Suddenly scared and anti social!

[Erica]

Hey all!
This is my first post here and first time having rabbits as pets. I’ve had my 2 for a month now (adopted from a shelter) and they have become so anti social! For a while I thought we were making strides with them grooming us, coming up to us and all that fun stuff. Since Sunday it’s almost been a personality change! I have an American fuzzy lop and a short haired rabbit. Now they run from us (sometimes they don’t) and you can see in their eyes they look absolutely terrified! I just don’t know what to do to get them feeling safe and more social. They are eating normal, using the bathroom normal and have plenty of toys. I’m also working on a couple cardboard boxes for them too. I’m not sure what happened to them in their other home. They were raised around kids and dogs. Do you think they were traumatized somehow? If so why the sudden change? They went from being somewhat comfortable to scared of their own shadow! I feel sad and any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[Dwarf Sparrow]

Has anything in their environment changed? Has the routine changed? Is it possible your scent (or that of your home) is different somehow?

I would suggest sitting or laying in their pen/enclosure with them (if they have one), or while they are out exercising, and just letting them come up to you. At least for a while in the beginning, don’t even try to pet them if they approach you or groom you. Maybe hold treats for them to encourage them to come investigate, and to help them associate you (again?) with positive things.

If you’ve had them for a month, they might still be settling in a little, especially if they were in traumatic/unstable living conditions before you adopted them.
Poor scared buns (((happy, calm vibes)))

[Erica]

 Thanks for responding  They are about 1 year old so they may be going through the teenage thing? My scent hasn’t changed (at least I don’t think) the previous owners surrendered them because of allergies so not sure how everyday life was there. They run when we come by they used to come up to us and check us out for a while but now they really don’t. Could they be having a mood swing? They don’t seem I’m pain, they eat and poo fine. This is so confusing but like you said they could still be settling inn thanks for your help!

[jerseygirl]

It does sound like something more recently has spooked them.
I know sometimes mine will spook when something passes the window that they’re not used to. Also, one spooks easily when I carry a big, dark hay bag into the room.

It can be as simple as a piece of furniture moved to upset some. Or visitors to the home they’re not used to.

[Erica]

Thanks! Yeah it could’ve been that. They seem kinda back go normal but I have to spend time with them better too. They may be upset about that as well 🙁 ill keep a watch on them their appetite is healthy as ever thankfully!

[Author]

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