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!
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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.