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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.

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Forum BEHAVIOR Scared new rabbit

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    • 0Louis0
      27 posts Send Private Message

        I got him almost 2 weeks ago, he’s 14 weeks now, he still seems scared/not fun to play with

        Besides hiding and sometimes running away from me, he doesn’t seem to give me any care as his owner

        I don’t hold him cause he hates it, he sometimes run away from petting and sometimes stay still

        Are the 2 weeks not enough time to get used to his new home? I try to spend much time with him and usually hand feed him his veggies but other than feeding time he never seems to like me

        Also he sleeps a lot during the day and is awake every time I check up on him at night (when we all are asleep), shouldn’t he switch his schedule?

         


      • LBJ10
        Moderator
        16869 posts Send Private Message

          Some bunnies take quite awhile to warm up to people. I wouldn’t say he isn’t any fun. He just sounds like a shy little bun. You said you tried hand feeding him veggies. What about offering him pellets too? That way he has to approach your hand closer. I wouldn’t force trying to pet him, just sit quietly with him when he’s running around. If you’re on the floor, he will eventually become curious and come to check you out.

          Rabbits normally sleep during the day and they sleep at night too. They are more active in the mornings and evenings. Perhaps he isn’t really awake when you come to check on him, but he hears you coming. He could be on alert at night if he is not comfortable with his surroundings.


        • Bwbedard
          Participant
          31 posts Send Private Message

            Just be patient with him that sounds like totally normal rabbit behaviour. Try sitting on the floor facing his cage with your legs spread. Put some so delicious he can’t resist near you and sit back and wait. Moving or approaching him might scare him but if you sit still and let him explore and get used to being near you. All of the tips LBJ10 said are great, the important thing to remember is not to force yourself on him as it will do more harm than good. Let him come to you!


          • Bam
            Moderator
            16836 posts Send Private Message

              Two eeks is a very short time. The rabbit doesn’t know you’re his owner or that he’s a cute fluffy little thing. Please be patient with him, let him explore you like LBJ10 and Bwbedard describes. They have a natural curiosity, but they also scare easily, because they are low in the food-chain and many predators would want to eat them – so they are born with instincts that tell them to be very cautious. When you catch and hold him it’s like a bird of prey strikes down on him – he thinks he’s going to be food.

              Just be patient, and try not to think of him as boring or no fun to play with. He is new to you, new to your home, new to life even. Humans are so big and noisy. Try to see things from his perspective a little bit. What would you do and feel if you were a little bunny in his situation?

              And please write here again if you like, about what progress you’re making or any problems you encounter.


            • Sarita
              Participant
              18851 posts Send Private Message

                He sounds like a typical rabbit. I’m not at all certain what you mean “that he does not give you any care as his owner”…you should be giving him care not vice versa.

                You do need to give him time and a routine.

                I agree with bam – try to see things as a rabbit see’s things not as a human and enjoy him for what he is, not what you think he should be or want him to be.


              • Deleted User
                Participant
                22064 posts Send Private Message

                  There used to be a wonderful piece somewhere on the web about “Talking Rabbit.” It gave some of the best advice for befriending rabbits I have ever heard. The article said the rabbit is thinking you are just another rabbit, although a big one. Rabbits, as animals that are preyed upon, need most of all to feel secure. So, to make your bunny feel secure, you pretend that he is the dominant bunny. Now, a normal bunny would do this by bowing his head and asking to groom the dominant bunny. You can do the same thing with your hand — hold it low in front of his face so he has plenty of time to look at it and smell it. And then start petting just the forehead. There is a nerve over the teeth that makes this feel VERY GOOD to the bunny. Work his confidence up from his forehead. Don’t try to stroke him on his sides or behind until he lets you/gives you permission. Remember, you want to let him feel secure, as if he is dominant and in charge. . . . Hope that helps. It has helped me a great deal overr time.


                • Deleted User
                  Participant
                  22064 posts Send Private Message

                    I’m not sure if this is the article Sam’s Mom was referring to but either way it is very good and may help you to understand your rabbit, and feel as though you are interacting with him. Do please take the time to read: http://language.rabbitspeak.com/

                    Also, while I completely agree with what others have said, try to see things from your rabbit’s point of view, try also not to expect to interact with him in the same way you would a dog or a cat. (I know it sounds so obvious that it may be irritating to read it, but a lot of how we respond to and what we expect from pets is based on our experiences and thinking about dogs and cats.) They won’t behave the same, and they will not react to stimulation or encouragement the same way. Gently handling a puppy to encourage him to relax with you is a good idea, sort of the opposite for a rabbit. Its hard (really hard) some times to keep your hands to yourself, its so tempting to reach and pet and stroke, but worth waiting until its welcome and not a frrightening experience. After all a happy rabbit will be much more fun to spend time with in the long run, so it really is worth that bit of extra time and patience invested at the beginning.


                  • Beka27
                    Participant
                    16016 posts Send Private Message

                      0Louis0… you’ve gotten some great advice and words of encouragement. I’m interested to know your thoughts on this and if you’ve been able to modify YOUR behavior and expectations? How are things working for you a couple days later?

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                  Forum BEHAVIOR Scared new rabbit