The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.
LEADERS: Beka27 BinkyBunny Elrohwen KokaneeandKahlua LittlePuffyTail Peppypoo RabbitPam Sarita
Hey I was wondering if it is alright to handle my new baby rex the same night you get it? She seems really jumpy so I am nervous about doing so till I hear from one of you more experienced people.
In general, it will take a bunny some time to get used to a new home. Since we all love to cuddle our bunnies (particularly those soft rexes), the best way to get bunny to be comfortable is to sit on the floor and let the bunny come to you. Treats can be offered as an enticement. Picking up a bunny that is not used to people can be very stressful, so try to take it slowly if you can and gain some trust. Good luck!
Welcome melovia!!! Awe! Aa new baby Rex. They are so beautiful. And I know it must be really hard to resist handling, but Osprey is right. Especially with a nervous bunny, let her just settle in for a few days.
So for the first night, just let her be. Then after that I suggest just being in her presence - nearby reading a book or magazine or anything that will keep you there, but "ignoring" her. Ignoring is actually a body signal that bunnies use on each other to signify that they are not a threat. You may even find that she'll begin to feel safe enough to approach you. So as Osprey has suggested - have some healthy treats ready for such an occasion! This can take time for some bunnies, so don't worry....and don't give tooo much freedom too fast. Hang out in one room or if you have an xpen, that would be even better to limit freedom while offering exercise.
If you give too much freedom too fast, she will learn how to hide and this can also hinder good litterbox habits.
Keep us updated!
Well This is Melovia's BF right now on here. I live with ehr and am trying to help with the rabbit also as it is her first ever rabbit. I know a little about rasing rabbits but what we raised them all for was the wrong reason that i refuse to speak more about on here. I am trying to figure out what is best way to let this little critter run around without worrying about the power cables in the living room. She keeps trying to chew on the ethernet cable hehe. so cute but yet so frustrating . It has been only the first full day now so I am guessing we should proabbyl leave her in her cage no matter how much she may bang on her bars to be let out right? please help!
Welcome Melovia's BF! Rabbits love to chew cords! Check out the Bunny Proofing Section that focuses on wires
I use flexible corregated wire covers that you can usually get at a hardware store. They are really inexpensive. There is a more tough cover, a little less flexible though called Critter Cord Cover. It is similar to fish tank tubing.
Let us know if this helps! Keep us updated.
Right now we are mainly letting her out in the kitchen where everything is pulled up and away from where she can get to it. We are hvaing a roomie move out so we can move all comp stuff into the other room which will pretty much open up the living room to Honey as well. I have started her getting to know what three loud snaps of my fingers mean as far as her not doing something. She seems to be a smart one so she is learning training pretty quickly. thansk for the concern
Still in admin mode...too lazy to switch, cuz this is my last post for the night...tired..zzzzzz. I found mine at a local hardware store (Cole Hardware). You can find it in the section for electricians in bigger stores. Probably the best bet would be to call around so you don't have to yo-yo around town looking for them.