Does my bunny like me?

[marihamm]

I’ve had Domino (male Mini Rex – not neutered) for a couple of months now and it still seems like he’s not bonding with me. He doesn’t like to be picked up, he will literally do anything to get away including clawing and jumping out of my hands and landing on something! He’s also just very skid-ish in general. I don’t know if it could have something to do with his past (which I’m not aware of) or I suspect he could be blind or have cataracts which could this also be the reason? I try to bond including letting him run and play when I’m home, giving him treats, letting him, etc….I just want him to love me and I’m afraid he doesn’t? how can I bond with my bunny? (Note, I am a college student so he can really only be out and running in the mornings and evenings)

[sarahthegemini]

Bunnies don’t like being picked up. It terrifies them. It’s also incredibly dangerous to pick up a bunny that will try and get away because they can break their limbs scrambling to get away. Stop picking him up.

He’s probably scared of you. If you stop picking him up, he will realise in time that you aren’t going to grab him and he can start to feel comfortable around you.

[joea64]

Instead of picking your bun up, get down on the floor with him and engage him at his own level. Sit or lie quietly and do something – read, listen to music, watch TV – and let the bunny come to you on his own. His curiosity will quickly get the better of him and he’ll start investigating you. When he feels comfortable enough to let you pet him, he’ll let you know by requesting grooming – he’ll come up to you and nudge you with his nose, then lower his body with his head down to the ground and his ears back, not stiff but relaxed. Pet him on the top of the head from the nose back to between the ears; this is a rabbit’s favorite area to be petted. Many rabbits also enjoy gentle ear rubs/massages, but be cautious at first because he might be one who doesn’t.

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