Skiddish?

[Whobott]

My rabbit grew up in a shelter (from 4months old to 1 years old) and didn’t get much interaction. He is very skiddish and not affectionate at all he couldn’t care less if I jumped out the window  . I was just wondering if there is some way to get him used to things like nail clipping, grooming, and handling (sometimes he need to be picked up/handles etc.) And I’m pretty sure I’m bonded with him. Thanks!

[Deleted User]

Honestly Whobott, it really just takes time, and lots of it. As you know, I’ve had Henry for well over a year now, and only just recently has he come to us. Sometimes he’ll be loafing and as I walk past I think I’ll bend over and give him a pat and the little bugga runs off leaving me hanging! (bent over – like an idiot!). Makes me so angry! LOL! Yet, this morning the little brat nipped me cause I stopped patting him when my arm got tired! I’ve just excepted I’ll never work him out?
And trust me – Henry wouldn’t care what happens to me either, TILL dinner (veggie) time! Ha ha ha…..
All’s I did was leave Henry be. I just went on with my days and let him control our interaction. The only thing I insisted on (if he wanted it that badly???), when we gave him treats, he has to either climb up our leg to take it from us – I even make him take his craisin from my lip’s (the only way ‘I’ was going to get a bunny kiss!) ha ha ha.
Since doing this (his way!), when I need to pick him up for nail clipping – I give him a pat and quickly grab him and pick him up. He doesn’t like it (I can feel his little heart beating) but as soon as it is done I put him down and leave him alone till he comes to me again. And the difference in time in between his snobbing us is slowly getting shorter and shorter.
You know, there was a time (not so long ago) that I thought I’d never have a relationship with Henry – but I do!
Honestly, Larry (still such a cool name!) loves you, I know it! He just needs time to feel secure in his environment, and to trust that you aren’t gonna cuddle him (and clip his nails) each and every second of the day, ha ha ha ha! Like I said – it took Henry over a year (and it almost shattered me!) but we got there, eventually….. Even though you and I both know we aren’t going to cuddle and snuggle our buns 24/7 and will let them go after a trim/groom – sadly, they don’t. And I doubt Larry will ever appreciate being picked up, but he will get to the stage (one day?) that your only holding him for this or that and he will be let down once the task is completed. Well, that’s how it turned out/seems to be with Henry now…..

[Thump]

Spending lots of time laying down on the floor in a small enclosed area on the floor is great for bonding with your bunny. Give him a hiding place and not much else. Even the timid ones will get curious who you are and feel the need to jump on you and check you out. Having some lettuce or treats will make him trust you more and test out his bravery. Pet his fuzzy face every chance you get. When hes used to you always being there (when he’s laying down comfortable) keep grooming him. He should soon learn that you are not there to hurt him and that his bunny massages actually feel quite good. This takes time.

I try to pick my bunnies up often but very brief. This gets them used to being handled but they know that in a second they will be let down again. If I held them any longer, they would probably run and hide when I put them down and never trust me again. When I was training my big boy Casper, I would put him down and say “good boy!” and give him a tiny banana treat afterward. He forgot the whole thing ever happened in a matter of seconds. Now, he’s so used to being handled that he doesnt fight it. I know he doesnt like it, but sometimes he is too irresistible and I cant help myself.

I think nail clipping will always be torture in the eyes of a bunny. Theres no easy way around that one.

[Thump]

Spending lots of time laying down on the floor in a small enclosed area on the floor is great for bonding with your bunny. Give him a hiding place and not much else. Even the timid ones will get curious who you are and feel the need to jump on you and check you out. Having some lettuce or treats will make him trust you more and test out his bravery. Pet his fuzzy face every chance you get. When hes used to you always being there (when he’s laying down comfortable) keep grooming him. He should soon learn that you are not there to hurt him and that his bunny massages actually feel quite good. This takes time.

I try to pick my bunnies up often but very brief. This gets them used to being handled but they know that in a second they will be let down again. If I held them any longer, they would probably run and hide when I put them down and never trust me again. When I was training my big boy Casper, I would put him down and say “good boy!” and give him a tiny banana treat afterward. He forgot the whole thing ever happened in a matter of seconds. Now, he’s so used to being handled that he doesnt fight it. I know he doesnt like it, but sometimes he is too irresistible and I cant help myself.

I think nail clipping will always be torture in the eyes of a bunny. Theres no easy way around that one.

[Author]

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