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The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet.  It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

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Forum BEHAVIOR Suddenly stroppy 6 month old dwarf female (Spayed), advice needed

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    • mr.wriggley
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        Hello all, first post.

        Forgive me if this seems like an essay but I’d rather give all info than omit simple stuff.

        Me and my girlfriend adopted 2 rescue bunnies in mid December, Prof Ears a 9 month old full size male ex-house rabbit and Lola a 4 month old lop crossed netherland dwarf who was born in the centre.

        Ears had been neutered months ago and Lola had been spayed approx 7 days before we picked her up, during which time she had been successfully paired with Ears.

        Initially they were homed outside in a big hutch (6ftx2ft with a 6ftx6ft run attached) but after a few weeks we decided we would spend more time with them and have them as house rabbits.

        After we had them fully litter trained in the lounge they were then allowed free run of the dining room and lounge (After some bunny proofing).

        Ears is the dominant one and is very affectionate and friendly, after the first few weeks he stopped mounting her and he rarely does it, infact he is a gent. Lola is a lot more shy and timid, we kept loud noises and fast movements down to a minimum and used our “sweet talk” voice. They fully settled in and although shy at first Lola was making progress, trust was gained as we hand feed them their food each day and frequently lie on the floor so they can hop on and sniff us as they please, she can be aloof and will merrily sit in the corner minding her own business or will come up to either of us for attention depending on her mood.

        After picking her up (clipping nails and we handle them for about 1 minute each day and them give them a little treat to build trust) she was very friendly, she might scamper a couple of paces after being put down but would come back and enjoy being petted for 20 minutes after shes munched her treat.

        However… in the last couple of days every time a make a motion to move in the room while she is in eye shot of me (not even to give her attention in most cases, just to fidget, turn a light on etc) she thumps and runs away such as behind the couch.

        If I have food or she is eating she is fine to let me give her attention, if I pick her up she has her treat and sticks around for a bit of attention still for 20 minutes but after that she reverts to her stroppy self. With the GF she’s fine and I have tried all sorts to remedy it, washing and using deo etc as normal, washing and not using deo, not washing in the morning (yuck I know but only while in the house) in case she doesn’t like a difference in smell, there have been no changes with them, us or the house so I am sceptical on environmental triggers.

        We both do the same things with them (feeding, petting, clipping etc) so I don’t think it’s something I’m doing otherwise the GF would be getting the same treatment, this behaviour has just started out of the blue and the only things I can think of is shes started bunny puberty as she’ll be about 6 months (I heard even sorted bunnies are affected by their first spring and puberty to some degree) and I’m a bloke + “head bunny”. 

        Any help on what and why she’s doing this and what we can do would be greatly appreciated as I’m a bit perplexed and getting fed up of being thumped at every time I move.


      • Monkeybun
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          Sometimes, bunnies prefer a specific person to another… my little Monkey bun, for example, likes to growl at my husband, but likes me just fine. They have their own little quirks, just like other animals and humans.

          Although, with you being a guy, you may just be bigger and scarier, so without a food incentive, she may get a little more scared when you are around. try getting down of the floor as soon as you go into the play area, you may seem less threatening then


        • LittlePuffyTail
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            I agree with Monkey Bun. She could have had a bad experience with a male handler. It will take time to earn her trust. 2 Months is very early in your relationship. My female bunny took well over a year to learn to trust and let me cuddle her. Some bunnies are also just more high-stress than others.

            It sounds like you are doing everything right. Just stay at her level and ignore her, that is often the best way to get a bun to come over to you. Sit on the floor and watch tv and eventually, she will become curious. Building a bond with a bunny requires patience, especially if it’s a bunny who has been mistreated/neglected in the past.


          • jerseygirl
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              Firstly, I just want to say I love the word stroppy to describe a rabbit. Lol!

              I agree, I think she’ll come around again. Just sticking to the normal routine will help her overcome whatever had upset her.

              Have you had any visitors in last few days that is similar build to you? Even if someone past by the window. I know my pair will sometimes startle when I pass the window at certain times.


            • Deleted User
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                I agree with the others. You just need to spend more time with your bun and build that bond. I’ve had my bun since she was about 7-8 weeks old. It took me a little over half of a year for her to become really comfortable with me enough to have cuddle time and to allow me to pick her up.

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            Forum BEHAVIOR Suddenly stroppy 6 month old dwarf female (Spayed), advice needed