trust issues?

[Elena Niznik]

My new bunny Boo and I had been bonding really well, i would lie on the floor and he would hop round me making little honking noises and would back his bum up into me so i would pet him. Whenever i was on the phone or laptop he would jump up and demand attention. However 2 days ago i was uber clumbsy and dropped a whole stack of metal pots and pans on my wooden floor. Poor Boo got a massive fright (i’m lucky he didnt have a heart attack) now he is shy and skittish and wnt let me pet him. I have tried lying still on the floor covered in raisins i have sat on the floor for hours but all he does is have the odd sniff and climbs over me. Its stressful putting him back in his cage as he doesnt let me close enough to pick him up so its a long waiting game bribing him with veggies. Last night I was up till 3am waiting on him going back in his cage. Any suggestions on how i can gain back his trust?

[BinkyBunny]

Ah, I’m so sorry.  It does sound like he freaked out.  But give it a few more days, he should come around. 

In the meantime try appealing to his curiosity to get him back to his cage.  Do you have a bunny carrier?  If not, use a box.

Most bunnies can’t resist going inside. (or put a treat inside to entice them.  Once inside, quickly but gently close the box.  Try not to shove your bunny in if he’s only halfway in, otherwise this will never work again. It needs to be a pleasant experience.  Then you can take your bunny over to his cage and let him go from the carrier to his cage or pen on his own.  While he is going from the carrier to his cage, say a key word or words like “home, home” or  “Go to your cage”, I know it sounds kooky, but over time most bunnies will associate the word with the meaning.  My own bunnies now go to their cage with little herding when I say “Go to your pen”

Once he’ s in his cage, give him a treat there. 

Let us know how that works.

Tip:You can also say the “home, home” or whatever you choose when you are herding your bunny back.

In the past while I was herding them I’d say “Go to your pen”.  In the beginning it took a while, (don’t ever chase, just follow and follow)  Most of the time they get tired of it and finally find refuge in their cage or pen.   As soon as the bunny goes in, I give a treat and back away.  That way it’s not punishment, and they get two positive things: Left alone from following and a treat. 

 

[Elena Niznik]

Thanks binky I came across this page that give some advice.: http://fig.cox.miami.edu/Faculty/Dana/houserab.html i’ll let you know how he gets on but at the moment he is just so scared.

[BinkyBunny]

Tallullu, That’s a great link.   Good stuff!

[lilmizzsnickerz]

oo i did this to my bunny too except i dropped a glass he freaked out but two days later he came around =)

[poopy]

Just a note about trust issues…its been 5 mos. since I’ve had Medusa and she still doesn’t trust me all the way. She’s been alot more social and nicer to me in the past month however, thus it can take a very long time for somebuns to feel comfortable in their environment and with you.

[Author]

Messages