Apologizing to bunny

[Gidget]

Any ideas about how to “make up” with a bunny who is avoiding me?  She’s getting penicillin injections every other day for an abscess and she has never liked being handled.  She spends a lot of time hiding and a lot of time eats only when I’m not around.  The best I’ve been able to come up with is just to sit or lie on the floor and let her approach me.

[Roberta]

Craisins, Apple, Strawberries, Mango

[Sarita]

I think what you are doing is fine. It wouldn’t hurt to offer a small treat as Roberta recommends as well after the injection.

[Gidget]

I’ve tried giving her a treat when I put her on the counter for her shot but she’s too upset to take it. She doesn’t want it afterward, either–she just wants to hide. I am working on ways to convince her that I’m not bad news every  time I come near her! Too bad I don’t know someone who would come and give her the injections, so I wouldn’t be the “bad guy”!

[Elrohwen]

It may be that she’s just not feeling well, not that she’s upset. Just let her come out on her own time.

[NewBunnyOwner123]

Also time is a good way to apologize as well. She will get over it eventually. When you’re not giving her medicine give her a tasty treat in between treatments and spend time with her. Sit by her cage and read a book or something

[RabbitPam]

For treats, I’d also recommend a banana slice, which is mushy and soft to eat. She is probably still not feeling well, so until the last of the discomfort goes away, it won’t matter that much. She won’t feel terribly happy or social until it’s better.

She will forgive you. Our bunnies behave that way until they feel better. One thing we both need to learn – our bunnies and ourselves – is that we are caring for them, even if it doesn’t feel comfortable at the time. Once your bunny heals, she will forgive you. It will make it easier the next time. Bunnies have a way of knowing when we are doing something for their own good, but they also make darn sure we know their opinion of it. I have read many reports of bunnies acting like this, only to have them visit the vet’s office with their owner and cling to Mommy like she was the only life raft in the room. They are fickle on their best day. Better to just be patient and wait her out than rely on someone else to be the bad guy.

[Gidget]

I’m glad I found this forum–you all have been very reassuring! RabbitPam, I have to laugh–the last time I had her in the vet’s office, they let her hop around the room while they went out to prepare meds, and she sniffed around a bit and then jumped into my lap. She NEVER does that at home. Any port in a storm, I guess! BTW, I left her a piece of banana last night and she left it, too. She hid behind the washing machine all night, I think. Poor girl.

[LBJ10]

I would keep trying to offer her treats in between treatments. Like the others have said, she probably doesn’t feel well. You probably won’t be able to make a formal apology until after her treatment is finished.

[Gidget]

The funny thing is that last night when I got home from work she was very sweet!  She sat next to me on the floor for a long time, for petting.  This morning she was keeping her distance–maybe she’s just not a “morning bunny”! 

[mia]

Not all buns can be bribed by treats.
When one of mine is upset, she will not eat anything and will only go sulk. All the treats in the world will be of no use and she will avoid me like the plague. I offer her nose rubs and extremely tight holds even though she doesn’t like to be held. It’s a, fight-me-as-much-as-you-want-but-I’ll-be-here-for-you type of hold, rather than a, you’re-so-cute-I-want-to-hold-you type of hold.

[Gidget]

Gidget had surgery on Friday (8/19) so now she is very grumpy.  I mostly leave her alone, and she hides when she can, but twice a day I have to give her meds (a painkiller and an antibiotic).  I grow more popular with her by the minute.  Not!  I’m just happy she’s eating.

[Gidget]

Following up: Gidget recovered from surgery and the abscess has NOT come back (knock on wood). She’s back to her entertaining self and will sit on the couch with me to be petted and to share my morning oatmeal.

[Monkeybun]

Me and Monkey bonded more after giving her eye drops years ago. She needed them every 6 hours, and hated it at first, but once she started feelign better, she started to not fight me.. and she’s been my little buddy ever since

[BlueMoods]

You might do better with her if you stopped picking her up and putting her on the counter. Leave her on the floor, get down to her level to give her the injection.

Think about what she perceives. Big predator that though has always been friendly and harmless is picking her up, which is scary at best. Said predator is putting her on a tall surface that is slippery, cold and, too high to jump off of safely, that’s scary too. Finally the needle pokes and that hurts a little, it’s worse because she is already upset and scared. She doesn’t understand it’s helping her, she just knows everything about that is bad and scary to her.

Give her the shot on the floor, then its more of a “Hey, oof what was that sting about?…Oh well not so bad and my human has a goody for me too.” Injection forgotten, humans is a friend again.

[Deleted User]

Wonderful news Gidget! Her recovery from surgery, the abscess not returning and the best part – Gidget is getting back to her self again! You must be the happiest bunny mum!
I had to laugh at myself when I read this again, cause it reminded me when I gave Henry his flea/mite treatment. I HAD to pick him up to keep him still (it’s such a small amount & very expensive) I couldn’t chance missing and wasting it, or applying it to the wrong spot, etc., and 3 weeks later Henry still doesn’t tolerate ME! My hubby can approach him anytime for anything, but me? No chance! I do think 3 weeks is a long time for him to hold a grudge, ha ha ha….. but I’m not too worried – I know he’ll get over it (one day? Lol!). What annoys me? “I” got rid of his fleas/mites – not the hubby! Gotta laugh, cause I’m over crying….. LOL! Cheers Gidget.

Edit/ADD – Sorry Gidget, I wasn’t a BBer when you first posted this forum, but I remember reading your 2nd update – so it is great to hear all seems good/better now.  

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