Instructions
Take charge if you know of a rabbit that is being abused or neglected. Offer to take the rabbit off the owner's hands. Many pet owners who have grown tired of their rabbits will be happy to let them go to a new owner.
Plan to keep the rabbit in a small, clean cage in a quiet part of your home while it learns to trust you. Give it high-quality food, including alfalfa hay and fresh water daily. Keep part of the cage covered to provide a safe "hiding place" for the rabbit. Talk to the rabbit in a calm voice.
Feed the rabbit treats such as tiny bits of apple and carrot; encourage her to take these tidbits from your fingers, through the bars of the cage. Don't be surprised if she tries to bit you the first few times. Many abused rabbits don't recognize fresh food. When she feels comfortable eating from your fingers, try opening the cage door and leaving treat tidbits on your open palm, encouraging her to take the food. Don't rush her. Don't let anyone else startle the rabbit.
Eventually, the rabbit's frantic, terrified personality will change and she will munch happily on alfalfa while you are nearby. Try gently petting her head through the cage with one finger. If she doesn't react badly, open the cage door and gently pet her while she eats a pile of treats from the cage floor.
Set up a safe, solid, indoor living space for an adult rabbit. He will need room to scamper, a heavy box to hide inside, a platform to jump onto (the top of the hiding box might serve this purpose), a litter pan and compressed pine litter, fresh alfalfa hay, a sturdy water bottle and rabbit food pellets. When the rabbit is behaving calmly, release him into his new pen. Continue to interact with the rabbit several times a day; soon, you'll be able to experiment with letting him run about the house for short periods of time or holding him on your lap.
How to Rehabilitate an Abused Pet Rabbits
Rabbits are sensitive creatures that require a large living space, high quality food and gentle care. Unfortunately, many people buy fuzzy bunnies without considering the needs of their future adult rabbit. Some of these rabbits end up mistreated or neglected, and they may bite or become unmanageable. But it's the nature of a rabbit to respond to kindness and a positive environment.