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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 DIET & CARE Bonding with bunny

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    • Whobott
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        So i have had my rabbit Larry for a few months now. Since he was in a shelter his whole life he didnt have much human contact. When i got him it was alot of work giaing his trust, he is still skittish but hes just like that i have been handling him a little each day to get him used to it just in case i need to for some reason, i pet him then grab him lift him just a little bit off the ground and move him a foot or so somewhere else. He doesnt really mind it at all at first he would mud flick but he doesnt care anymore, is handling him breaking any bond that i might have with him? He lets me pet him and he isnt scared of me, but he doesnt show any affection toward me.

        And any ways to strengthen my bond with him would be great, i feed him out of my hand and go into my room throghout the day to pet him and say hi.

        Thanks! ~whobott


      • Flopsie
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          when you say that he doesn’t show “affection towards me” what is your definition of showing affection?

          Bunnies do show affection but in their way, so I was wondering what you had in mind. However, speaking generally, Rabbits, don’t show affection in a way that mother animals may do. For example, they aren’t very cuddly in nature and a lot of times it has to be on their terms.

          My bun will hop over to me and give me kisses on the feet but if i try to pet to reciprocate, she doesn’t like it and hops away. So I was wondering what you were looking for in terms of demonstrating affection.


        • Whobott
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            Well, he never gives me kisses (but i dont really expect that) he couldnt care less if i didnt exist, if i were to disappear and someone else take care of him he wouldnt care at all when i walk into the room he doesnt care, if its floor time and im sitting there all he does is bump me to make me move and if i dont move he will sometimes nip me. My point is if i were to disapear he wouldnt care


          • litheandgraphic
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              When you say “handling”, what do you mean? Picking him up? Because if so, then this could be affecting how he sees you – “big, scary, noisy thing that is lifting me off the ground! Gah!”

              It is important to know how to pick him up, if he needs to be moved, but you should also figure out what he goes crazy for treat wise and try to entice him to move where you need him with that instead. It will help him associate you with good things, and will make him less scared of you.

              Similarly, have you tried offering him some healthy treats (eg. a green he likes) and hand-feeding him a little?

              He also may be a bun who wants a partner. Some bunnies are more interested in other rabbits than they are in people. But try to first develop your relationship a little more and give it a little bit more time before you jump to any conclusions.


            • Whobott
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                Well if i need to move him, i try to get him in a carrier but treats dont work i use small bits if craisins and his pellets for treats. When i handle him i lift him up just until the tips of his feet touch the ground then move him a few inches to a foot away. The cage i have is 2 floors, and i dont know if its big enough for two, i do have an x-pen extention to the cage but i close him in his cage at bedtime, so is 2 rabbits an option? And would it make him happy to have another bunny with him?

                This is my first rabbit and im wondering if its a bad idea to consider another? But if it makes him happy i would consider it! thanks!


              • litheandgraphic
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                  Have you tried papaya enzyme tablets? They’re good for digestion and most rabbits go absolutely nuts for them. You may want to try these or other kinds of healthy treats to get him to move.

                  He may not be thrilled with your mild handling every day, but it’s not the worst thing – eventually, especially if you treat him after you do this, he will probably get used to it after quite some time.

                  The reason I say that another bunny might not be a bad idea is that your description of his attitude suggests to me that he’d be more interested in a bunny friend who might also be able to make him feel more comfortable and secure. How big is your enclosure? If there’s an x-pen attached then it should be all right for one other bun, they don’t need that much more room if properly bonded.

                  Since you’ve only had him for a few months, I’d give it a bit more time so that he adjusts fully to his home, and then look into potentially going on bunny speed dates to see if he might find a partner.

                  This isn’t a decision you have to make extremely quickly, but it may help to do this for the long run.


                • Whobott
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                    Does it cost a lot more for 2 than it does 1? I don’t have a job I’m young so money is a bit hard to come by, and what are the perks to getting another? I would be fine in a few months or so to get another but I have to convince my parents of course. My dad is pretty against it but he doesn’t know anything about rabbits so some things like, it would lower his stress make him happier etc. would be nice, and ofc I’ll research it and stuff. His cage is 45″ by 18″ but I only have room for 1 litterbox, there is a pic of his cage above (It’s a little messy sorry) Thanks!


                  • litheandgraphic
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                      Ah, yes you may want to look into somehow creating a minor extension for a bit more room if you do eventually look into this option. Two rabbits don’t really cost more than one – your only major concern is that you double your chances of one getting sick, but that’s the biggest concern.

                      Bonded rabbits are typically calmer and more cooperative than nervous singletons. It does ease their stress considerably, makes them a lot happier and calmer. They can share a litterbox, but you may want to consider getting a bigger one.

                      Like I said, I don’t think you need to rush on this. You can wait a while and see what would be best.


                    • Whobott
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                        Thanks! I was thinking if i were to get one it would be in 3-6 months? Would i need to expand the cage if i left the x-pen extention open at night too? And about how much moe money would it be? Because i dont have a job and i get 2.50$ In allouance a week…. So estimated how much more would it cost? Thanks so much!!,

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                    Forum DIET & CARE Bonding with bunny