Worried about new behaviours

[drewpea]

Hi all!!

I think I’m being paranoid because I’m so desperate for lovely cuddly buns, but lately Strawberry has just really worried me. Strawbs and his brother, Fi (Fiver) are free roamed entirely in our flat. They have a home base with litter and hay of course but they don’t spend too much time their, they enjoy sleeping in front of the TV, or hiding under the sofa or the long bedroom curtains!

Strawberry and Fi are now around 7 months old and they were neutered around two months ago. Before this Strawberry was such a funny bun, I could hold him upside down if he needed to be wiped down and he’d let us pet him to sleep. In recent times Strawberry will run when you try to walk towards him, only approach you if you’re feeding him (he does take food from hand and mouth) and sometimes he’s even thumped us away! I’m at a real loss. We’ve started the bonding process again and we are coming along; but there’s none of that petting we are used to, no approaching us and less binkies than ever before. I do see him flop regularly enough not to be too concerned about the Bunnies- but with added behaviour it’s got me worried.

I thought bunnies got less aggressive? I understand that some attitude changes are inevitable (Fiver is more friendly than ever – always letting us stroke him once or twice before dashing off, climbing on us in bed and on the sofa and even licking our noses & giving or clothes a nip/groom) but strawberry no longer gives us a lick or the time of day really, to let us touch him. Recently we got back to the level of trust in that he may not move instantly if you go to pet him while he’s drifting off or already sleeping, but the bond between us doesn’t seem to exist and I shouldn’t worry too much because he has his brother but it’s a little heartbreaking when Strawberry was our little friendly boy less than two months ago. 9/10 strawberry sees you coming and he’s off!!

It just doesn’t add up! I know you’ve got to give bunnies time to readjust too and also rebond but I just cannot get near him and he’s not interested in us on the floor or his level either if we don’t have food; I can’t give him treats all day!

It’s a real shame and it’s got me super upset; am I being too sensitive?

[Wick & Fable]

Sounds like a distrust or association with danger has been associated with you. Rebuilding trust is key, and a big part of that is not initiating contact. Just be around him, and if he doesn’t approach you, that’s fine. You’re showing him your presence is not one that will “come at him”, which it may be seeming like since you are trying to pet him consistently as before.

Ruled out health issues already?

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.

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