Mean & Skitish

[abbi & george]

HELP!!! My George is 7 months old and he was neutered at a young age of 2 months… Ever since he was neutered he has been very skitish and mean… Does anyone know how I can bond with him again? He has bonded with his sister Abbi and she is not mean at all just a little skitish every now and then. I really want him to be comfortable and HAPPY… anyone have any ideas?

[lashkay]

I assume he has some free exercise time? Have you tried sitting or lying on the floor in his presence and letting him approach you. You might want to have some treats to offer him when he does. Don’t feel bad if he doesn’t approach you right away, it takes time. Bunnies are inquisitive and curious, he will come up to you in time to sniff you. Take it slow and rebuild the trust that was there before. You might also want to take him in for a checkup. When bunnies become mean or aggressive, often something is bothering them – anything from a poorly healing incision to a tooth problem to a urinary infection or other reason.
hope this helps. Welcome! Be sure and post pictures of your bunnies.

[LoveChaCha]

Rabbits don’t have the ability to be mean. You will have to try new approaches with him

Do you put his hand in his cage at all? Some rabbits dislike having human’s hands in their cage.

Rabbits’ trust takes a long time. I would just relax around him, read a book or take a nap. He may approach you – rabbits are indeed very curious creatures.

[Beka27]

Rabbits that are aggressive seem to do better in a larger space. If you are using a traditional petstore cage like the one in your profile pic, I’d recommend moving him up to an xpen or NIC condo. Is he bonded with his sister and living in the same habitat?

[abbi & george]

Hey guys thank you for all the awesome coments… Abbi & George are brother and sister and have been together since they were born… They live in there hutch which is the large WARE hutch (46.5″L x 24″W x 34.5″H) They are out of there hutch from 4pm to 8pm Mon-Fri. and all day on the weekends… the have free rain of the house.. I assume they have bonded because they dont go anywhere with out eachother… Abbi tends to be the leader of the two.. She is very friendly and will let us hold her.. George is more skitish and he will let me hold him once in a while but he kicks until I snuggle him close then he will snuggle for a min or so then he is done.. He has biten me a couple of times but I figured I had pushed my limit with him… I think I just see other peoples rabbits being lovey and it makes me think I’m doing something wrong… I will just have to give it time… Thank you again everyone for all your help…. if you have any more advice that would be AWESOME!!!! I’m open to all ideas.. I want them to be Happy & Healthy Bunnies!!!

[LoveChaCha]

It sounds like the reason why he is so skittish is because of being held, even against his own will. A lot of rabbits do not like being held. I do it when nails need to be trimmed/fur needs grooming. I know they are cute, but rabbits prefer having their 4 paws on the ground.

If he kicks, it isn’t a good thing. A rabbit can break its back from struggling I wouldn’t suggest trying to snuggle him.

My rabbit dislikes being held. She doesn’t move if I walk right past her, and prefers that I pet her while shes on the floor and on her own time.

[Sarita]

It sounds like George is a normal rabbit. Trust me, most rabbits are lovey dovey really – rabbits must learn to trust and some rabbits that comes easy and some rabbits you must earn their trust. Sometimes even when a rabbit trusts you and knows what to expect doesn’t mean they are going to allow you to cuddle with them though. My rabbits know their routine and know what to expect, but most just plain hate for me to touch them – put down the food or treats and just leave me alone and enjoy watching me – that’s what makes them trust me.

I also suggest trying to get down to his level and let him come to you rather than trying to snuggle with him or hold him.

[Stickerbunny]

Most the time rabbits bite out of fear, if he’s struggling it means he’s afraid of being held – that could translate into fear of you picking him up making him aggressive. Let him stay on ground level unless you NEED to pick him up, for trims or grooming or to get him in a carrier etc. Just lay in the floor with him and be still and let him explore you, if he comes to you for pets slowly extend your hand and try to pet him gently on the nose or head. He’s also young, so more likely to be less cuddly than an older bun – the older they get generally the calmer they get. And not all rabbits like to be interacted with the same. My young female likes to be pet when she feels like it and if she doesn’t, leave her alone or you’ll get a thump and she’ll run. It’s just the way she is.

[TriBun]

I am a big believer that no bunny LIKES to be held. There are the bunnies that TOLERATE being held and the ones that don’t. My lop, Kevin, will let us pick him up, no problems, but you can tell he’s just biding his time till he gets put back down. On the other hand, my Rosy is the friendliest cuddliest little thing, she even lays on my lap, but if I even attempt to pick her up she’s all teeth and nails.

My suggestion: don’t pick him up unless you have to. I would spend a lot of time on the floor with him. If Abbi is friendly then you should pet him while you pet her (on the ground). He will sense her “awww” vibes and relax too.

[Author]

Messages