How can you turn your bunny into a lap bunny?

Question

I know many bunnies don't like to be picked up, and some would rather run around the house than chill with their owners, but I know some families who have rabbits that willingly sit in their laps and i'm curious as to how they do it?

Answer 1

Depends on the rabbit. My dwarf bunny is very active and spends a lot of his time running around and exploring, but he also follows us around and often he'll jump up on beds and couches for a visit. I can't tell you how many times he's jump up onto my back, stomach, or face when I'm lying down trying to sleep! He loves it when the whole family is together watching TV or just sitting - he'll run around the room, do binkies, and jump up on the couches and chairs to say hello. Sometimes he will just sit on your lap and chill. I was reading on my bed yesterday and he sat next to me for almost half an hour.

Still, I could never pick him up and put him on my lap and expect him to stay there. The biggest thing I've learned about having a rabbit is that rabbits do what they want, when they want. They're even more stubborn and independent than cats.  If you want a lap rabbit, you're going to have to get a rabbit that wants to be a lap rabbit! If he doesn't like sitting still, there isn't much you can do to change his mind.

That's why I recommend getting adult rabbits as pets - when you get a baby, you don't know what their adult personality will really be like. If you get an adult, like from a rescue organization, they people working at the shelter or fostering him will be able to give you a really good idea of what sort of pet he'll make. I personally love having an active rabbit, but he gets into all sorts of mischief and some people might find him to be more trouble than he's worth - it's really about finding a good owner/bunny match. Not much you can do once you already have the rabbit except learn to live with it!

Generally, larger breeds are less active than smaller breeds, and they all might get a little less active as they get older. I know someone with a 7 year old giant black rabbit who pretty much naps on the couch all day.

Answer 2

it really depends on your bunny. try holding it for a while each day and it should grow more and more comfortable with you holding it