Antisocial Holland lop!

[Megan]

Never in my life have I met such a scared and antisocial Holland lop. All my Holland’s were so sweet and social.
My story is I bought this 1 year old otter Holland lop from a lady that said he was super sweet and partially litter trained. Also unaltered! So since April 24th 2017 we have had him. He was a caged bunny before now I try to let him be free-range but he never leaves his area, seriously will hop out and back in! But I kiss at him to say come here and try to love on him but he hates being held and freezes when I come down to his level and slowly pet him. He doesn’t want to be touched at all or come to you at all. He barely comes to us when we have food. I just don’t know what to do he just doesn’t act like the pet I imagined a free ranged one would. I’m rescuing my little cousins rabbit, she is a 1 year old girl and super sweet but my aunt and cousin has zero clue about rabbits. I’ve been begging to take her because they never interact with her and she’s so neglected. I hate the common. Misconception that a rabbit is like a little rodent and dies in 2 years and only needs food water and it’s bedding changed here and there. An animal/ pet needs love. So they finally agreed it’s time. But I’m worried about mister antisocial. He is scheduled for neuter in a week. Which in my area is expensive and rare. But I understand bonding rabbits can be intense. Also I don’t want this sweet girl to act like him because if she decides to follow him. I dunno what does everyone think about him and how his behavior is?

[DanaNM]

Hi there,

In many cases, a shy rabbit will become more outgoing when they are bonded with a more confident rabbit.

What have you been doing to bond with him, and what is his living area like? Could there be a sound or smell in your home that is scaring him? Maybe a dog or a cat that he is afraid of?

Since you have already had rabbits, you might already know this stuff, but here are some tips that should help you earn his trust.

-First of all, stop picking him up unless it is absolutely necessary (like for a nail trim or other medical reason)! Never do this just to spend time with him.
Rabbits, as a rule, do not like being picked up, even the ones that tolerate it well. They are “prey” by nature, so anytime they get picked up, they are afraid for their lives.

-be sure that your bun can come out of it’s cage/hutch/pen/condo on it’s own. The pen/condo/hutch should be your bun’s “safe space”. If your bun’s home is elevated, you can use a ramp or steps to allow it to come and go as it pleases.

-Make sure he has lots of hide-y boxes in the play area, so he feels comfortable exploring. It might help the make the area smaller at first so he feels more secure.

– Once your bun decides to come out to explore, play “hard to get”. ignore them. Lay on the ground while he is out, read a book, etc. If he comes up to you, don’t try to pet him. Be patient and calm around your bunny. Respect if they want to be left alone. “floor time” is seriously one of the best things you can do.

– Hand feeding! You should feed at least some of his veggies and pellets by hand. You could do this with just the first few leaves of veggies of the day, or a few pellets when you give them. Fragrant herbs (cilantro, basil, mint, fennel) are all good at enticing shy buns. You mentioned he barely comes to you when you have food. This could be due to the amount. If you are feeding a lot of pellets, try feeding fewer pellets, and spreading them out over two meals. Talk to him calmly when you feed him so he associates your voice with good things.

– When he has become comfortable enough with you that he will lay down or relax near you on the ground, you can “ask” him if you can pet him, by placing your hand on the ground in front of him, so your pinky is on the ground and the back of your hand is facing him. If he puts his head down, he wants you to pet his head! If he doesn’t, then don’t force it. Stick to petting only the head and ears until he gets really relaxed with you. The back and bum are very personal and sensitive areas for rabbits.

It’s also worth paying attention to whether there is a trigger to fearful behavior. Perhaps you were spending time with a dog? Or a scary noise in the distance that you cannot hear?

Lastly, don’t give up! I’ve heard stories of members here that found their bunny all of the sudden bonded to them after 6 months or a year, so keep at it!

. . . 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.  

[Wick & Fable]

While there are typical, broad generalizations about rabbit breeds, at the end of the day, each rabbit is drastic different from another. Bonding with another rabbit can change how a rabbit interacts with you, but both rabbits’ entire personalities won’t really change too drastically. If they do and it’s a result of a successful, loving bond, then they will both grow comfortably into the personalities meant for them— while there’s a chance it may not match what you like, that’s part of the gambit.

While there are numerous stories and experiences of rabbits who LOVE cuddling, grooming, etc.., in actuality, people should go in with the default view that their rabbit doesn’t want a lot of human interaction, as rabbits are prey animals— they are afraid. Constantly. On guard. Something larger than them? A danger. This holland is clearly more reserved due to potentially circumstances, but it could largely be inherent to just him as well.

Keep in mind that for some owners, a rabbit won’t open up for years. That being said, if you feel you don’t have the self-control to wait or respect a reserved-rabbits boundaries, it’d be best for both of you to part ways appropriately.

It can be a disappointing sentiment to internalize, but not all rabbits are social to humans.

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.

[Megan]

I’ve done everything that you have said. I’ve picked him up a couple of times when I shouldn’t have so I’ll just stop that. I wish I could send you guys some pictures and a video. He is very different from what I’m used to. He doesn’t really have a cage it’s the cube grids I put together on the tile floor with a little kid wooden table over it for comfort and completely open door for him to go out. I want him to explore and come out. I never shut it. But he still stays in. I made some toys for him but he doesn’t like to play with them its a braided paper bag ring and a baby toy that is a heart shape rattle. He likes scratching the tile floor and moving his food bowls everywhere throughout the day and sometimes night.
I need a scratch pad and maybe so.e different toys for him. But he is a very meh… Scared bunny! I don’t want to get rid of him but I need help and advise on getting him to loosing up and live a little

[Wick & Fable]

It seems it will just take some time for him to open up. Continue to be positively associated to him with food and treats and general presence.

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.

[sarahthegemini]

Posted By Megan on 10/12/2017 7:57 PM
I’ve done everything that you have said. I’ve picked him up a couple of times when I shouldn’t have so I’ll just stop that. I wish I could send you guys some pictures and a video. He is very different from what I’m used to. He doesn’t really have a cage it’s the cube grids I put together on the tile floor with a little kid wooden table over it for comfort and completely open door for him to go out. I want him to explore and come out. I never shut it. But he still stays in. I made some toys for him but he doesn’t like to play with them its a braided paper bag ring and a baby toy that is a heart shape rattle. He likes scratching the tile floor and moving his food bowls everywhere throughout the day and sometimes night.
I need a scratch pad and maybe so.e different toys for him. But he is a very meh… Scared bunny! I don’t want to get rid of him but I need help and advise on getting him to loosing up and live a little

Listen to Dana and Wick’s advice. You don’t need to get rid of your rabbit just because be isn’t comfortable around you yet..

[Bam]

I do agree with Sarah, Dana and Wick have given you great advice. What you need now is lots of patience. Buns aren’t like dogs, dogs have it in their genes to seek out humans. Rabbits have it in their genes to be very suspicious of predators, and we are, after all, predators for all bunnies know.

My first bunny Bam needed a whole year until he started to “live a little”. He was very shy, he just sat under the coffee table, and much like you bunny, the only real “activity” he engaged in was digging at his rag rugs. But that changed when he finally decided he was safe. Rabbits can be slow learners when it comes to trusting humans.

[sarahthegemini]

It’s so sad to think you’d consider ‘getting rid’ He’s a prey species. He needs time. If you’re not prepared to give him time, that’s really sad.

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