Patting my bunny

[Jack&Lola]

We were just wondering if we should be Patting our bunnies over there ears (flattens them) or if we should avoid them, we were worried it might scare them but we have also heard it calms them down

[tobyluv]

Bunnies will like to be patted or stroked in certain places and will dislike being patted or stroked in other places. It’s not the same with all bunnies. If your bunnies seem to enjoy having their ears patted, continue to do so. If they seem to dislike it and move away as soon as you start, then you should find other places to pat on their body that will make them happier.

[Janii]

I think rabbits are usually quick to tell you if they’re uncomfortable with you petting them where they don’t appreciate it. lol When I brush past Corrin’s back feet, she flinches and pulls them under her body. But when I pet her on her head, ears and back, she sits or lays down still.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Both my boys love having their ears strocked. One is a lop and one is an uppy eared.

[joea64]

Panda is still skittish about being touched anywhere most of the time, but she’s getting better about holding still to be petted on the forehead and ears, usually when she’s just been given a treat. Fernando loves to be rubbed (briefly) on the forehead when he runs up to the condo grid to greet me and has no problem with being petted for 15 seconds or so at a time. From what I understand, that’s pretty good for the 3-week mark with new bunny housemates.

[sarahthegemini]

They’ll let you know if they don’t like what you’re doing, bunnies aren’t very subtle at showing their displeasure 

[joea64]

Posted By sarahthegemini on 9/11/2017 6:04 AM

They’ll let you know if they don’t like what you’re doing, bunnies aren’t very subtle at showing their displeasure 

Panda certainly isn’t! I call her my little diva because she expresses her opinion of things going on in no uncertain terms – she gives me the cold shoulder if I’m even a little bit too importunate in wanting to pet her.  She hasn’t actually thumped at me yet, but I think it’s just a matter of time.

[sarahthegemini]

Posted By joea64 on 9/11/2017 6:12 AM

Posted By sarahthegemini on 9/11/2017 6:04 AM

They’ll let you know if they don’t like what you’re doing, bunnies aren’t very subtle at showing their displeasure 

Panda certainly isn’t! I call her my little diva because she expresses her opinion of things going on in no uncertain terms – she gives me the cold shoulder if I’m even a little bit too importunate in wanting to pet her.  She hasn’t actually thumped at me yet, but I think it’s just a matter of time.

Once she starts thumping, they’ll be no stopping her  Peanut has developed quite the sassy attitude, he thumps quite often now especially when I say it’s lunch/dinner time – can’t work out if it’s excitement or if he’s trying to say hurry up 

Btw it is very good that they are allowing you to pet them. Peanut took months but he’s a love bug now…when he’s not giving me attitude 

[joea64]

Posted By sarahthegemini on 9/11/2017 6:16 AM

Posted By joea64 on 9/11/2017 6:12 AM

Posted By sarahthegemini on 9/11/2017 6:04 AM

They’ll let you know if they don’t like what you’re doing, bunnies aren’t very subtle at showing their displeasure 

Panda certainly isn’t! I call her my little diva because she expresses her opinion of things going on in no uncertain terms – she gives me the cold shoulder if I’m even a little bit too importunate in wanting to pet her.  She hasn’t actually thumped at me yet, but I think it’s just a matter of time.

Once she starts thumping, they’ll be no stopping her  Peanut has developed quite the sassy attitude, he thumps quite often now especially when I say it’s lunch/dinner time – can’t work out if it’s excitement or if he’s trying to say hurry up 

Btw it is very good that they are allowing you to pet them. Peanut took months but he’s a love bug now…when he’s not giving me attitude 

It’s as well I haven’t essayed picking her up then because she really doesn’t like that. I did pick her up and hold her for about five minutes the day before they came to live with me, and by some miracle she didn’t start thumping when she was set down again. I’ve only had to pick up Fernando once since they moved in, and that was, oh, last week or week before last when he did one of his jailbreaks and I had to get him back into the X-pen. He might have thumped then, but I probably missed it. Good thing he’s so good-humored! He’s definitely the adventurous one of the pair; Panda hasn’t tried any escapes…yet.

Honestly, though, it’s Panda’s grande dame, sometimes imperious, sometimes moody attitude that’s one of her big attractions. I love the salt and pepper in her personality makeup as a contrast with Fernando’s sweet, happy-go-lucky attitude toward life. It keeps living with them interesting, I tell you that much. I’m planning to start on clicker training them soon and we’ll see how that all goes.

Oh, by the way; Fernando’s ears always go flat when I pet him on the forehead. I doubt he’s scared; he hops away afterward but comes back quickly. I’ve taken to letting him climb around on me from heels to neck while I’m lying on my stomach; he seems to quite enjoy that so I give him the chance to do so every evening during their X-pen time. I think this helps build his confidence in me.

[Bam]

Both Bam and Yohio likes/liked getting pet on their ears.

[DanaNM]

Bertha loooooves her ears petted, but Moose not so much!

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[~lupa~]

I see what you mean! When I pet Toby(previously Eeyore) she’ll lay her ears back if I pet over them and bunch up, but when I pet behind them, shell keep them up and relax a bit

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