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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 HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Acclimating a new bunny

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    • Nuggy's Momma
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        Hi all!

        I have a bunny named Nuggy!  I adopted her about 2 weeks ago, and she is a lop mix.  She is only a few months old, Im not sure exactly.  She is well behaved and active, but she likes to still hide under my bed sometimes and will be a little brat too.  I understand that it is a new environment for her and that she is still young and getting used to it.  I let her run around my moderately bunny-proofed room most of the day, and she never messes outside of her cage.  She is still unneutered I believe.  Most of the time she’s cute and pleasant, but I’m used to the affection of a cat or dog, so it is strange to me how she doesn’t quite love me like such.  I am a first time bunny owner and still am new at all of this!

        xoxo


      • JackRabbit
        Participant
        5451 posts Send Private Message

          Most bunnies aren’t affectionate in the same way as dogs (I know nothing about cats). I”ve heard the saying that people own dogs but cats own people … in that sense, bunnies are more like cats (hence we humans being bunny slaves!).

          Bunnies are more likely to show affection with “pet me” head butts, licking (grooming you — some simply don’t groom their humans though), allowing you into their space, allowing you to pet them, etc. There are some that will cuddle, but that’s the exception rather than the rule.


        • litheandgraphic
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          608 posts Send Private Message

            Yes, it will depend on the personality of the rabbit, too. Also, getting her spayed after she’s definitely 5-6 months old will be a very necessary thing to do — it will help her attitude, but it will also prevent her from getting reproductive cancers.

            I think the biggest differences are that dogs sort of look to please you, a lot of the time, and that alone can be their motivation. They’re all about you. Cats are more all about themselves, but they also love you, too. Unless the cat is extremely aloof or feral or something. xP With rabbits, it’s sort of like… they’re about your relationship with them. I have no idea if that makes sense. But they’re extremely aware of how you behave around them and therefore how they respond to you, and vice-versa. They’re extremely social but not quite as prone to being affectionate and outgoing by default like dogs are.

            But that is definitely not to say that they can’t become just as affectionate and loving as dogs! But it’s just usually a different kind of affection, I suppose. And keep in mind that it can take a while for rabbits to feel totally comfortable in their new home. It took Theodore 3-4 months before he felt he was finally at home here. So just keep patient! Spaying will definitely help.


          • rabbyrabby
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            25 posts Send Private Message

              Nuggy is a great name!

              I think new bunny owners (myself included) need to always keep in mind the main difference between a rabbit and cats/dogs.  A rabbit is prey.  Cats and dogs are predators.  

              Rabbits are genetically designed to be afraid of things.  The reason why rabbits haven’t gone extinct is because they’re always alert and they’re great runners/hiders.  If rabbits weren’t scared of things, they wouldn’t exist today.

              A rabbit can overcome this, but it takes time.   Animals tend to have associative memory.  Once they associate you with positive things, they will overcome their natural fear.  When you give it treats, make sure your bun comes to your hand to eat it.  Soon enough, when it sees your hand, it’ll associate it with treats and goodies, and not being eaten.

              Good luck!

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          Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Acclimating a new bunny