Digging and nudging rabbit doesn’t want me to pet her

[rabbitluver]

I have 2 rabbits. One is pretty outgoing and social, pretty comfortable around people. The other is super shy and quite skittish and has gotten a bit better over time. Both hate being petted it seems. The outgoing one is still very affectionate and would often jump up on the couch with us and gives us tons of licks and kisses.

However, there were a few times when we were sitting on the floor and they would come over, and dig at us or nudge us quite a bit. We took it that they want our attention but the moment I move my hand over to try and pet them, they run away. I’m so confused… it’s like they want to check us out and get our attention, but doesn’t want our attention at the same time -_-

What do I do?

[Adam]

I’m in the same boat. No licking though, that must be cute. One of my buns is just so independent and distrustful that it hurts me emotionally to deal with. He also tends to be worse behaved in a few areas, and there’s no setting him straight because he won’t let me show him what I disapprove of. Very frustrating.

I think you will find that this is how a lot of rabbits are, and there’s little to be done about it. I’m hoping as mine get older they start to trust and appreciate me. It could be a long wait.

[Frankie and Cash]

My rex (Cash) is very much a love-bun and wants attention all the time. But when he digs or nips at us or the blankets/clothes laying on the bed, it seems to mean he wants something else, like food/treats/fresh hay

[Philomena]

Philomena usually does this if she wants me to move.

[Clover&Fluff]

Try acting like a bun too. Get down on the floor let them touch noses with you maybe have a little scratch too. If they lunge at you turn your back on them and look back over your shoulder that says you don’t approve and if you want my attention give me love. Nudging can mean , hello or move your ass. Move your ass is normally followed by a nip. Scratching is saying “I live here”. A couple of visits from your bun in a short space of time normally means I need something. Buns never go past one another without saying hello so every time you see your bun try to make contact, touch noses maybe let them sniff you. All this helps you become part of the bunny pack. Licking means I like you and your part of the pack.

[Clover&Fluff]

Hand touching is not natural for buns. Sounds like thay just want you there with them hanging out doing bunny stuff. Petting is for us figure out grooming time and join in then.

[Author]

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