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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 Beginner rabbit owner needs help..

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    • Zelo
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        So yesterday I got my first bunny but she is either very shy or simply anti-social. I can’t let her out of the cage because she will run straight under my bed making it impossible to get her, freaks out if I put my hand anywhere near the cage and will not accept treats of any kind. Also, she picked this one corner of the cage to spend most of her time sitting in and is also where she goes to potty. I decided to put a litter box in that corner so she doesn’t get the cage messy, but then she decided to just move to another spot. I also can’t just let her out in a room without somewhere for her to hide because she is impossible to catch, and treats don’t entice her.

         I don’t want to give up on her so any help at all is appreciated, thank you.

        FYI, she is a two month old dwarf rabbit.


      • Mikey
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        3186 posts Send Private Message

          Youve only had her for a day, of course she is shy. Keep her in the cage for about a week and just hang around the cage and talk softly to her. Get her used to your voice and your smell. If possible, get an xpen or something similar set up around her cage so when you let her out (dont take her out, leave the cage door open and let her come out on her own), she cant run and hide somewhere

          Is she eating, drinking, and pooping alright? She sounds very stressed if shes hiding and refusing to come out, specially when shes hiding in her cage


        • Zelo
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            Yeah she’s eating, drinking, and pooping fine. She doesn’t hide in her cage, she mainly just sits in this one spot 80% of the time, and also pees and poops in that spot too. I’m worried that’s gonna make her really dirty. Is she too young to be properly litter trained?

            Another thing I need help on to is introducing her to treats. I’ve purchased a couple different flavors of treats at the pet store, as well bits of several different vegetables, but she just doesn’t eat them, even when I simply place them down for her.


          • LittlePuffyTail
            Moderator
            18092 posts Send Private Message

              You need to remember that you and your home are completely brand new to her. Rabbits are prey animals and as such, they can often be shy and nervous. Make sure she has a place in her cage to hide. An upside down cardboard box with a door and window cut out of it is a great option. Give her time to get comfortable in her cage before letting her out to explore.

              As for treats, she probably has never had them before and is too nervous and overwhelmed to try something new right now. My Sterling is an adopted stray and was totally confused by treats at first. Now he goes nuts when he hears the treat bag.


            • Ellie from The Netherlands
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              2512 posts Send Private Message

                We have a dwarf rabbit here as well, they’re known for being more shy and nervous than larger breeds. Just like dogs really: larger breeds are usually calmer.
                Dwarf rabbits often also dislike being picked up or touched on certain parts of their body. They’re quite prudish about these things. I wouldn’t worry about her shyness right now, everything is new and that’s very stressful to her. As a new bunny owner it’s important to read up on their behaviour as much as possible, because their behaviour is very different from common pets like cats and dogs. It’s easily misinterpreted.

                These are some very helpful websites:
                http://www.rabbitwise.org/behavior.html
                http://language.rabbitspeak.com/

                As said, bunnies are prey species and have a strong need to hide for a large part of the day. This is perfectly natural. Give your bun an upside-down box with holes in it, and she’ll thank you for it. Give her some time and give her space. If you let her come to you, you’ll bond easier with her.

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            Forum BEHAVIOR Beginner rabbit owner needs help..