Should I handle my bunny yet?

[Layna]

So here’s the thing: I’ve just gotten a 7 week old Netherland dwarf rabbit 3 days ago. So far, she’s exhibiting all the signs that I’ve read means she’s comfortable with me: she comes up and sniffs me, eats out of my hand, and cleans herself in front of me. She’s also layed down on her side in front of me a few times. However, she seems quite jumpy, and backs off when I try to pet her. I talked to my aunt, who raised Netherland dwarfs, and she said it’s important to handle them when they’re young. The Internet says wait until the rabbit trusts you. Is it okay for me to pick her up and hold her on my lap to pet even though she doesn’t seem to like it? (No grunting, biting, or nipping, just trying to run away)

[BanditCamp]

Time and patience. Offer your hand instead of reaching out, also if your so try offer from the sides of the head not in front as they can’t see.

After 2 months my bandit now presents himself for pets and he’s 3.5 months old and I think he’s going to be a long bonder with me he lets me pick him up a little bit and we share food now and then.

[sarahthegemini]

If she doesn’t like being held, you shouldn’t force it upon her. It’s unfair. Most rabbits don’t like being held anyway.

[Layna]

Thanks for the replies! I’ve been petting her this morning and she seems fine with it as long as she’s holding still, like when she’s eating. Mostly she ignores me, though she did lick me once when I fed her a treat (tiny cube of dried fruit, very very small). It seems like the problem is more lots of energy and a dislike of staying still. Any advice for that?

[LBJ10]

She’s a young bunny, so lots of energy is normal. They slow down a bit as they get older. Personally, I think it’s a good idea to at least try to get them used to being picked up for necessary things like nail trims, etc. But it is extremely rare for a rabbit to enjoy being held. They might sit next to you on the floor or the couch or they may even jump in your lap to be pet. But more often than not, when you see bunnies doing this it is on their own terms. If they want attention, then they will come to you. The best thing you can do is make them feel comfortable coming to you. Some bunnies will come to you and demand pets/floor cuddles. Others will not. It has to do with individual personality. I don’t think it’s something that can be forced.

[sarahthegemini]

What’s wrong with her having lots of energy? Aside from being exhausting to look at 

[Layna]

[Layna]

Posted By Layna on 5/09/2017 11:30 AM

OK, gotcha! I actually tried to trim her nails the other day and it didn’t go well xD I just don’t want to make her permanently scared of me. I’m really struggling with getting her used to me/to like me without feeding her treats > . <

And there’s nothing wrong with lots of energy haha, except she never sits still long enough for me to get her used to being pet xP

[Author]

Messages