How best to handle fearful bunny after neutering?

[Irina]

Hello. I would like some advice on how to handle Butterscotch, 41/2 old bun who was neutered 2 weeks ago. Unfortunately, Butters itch had some complications and became very sick for several days after surgery. He had stasis, dehydration, renal failure and quite a few seizures in a 24 hour period. He lived in my room and was syringe fed for 4-5 days. When he started coming around, he was so loving, cuddly, and lacking me all the time. Once he got his strength back, and was fully eating on his own, he became a little standoffish- did not really want to be touched it picked up. Until about one month ago, he was pretty cuddly, although never as much as his two litter mates- he was always the first to want to be put down, or the last to come out if his pen. About 2 weeks before the neuter, I noticed he was afraid of Tofu (his brother, who was trying to mount him- at this time I thought Butters itch was a girl…). They were separated right away, but Butterscotch has seemed a little more fearful since then, and more so after his ordeal with surgery. Since I moved him from my room (where he spent 7 days), to his pen, he seems to spend a lot of time in the cage that was set up in his pen (this is the cage he was in when he was in my room- I thought it would give him comfort when he was moved). I took the cage out, and replaced it with a Cottontail cottage, and put his litter box, pellets, water and greens outside of the cottage. He still spends a lot of time inside the cottage- lounging, stretched out or sleeping- he usually looks comfortable, although sometimes nervous? He eats and drinks and poos and pees normally. He will not come get treats from me if I am trying to hand them to him through the pen, but will take them if I step in the own and hold them out for him while he lies in the cottage. If I try to pet him, most if the time he will turn his back to me or go somewhere else. Every now and then he will stretch out and let me pet him. When he gets free time outside of the pen, he does not always want to get out right away , and when he does come out (always on his own, I never tKe him out myself), he spends half the time running and binkying, and half the time looking scared. I don’t know what to do. Is this just normal Post traumatic behavior in a bunny that was a little nervous to begin with? His brother and sister are always eager to be loved on, petted and cuddled, and eagerly come to the pen door to get loving, treats, or come out to play. Suggestions? What is the best way to interact with him?

[LBJ10]

Sounds like he could be holding a grudge (now that he feels better) or his post-neuter crazies are starting to kick in or both. I can see him holding a grudge after the whole ordeal, who wouldn’t? Plus his hormones are probably going all crazy right now. I would give him time. Hormones usually settle ~1 month after the neuter, but that time he may be over the grudge. Just keep doing what you’re doing. Nice things (like treats), but not bothering him if he doesn’t want to be bothered.

[Irina]

Ok- sounds good. It is so hard to know, especially since Tofu (who was neuters the same day, but did not have any complications), has become more cuddly than he ever was. (He melts into my hands!). I know every bunny reacts differently… But was unsure how best to handle it. Thank you for the advice. Will keep going!

(Since I started the thread this evening, when I was giving them their evening greens, Butterscotch did come out and take grass and dandelion greens from my hand… Donuts a step in the right direction!)

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