy transportation once you've captured her.It's easiest to carry her in a carrier if you just take her back to the house.You don't want her to escape again if you have the carrier in the enclosure.
Step 19: Call the experts.
Call animal control if you fail to capture your bunny.The animal catchers may be willing to help you if they are not busy.They will have nets on hand, which will make the job easier, and they will know how to use the nets to capture your rabbit.It is difficult to catch a rabbit with a net.It's unlikely that you'll be able to catch animals this way if you aren't trained.You can throw a net over the rabbit to catch it if you sneak up on it.A bath towel or a sheet can be useful if you are close to the rabbit.Throw the towel over the rabbit so they can't retreat.The rabbit needs to be put in the towel.
Step 20: Don't try to catch the rabbit without enclosures.
Most rabbits run before you can catch them.They can run as you try to reach for them after petting them because they are so quick.Next time you corner them, they will be even more hesitant.You won't be able to follow them because they can elbow themselves into small spaces.You can fool the rabbit into thinking you have an enclosure by holding a towel sideways and touching the ground.You can throw the towel over the rabbit.
Step 21: There are live traps.
Live traps can be used to catch rabbits.You need to keep a close eye on the trap, as other animals can kill rabbits who are inside.If you decide to use a live trap, make sure it has openings on both sides, which will make it more likely that your bunny will enter.If you have a live trap, make sure to give your bunny a treat, such as bananas or carrots.
Step 22: There are lop ears.
All domestic rabbits have lop ears.When the ears hang down, they are like basset hound ears.
Step 23: Guess the weight.
Domestic rabbits are larger than wild rabbits.The rabbits can weigh up to 4 pounds.The rabbit is more likely to be domestic if you think she's bigger.
Step 24: Check the coloring.
The rabbits have agouti coloring.They have grey, brown, and tan fur.Unlike their wild cousins, domestic rabbits have lighter bellies.They also come in a variety of other colors, including silver, palomino, chocolate, and tan, as well as spots, depending on the breed.
Step 25: Social behavior can be watched for.
The rabbits will run as soon as they see you.rabbits may be more socialThey might come and ask for attention.
Step 26: Look at the shape of the head.
rabbits have a curved foreheadThe wild rabbits have triangular faces.You can almost see through the thin ears of wild rabbits.