Crazy Skittish

[Deleted User]

So we’ve had Hugo for almost a month now (it’ll be a month on the 22). Textbook wise I know what I’m supposed to do to help Hugo deal with his skittishness. Spend time on the floor with him, sit with him by his cage, etc. He is more confident while he is in his pen and not as skittish. However, I really worry about him when we have out for play time. He’ll ignore me for half of his time out and binky. Then other half he will cower. And if I leave the bathroom door open he’ll run in there and hide behind the toilet.

Not going to lie, I’m a little frustrated with him and myself. I feel like I scare him half to death whenever I’m near him. And then I get frustrated that he’s so timid. It’s not his fault that I have this slightly aggressive personality that get short tempered with those that are really shy and timid.  I love the little guy to death but I do worry that maybe we’re not providing him with the home and family that he needs.  Which totally kills me.

Any way, I was wondering if I should move some of his toys and cardboard box into the play area and let him have the run of it at night. I was thinking that maybe this would help him feel more at ease. But I’m not totally sure. What do you guys think?

[Baxter n Boos Mom]

I think having toys in his play area is a great idea! My buns like to knock down towers I build out of cardboard rolls from paper towels. Even the skittish bun will run over to knock it down. But it’s also a great idea to have places where he can hide….igloo / tent / box / tunnels in his play area as well.

Sounds like you’re doing everything right…sometimes, it just takes time. Our first bun was affectionate right away, and just loved to be pet. Our baby Boo is still skittish, after several months. But he’s making great progress…. so we’re hopeful that eventually, he’ll come out of his shell.

[Deleted User]

I have several boxes and a little baby play thing that has dangling stuffs that they love to chin. And I always make sure to bring out his stuffed “woman”.

[peppypoo]

Sounds like a good plan, or definitely at least worth a shot. I know skittish bunnies can be frustrating and heartbreaking (when all you want to do is cuddle them lol) but it takes time! It took at least 1.5 years for Remi to be alright with touching and petting, albeit on his own terms, and 2.5 years later he’s still improving .

[Deleted User]

I just feel horrible because I feel like the bonding isn’t helping with his skittishness either. -.- It’s as if it’s making it worse.

[DUSTBUNNY-CLYDE]

dustbunny was super skittish from day one!! i went super slow and just sat on the floor and let him come to me!! I got him neutered 3 weeks ago and all of a sudden he’s super cuddly, even licking me nose and chin!! it took 4 months, just be patient!!

[LittlePuffyTail]

Give him time. A month really isn`t long at all. It took Olivia about a year to actually act that she liked me. Some bunnies have a really hard time relaxing and trusting their new human.

[Deleted User]

So just to do a follow-up. We left Hugo out all last night and it really helped him. He came running up to us this morning and when we put him back in his pen for the morning he would come see us every time we passed by. I guess my main concern with him has been whether or not the bonding with the other buns has been hindering our progress with the bond that we’re trying to establish with him. I do understand that we need to give him more time. Which is what we’ve been trying to do. I, also, noticed he’s not a huge fan of noise. And the noise of us going about our business does cause him to be more skittish. So I’m trying to work on that too. But he’s a lot better since we let him have the run of the house last night while we were sleeping.

[Svandis]

Bosse is NOT a fan of sounds and sudden movements. Letting him be free range has helped him a lot

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