My Buns dont trust me

[Kooky]

After having to tell my buns off each time they fought and use the hoover/shake the carrier when trying to bond, my buns have started run away from me and dont seem to want anything to do with me. I dont want to chase after them but its heartbreaking when i try to spend time with them now and they just seem to run away and not want to be petted. I dunno how to gain their trust back 

[Shannon]

I use food. particularly fresh fruit and veggies. You an only have it if you are willing to sit next to me and eat it. We do this with pellets occasionally too (although are bun us more of a grazer and so it can be more difficult).

[Bam]

Food is a good way. It’s inconvenient when an animal links an unpleasantness with the owner, but it’s sometimes very hard to avoid in situations like those you describe. So now you need to once again make them link you to nice things like food and head-rubs. You shouldn’t chase after them of course, you’ll have to wait for them to come to you (for a slice of banana f ex).
Has the bonding been successful?

[vanessa]

While I was snagging up my buns to put them int he bonding cube every day – Lancelot struggled when I picked him up, and Guin hid from me. They associated my handling them with being out in that uncomfortable spot of being with eachother. Now that their bonding is going more smoothly and they get along better, I don’t have to pick them up every day. I do handle them still, to move them from this are to that – mainly for litter box cleaning. So now they know that if I pick them up, it’s to give them a fresh litter box – which they appreciate. So during the bonding period, they are more likely to hide from you because of the unpleasantness of the necessities. Bear with it – once the bonding goes more smoothly, the negative association will disappear, and things will get back to normal. Replacing the negative association with food/fresh litter box (like bam suggests), will bring it back to normal.

[Kooky]

unfortunately i have had to stop with the bonding efforts for the time being. The girls are not improving whatsoever and i want to let them heal from their wounds. Biscuit is actually quite chill, but Rolo will still try to get Biscuit through the cage, and even when she is out the cage she still tries to get Biscuit. Archie has become quite protective of Biscuit and will chase Rolo every time she goes near her. So Archie and Biscuit will remain a pair and Rolo will be a single bunny for the time being. They share the same space but the girls cant be together. Ill work on gaining their trust back atm as well. Archie is fine he still loves his cuddles but i cant even touch Biscuit right now. Rolo is slightly better but i cant cuddle her like i used to. Ill try the veggies tonight again with them. 

[Vienna Blue in France]

Zouzou went off me for a while after a traumatic picking up session….. anyhow, though i can’t pick her up for cuddle anymore she absolutely runs up to me on a ‘command’ word and gets food each time she does. It will take a lot of patience and time. I sat down on the floor and read my book (so i wasn’t wasting my time!!) and nonchalantly, without looking or touching her, would offer her treats making soothing sounds. First she would stretch her neck out so far to get the treat without actually surrending her front paws…. then one front paw, then both, then one back leg, then one paw onto my lap and so on. Let Biscuit come up and discover you again without you acknowledging her (if she’s going to run away).
It will take time, but so rewarding. Good luck !

[Kooky]

yeah ill try that, they used to love cuddles and biscuit would give me kisses on the face (hence the profile pic xD) but yeah i have treats galore so ill try again with them tonight. thanks for the advice Ill give it a few months before i even attempt bonding again. Both girls need to get over the fact that they fought and hopefully a break will help them forget. I’ll have to half my room tonight, so all 3 rabbits have plenty of space to hop about.

[Kooky]

well feeding went ok. The girl stayed away and Archie ate out the bowl. Archie wasn’t too happy[y about Rolo eating with them and got a bit grunty when she went near Biscuit. but it seemed ok. So i thought hey maybe they are getting over their issues.Then i when i came back into the room i spooked Archie (he is very scatty) which spooked Biscuit and then Rolo started chasing her and pulling fur. So it didn’t go that well lol. This last month has just been getting worse and worse for my buns >.<

[Mr. Bun-bun]

Have you tried maybe just the girls without Archie for the time being? It seems Biscuit is taking her cue from him. Also are they spayed and neutered?

[Mr. Bun-bun]

Have you tried maybe just the girls without Archie for the time being? It seems Biscuit is taking her cue from him. Also are they spayed and neutered?

[vanessa]

In my experience, it takes a few weeks at least. Sometimes months. Sad, but don’t give up, and don’t feel too disheartened.

[Kooky]

Yes i have tried bonding the girls without Archie and Rolo fights with Biscuit still, and yes they are all fixed. Rolo and Archie is ok, and Biscuit are Archie is even better. but the two girls together fight and all 3 fight when together. yet they all snuggle together through the bars fine xD. Altho Rolo does come up to me when she is in the cage as she knows when i pick her up its usually for her exercise time, so that’s something. Biscuit is really the one that trusts me the least.

Ill have to be content with Archie getting cuddles for the time being while i work on getting trust back from the girls. Thanks for the advice guys, ill be buying some super tasty apples and bananas tomorrow to try with them.

[vanessa]

Wishing you all the best 🙂

[Author]

Messages