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BUNNY 911 – If your rabbit hasn’t eaten or pooped in 12-24 hours, call a vet immediately!  Don’t have a vet? Check out VET RESOURCES 

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.

BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

Forum BEHAVIOR Bunny Socialization

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    • CamCam
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        I have a holland lop called Holland, I bought him from a local breeder at about 3 months.  He was born September 4th 2012.  He is sweet but I’d like to get some opinions on him.  He doesn’t come looking for cuddles but when I pet him he lays his head on the ground and sometimes closes his eyes.  He has the run of our upstairs hallway with a gate blocking him from going downstairs.  When he wriggles out he runs and kicks if I pick him up at all.  He basically knows he has to go up and would prefer to be downstairs trying to breed cats.  That’s the other thing; he tries to breed the cats, chasing them down to hump them.  He really gets afraid to be picked up and when I do pick him up he struggles unless I hold him from the scruff and support his bum.  Then he kicks when I put him down. 

        So basically I need some opinions on how to get him to like me more and maybe come for cuddles.  He prefers to run and hide.  I really want a ‘sweet’ bunny.  I know they don’t like being picked up and cuddled much but still…

        Thanks!


      • Sarita
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          I think I would first recommend getting him neutered which will probably help with the behavior with the cats.

          NEVER EVER hold your rabbit by the scruff either – that is not at all how you hold a rabbit.

          Basically everything though that you are saying about him sounds like normal rabbit behavior as rabbits are not cuddlers but do love pets. You will need to gain his trust and not chase though and that takes time. Get on his level – sit down and let him come to you but don’t grab – just let him explore you on his own – basically ignore him and eventually he will feel safe around you but don’t expect this to happen overnight – it takes time.


        • LBJ10
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            That really does sound like normal bunny behavior to me. Sarita is right, getting him neutered would probably help curb his “affection” for the cats. Other than that, just do as Sarita suggests and try to earn his trust.

            And don’t grab him by the scruff of the neck. That isn’t a good way to pick up a bunny and you could potentially hurt him. It is really an emergency-only type of thing (house is on fire and it’s the only way you can grab him).


          • CamCam
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              I don’t have the money to get him neutered right now but I’ll think about it.

              I read some where that that was the ONLY way to hold them… I guess that was wrong. How do you suggest I hold him?

              Well you see, I always read of these bunnies who come looking for pets, but if that’s normal that YAY! I usually don’t chase him (my family does not like him out and do chase him) because he likes to step into his carrier. I just set it in front of him and he jumps in.

              Just an off topic question: He was out one day and ate a lot of out Christmas tree. His eyes were runny a few days after but otherwise he’s fin. Should I be worried? I’m not sure if our tree is treated or not. I read somewhere that Christmas trees are toxic. Other places said no…

              Thanks for your help!


            • Sarita
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                Here is a good video which will show you how to properly handle your rabbit – in fact you might want to watch all the videos for good basic rabbit care:

                http://www.howcast.com/videos/51469…et-Rabbits 


              • LongEaredLions
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                  What kind of tree is your tree? Pine is ok, but some other types (I can’t remember which right now) are not ok. I would worry more about the tree being treated. Could you call the farmer you got it from to get more info? How much did he eat?


                • CamCam
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                    A pine I believe. We got it from a place that doesn’t give a number or any contact. He at probably a cup or 2.


                  • LongEaredLions
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                      He ate a lot. I would keep a really close eye on him and perhaps call the et to see what they suggest.


                    • Zombie-Sue
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                        http://www.rabbit.org/journal/5-2/scruffing.html some notes on anti-scruffing. I think it’s important to take this into consideration, because it’s something you see farmer-type pople do fairly often (at least around here), and they seem to have some success at it. I don’t know if the skin has separated already or what. Better to put your hands under them like suggested already.

                        Some people live successfully with unaltered rabbits, I believe that hormonal behavior does calm down on its own usually after a year, but it’s hard to predict and I do believe that most people with house rabbits suggest alteration. This is one of the reasons it’s very important to thoroughly research a pet before buying.


                      • Cochin
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                          As someone who neutered their rabbit and regretted it – don’t feel bad putting it off if your happy with him now, then it’s fine! If he comes up with issues that can be fixed by a nueter and you NEED / WANT done, then get him neutered. But if he’s intact and you don’t mind his little antics, then great. Just keep living with him like that. I think they’re more personable with funnier antics and unique trais when they’re intact, because a lot of it does come from hormonal reactions, but if you can live with the bad ones (like he might spray) then the good ones are lovely.
                          Have fun with your rabbit !


                        • Sarita
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                            I have not had the same experience as CochinBrahmaLover about neutered males so remember this is just one person’s experience and it does not encompass everyone’s experience. I have a 5 year old neutered Netherland Dwarf and he’s very fun and friendly and affectionate in his own way. He’s too small to “cuddle” but he comes downstairs most nights and jumps on “his ottoman” to be petted – he loves attention.


                          • CamCam
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                              Zombie, I did research. I waited about a month and did research. Everywhere told me support his bum but hold him by the scruff. I always do research.

                              He seems better now. Waiting for food and jumping up to greet me (get food).

                              I can live with his antics. He does have loads of personality when he isn’t chasing cats.


                            • Zombie-Sue
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                                Zombie, I did research. I waited about a month and did research. Everywhere told me support his bum but hold him by the scruff.

                                That sounds good to me in regards to handling, but I’m talking more about the behavioral issues and the cost of neutering.


                              • LongEaredLions
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                                  Just remember too that even if you chose not to get him neutered now, if you ever want to get another rabbit, or he develops worse behavior, and you need/want to get him neutered later, it could be more dangerous for him because of being older.

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                              Forum BEHAVIOR Bunny Socialization