Families Often Ask for a “Cuddly” Bunny — Here’s What to Know

Many families ask me which bunny is the cuddliest and hope for a little one who loves snuggles. While this is completely understandable, it’s important to remember that a bunny’s personality is still developing between 4–8 weeks old. Just like children, some babies begin very cuddly and grow more independent, while others may start out shy and later bloom into affectionate, loving companions.

The key thing to know is this: your bunny’s personality is not finished when you bring them home.

Why Personalities Change

Baby bunnies between 8–12 weeks old are similar to toddlers—sweet, curious, silly, brave, wiggly, unpredictable, and constantly constantly figuring out their place in the world.

A baby that melts into your arms one week may become bolder and more independent as they mature. Meanwhile, a shy bun who doesn’t love being picked up may blossom into a snuggler with time and trust.

Hormonal Development

Hormones begin rising as early as 8 weeks old, which can lead to:

• attitude

• foot stomping

• spraying

• sudden independence

These changes are completely normal and simply reflect growth. They are not signs something is wrong or that your bunny dislikes you. As your rabbit matures—especially after spaying or neutering—personalities tend to settle into calmer, more predictable patterns.

No Breeder Can Predict a Final Personality

Just like people, rabbits change from childhood to adulthood. Baby temperament is only the starting point. No breeder can guarantee that a snuggly baby will remain that way forever, because personality continues developing through hormones, confidence, environment, and life experiences.

Babyhood is only the beginning of who they will become.

How We Build a Strong Foundation

Even though personalities change, a good beginning makes a difference. Our babies are raised with intentional socialization and daily interaction to help shape confident, people-friendly rabbits. This includes:

• Gentle daily handling – each bunny is held, petted, and cared for in a calm, reassuring way.

• Exposure to different sounds and experiences – from household noises to gentle interactions with people, helping them feel comfortable in varied environments.

• Early socialization with humans – learning that hands mean comfort, safety, and trust.

• Positive experiences with other bunnies – when appropriate, they learn social skills and safe play with their littermates.

• Healthy routines and environment – a clean, enriched space with proper nutrition and care from day one.

This approach helps young rabbits feel secure and loved, giving families the best possible start when bonding at home.

What to Expect at Home

Bringing your bunny home at 8–12 weeks is exciting, but everything is new to them—new smells, new people, a new space, and no familiar siblings. A period of adjustment is fully expected. During the first days and weeks, you may notice:

• Curiosity mixed with caution – your bunny may explore slowly at first, pausing often to take in new sights and smells. This is completely normal.

• A “toddler stage” – young bunnies often act independent, wiggly, and full of energy. They may not want to be held for long, even if they were very relaxed as babies.

• Short attention spans – quick bursts of play followed by resting or observing. Their personalities are still developing.

• Possible shyness at first – some bunnies need time to warm up to their new space and family. Giving them quiet time the first day helps them settle in.

• Testing boundaries – they may nibble, hop away during pets, or dart around happily. It’s their way of learning what’s safe.

• Growing trust through routine – consistent feeding times, soft talking, gentle pets, and slow movements help them feel secure.

With patience, gentle interaction, and a calm environment, most young bunnies gain confidence quickly. The strong foundation they received here will continue to support them as they settle in, helping them build trust with their new family at their own pace.

Understanding Bunny Affection

Rabbits show affection very differently from dogs or cats, and understanding their natural behavior helps families build a stronger, more trusting bond.

• Being held is not instinctive: In the wild, being lifted off the ground often means danger. Even well-socialized bunnies may feel unsure when picked up. It takes time, repetition, and trust for them to relax during handling.

• Affection is subtle: Bunnies often show love in gentle, quiet ways—leaning into your hand, nudging your leg, relaxing beside you, or stretching out near your feet. These are signs of comfort and trust.

• They enjoy closeness on their terms: Many bunnies prefer sitting next to their people rather than being held tightly. Allowing them to come to you helps them feel safe and in control.

• Trust builds gradually: Soft talking, slow movements, offering treats, and gentle pets all help create positive associations. Over time, bunnies learn that you’re a source of safety, comfort, and kindness.

• They grow more affectionate as they feel secure: As your bunny becomes confident in their new home, you may see more signs of affection—flopping near you, following you around, or seeking attention during quiet moments.

• Every bunny is unique: Some naturally enjoy being cuddled, while others prefer sitting beside their person or receiving head rubs on the floor. All forms of affection are valid.

Understanding these behaviors helps families appreciate the special, gentle way rabbits bond. With patience and consistency, most bunnies learn to enjoy closeness and connection in a way that feels natural and safe for them.

Tips for Families Hoping for a Cuddly Bunny

If your goal is a bunny that enjoys closeness, gentle interaction, and bonding with your family, here are some helpful tips to set everyone up for success:

• Give them time to settle in: The first few days are all about feeling safe. Let your bunny explore at their own pace and avoid overwhelming them with too much handling right away.

• Let them come to you: Sitting on the floor and allowing your bunny to hop over builds trust faster than reaching in to pick them up.

• Use soft voices and slow movements: Rabbits are sensitive by nature. Calm communication helps them relax and understand you’re not a threat.

• Offer small treats during bonding time: Hand-feeding a tiny treat can create positive associations and encourage your bunny to seek you out.

• Start with gentle pets: Most bunnies love slow forehead or cheek rubs. Short, calm interactions usually work better than long sessions in the beginning.

• Hold them low to the ground: If you practice holding, keep your bunny close to your body and sit on the floor. Feeling secure makes a huge difference.

• Create a quiet, predictable routine: Consistent feeding, playtimes, and interaction help your bunny develop trust and confidence.

• Avoid forcing cuddles: Pushing for too much too soon can make a bunny nervous. Respecting their signals encourages them to open up naturally.

• Spend time in their space: Reading, scrolling your phone, or relaxing on the floor near them teaches your bunny that being near you is safe and stress-free.

• Celebrate small progress: A bunny leaning into your hand, nudging your leg, or choosing to sit near you are all signs that trust is growing. These little moments lead to deeper affection over time.

With time, patience, and gentle love, most rabbits deepen in affection as they mature.

How Spaying or Neutering Helps Temperament

As hormones settle after spaying or neutering, bunnies often become calmer, easier to handle, and more consistent in affection and behavior. This step greatly supports the personality families hope for long-term.

🩷 How We Help Your Bunny Start Life With Confidence

Our babies are raised with extra time, handling, and interaction, giving them a strong emotional foundation from the very beginning. They experience calm daily routines, household sounds, and loving human touch.

Because of this start, many of our bunnies grow into especially people-oriented, cuddly companions as they mature.

It is also completely normal if a bunny is not cuddly right away. Young rabbits are adjusting to a brand-new world. With patience and gentle love, even the cautious ones usually relax and open up over time.

The relationship you build at home completes the foundation we begin here. Together, we help shape who they will become—sweet, confident, secure companions ready to bond for life.