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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.
- This topic has 9sd replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 17 years ago by
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Hi, I’m Martha (Martie) and I have adopted a little lion head male neutered bun from a family whose kids lost interest in him. They used to hold him alot then lost interest so he was ignored for a couple of months before I took him in.
I looked through the behavior topics and didn’t see this topic.
My bun when he’s in my lap digs furiously if I hold him vertical, if he’s horizontal in my lap he’s calm. He seems to enjoy being held on his back and stroked.
I have figured out via the link about bunny language that he does NOT like to be taken from his cage so since then I’ve not forced him or held him. I will allow more bonding time, since I’ve only had him about 12 days. I’m thinking the digging and nipping at my clothes was an angry thing? I did construct a cool digging box with hay in it for when he’s out of his cage for his excersise. I know he’s happy here because he binky’s all the time when he’s out of his cage, so cute.
I really enjoyed the bunny language link someone posted in a thread here, it’s great reading, and very helpful! I’ve also enjoyed the pictures here of everyone’s bunnys and all the useful tips and reading.
I look forward to getting to know all you bunny lovers better!
Thanks,
Martie and MoSimba (Mo for Mohawk cause he has one
and Simba was his original name) -
Hello & Welcome to Binky bunny!
It is so nice of you to have rescued a bunny from being ignored – they are such social animals that he must have been sad there. I have noticed that my bunnies also dig at me, and it is for 2 different reasons. One is when they don’t want to be held, and they are digging as a way to get away. The second reason is when I stop petting their head for a minute and they want me to start petting again! Then they will dig and nip at me until I start giving them some more head pets. Your bun is probably just a bit uncomfortable at being held vertical because he doesn’t feel like he’s secure with all his feet on a sturdy surface, but when he is horizontal he probably feels more “secure” that he is not going to fall.
I’m looking forward to seeing some pics of Mo
and I’m so happy for him that he has found a great home! -
Hey Martie, MoSimba is a very cute name variation… love it! Do you have any pics to share? Sounds like he’s lovin his new place with all those binkys. Awww.
I’m sure others here with more experience will have more behaviour insight for you, but I thought I’d share this… my bun Baby (lop) digs and/or nips whenever I hold her against me, in my lap or try to ‘put’ her anywhere not in her rabbitat. She’s a real stinker! Once I put her on my bed hoping we could snuggle while I watched a show. After she chewed 2 holes in my duvet I decided to put her back in her room. Gees!
When I pick her up for a mandatory cuddle I have to hold her back against me with one hand under her front paws and the other under her tush. If I hold her so her tummy is against me she will: a) try to chew holes in my shirt or b) wriggle furiously to try to climb over my shoulder in which case I’d have to decide if I can hold her tight enough without harming her, or if I’ll have to drop down on all fours so she can jump down from a safe distance.
I’ve chalked all of this upto her own personal ‘rabbitude’. She does like her cuddles, but only on her terms. Those terms are: I must approach her on all fours (so she knows I’m not going to scoop her up… she’s less likely to run away), then I must stroke her fore head. If she doesn’t run away then I can pet her and she’ll love it… she’ll even lean into my arm. So cute. Obviously she is The Queen of the house!
I loved reading that bunny language article too
Cheers!
Christine
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Welcome Martie! I am so happy you and Mosimba found each other! Binkies are just the cutest thing ever!
When my bunny digs on me, it’s because she doesn’t like something I’m doing or not doing…I’ve found the vertical hold like you are describing is best only to move them from one place to another (ie. from their bedroom to the living room to watch T.V.) and they like to be horizontal. Every rabbit is different and I’m sure you’ll find what Mosimba likes best! It’s good that she seems to like cuddles and being held otherwise!
We would love to see pics when you get up to it!
Lesley -
Thanks everyone with your warm welcomes and bunny comparison stories!!
I had to scoot out to work right after I posted. It sounds like MoSimba’s actions are to get rubs and pets because when I do that he does stop..I’m glad to know he’s not just ticked off at me..sounds like y’alls buns do that too. Whew!I was at a Petco store the other day, and you know they have rabbits there
but anyway, they are covered and I stuck my finger in the hole and a bunny sniffed me. I guess he was mad that I didn’t have a treat because he immediately flipped me off! lol! Just like I read on the rabbit language site, I said to myself "why I never, the nerve!" 
I thought it was so cool though that I knew what he was saying to me.This is a very nice forum, I do have a couple pics, one from his previous owner when he was younger and one of mine. He’s molting now and changing more from tan to grey. I think I can figure out how to load up a picture since this forum is similar to the MSN communities forum. Let’s see if this works.
And thanks again!! I appreciate all the imput! ok I figured out how to do the pics, it’s different than MSN and if they are too big, I’d love someone to tell me so I can shrink future ones.
Here he is young with their cat, thus the Mohawk added to Simba. His eyes are brown not pink.
and here when I was holding him…
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Welcome Martie!
You’ve got some great tips, advice and done some great research yourself and thank you for choosing to save a life and adopt! MoSimba is a very cute name and very unique! Somebunny’s as you can see when they do something, even though it is the same thing, the meaning can vary depending on personality. Your guy sounds like a sweet little furball and what a lucky one at that!
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