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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 How long does it take

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    • Koton
      Participant
      32 posts Send Private Message

        For a new bunny to get used to his environment and start trusting his owners? Do you guys know? We had Pikus our new lionhead bunny for 2 weeks now and the only time he lets me pet him is when he’s in his cage. Otherwise when he’s out he’s somehow still afraid. Which I don’t get since we’re showering him with love and treats.


      • Bam
        Moderator
        16835 posts Send Private Message

          It varies a lot between individuals, so it’s really not possible to say. It depends on the bun’s personality, his previous experience with humans and his age. 2 weeks is a very short time for a bunny though, that much I can say. A puppy-dog will take to his owners more or less at once, but bunnies are less trusting since they are prey-animals and their instinct is to be very cautious. It makes sense if you think about how many enemies wild bunnies have.

          Keep showering him with love and treats, and I’m sure he’ll come around. They do tend to want to decide when it’s time for cuddles though. And when the bunny decides it’s time for cuddles, the human must comply =)

          If you haven’t already you can give him a hidey-box (upside-down cardboard box) with 2 exits (they don’t like to feel trapped), because if they have a safe hiding-place where they are “invisible”, it makes them feel more secure and more willing to explore their environment.


        • Koton
          Participant
          32 posts Send Private Message

            He’s got some hidey spots already. The only time he’s ok getting petted though is when he’s in a cage relaxing. When he’s out exploring and binkying he tends to run away the moment you reach out to pet him.


          • Beka27
            Participant
            16016 posts Send Private Message

              Is he able to go in and out of his cage on his own or do you pick him up to put him back? He might associate your hands with going back to his cage if you are picking him up to put him back. Just a thought… Other than that, sounds like normal bunny behavior. They like to do stuff on their own terms!


            • vanessa
              Participant
              2212 posts Send Private Message

                Instead of reaching out to pet him, offer him treats from your hand. For example, a piece of lettuce, and do’t just leave it for him to eat. Hold it out for him to eat while you are holding on to it. Keep doing that. That should lead him to feel comfortable eating pellets and other food while you are sitting nearby. And then.. you can try to pet him while he is eating.
                I have a bunny who got comfortable with me after 2 weeks. He is super snuggly now. Demands my attention. Makes the most adorable buzzing sound when I come into the room. Storms my ankles, insists on being petted. Another bunnyI’ve had for over 2 years, and by feeding her from hand, she sometimes lets me pet her, for a few seconds. Then she runs off. Each bunny is different. Food food food.

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            Forum BEHAVIOR How long does it take