is he happy.... or scared?

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BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

This topic has 11sd replies, 9 voices, and was last updated 16 years ago by Sage Cat.

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- 11/21/2008 at 6:46 PM
  Anna Demas
  Participant
  22 posts
  Whenever I pet Marshmallow he lays very flat and still. Once I have stopped petting him, he stays that way for a few second before carrying on with whatever he was doing before I was petting him. I will try sometimes as I pet him to give him a treat, and he ignores it. However, once I have stopped petting him, he waits a few seconds and then eats the treat. I only really pet his head and around his ears. Is he happy that I am petting him, or is he scared? I can’t really tell. I have read that bunnies are supposed to really enjoy having their heads scratched, but I can’t tell if Marshmallow is.
  
  Thanks!
- 11/21/2008 at 7:12 PM
  BunMumTiff
  Participant
  241 posts
  Harley is the exact same way, I think Harley is letting me know I am top bunny but also that he is nervous. I still pet him though he hasn’t been out in awhile as he fights me so much I cantw ait to be able to build his new cage and move him down stairs after the surgery”_
- 11/21/2008 at 8:22 PM
  jerseygirl
  Moderator
  22345 posts
  If he’s laying flat, I would say he’s happy! If he was really scared, he’d be in a position where it was easy to escape. Maybe he can’t decide which is better; eating the treat or continuing to be pet!
- 11/22/2008 at 1:10 AM
  Cassi&Charlie
  Participant
  1260 posts
  Is Marshmellow lying with his kneck stretch out or has he made himself as small as possible? If he’s lying flat into the floor, as Jerseygirl says, he’s prob one happy bunny but if his making himself really bunched up then he’s prob nervous.
  
  I bet he’s really happy and doesn’t move because he’s hoping you will continue patting him! Most bunnies loove having their head and ears scratched so you’re doing the right thing
- 11/22/2008 at 1:44 AM
  (dig)x(me)x(now)
  Participant
  2517 posts
  When he’s lying still is it like he’s bowing to you? My bun freezes in the “pet my head” position a lot. It’s a good thing.
  
  A lot like this: Body rounded, chin flat on the ground.
  
  1112244692371.jpg
  1112244715854.jpg
- 11/22/2008 at 5:31 AM
  Beka27
  Participant
  16016 posts
  My mini rex melts into a “bunny puddle”, she actually looks like a little rectangle of fur, all spread out. this is a very good and happy position. if he were uncomfortable or scared he would be bunched up in more of a bowling ball shape, very tense. the chin on the floor is a request for grooming, so when he stays like that for a few seconds afterwards, it’s like he’s asking, “wait, is that it? don’t stop!” i do believe that for many buns, the head pet is more enjoyable than the treat.
- 11/22/2008 at 5:36 AM
  Anna Demas
  Participant
  22 posts
  He kinda sits like Frankie is in that picture, but his chin doesn’t touch the ground and his body isn’t so relaxed. He doesn’t half close his eyes, and his body still feels tense.
- 11/22/2008 at 5:39 AM
  Beka27
  Participant
  16016 posts
  well, in that case it’s a little more iffy. does he have a way to escape if he wants or is he backed against a corner or wall and can’t move backwards. does he come up to you and you pet him, or do you go to him? i usually only pet my buns when they come up to me, that way it’s their choice.
- 11/22/2008 at 7:04 AM
  Anna Demas
  Participant
  22 posts
  He can always get away, he isn’t backed into a corner or anything, and I usually pet him when he comes over to me. I don’t want to keep petting him, if the whole time he is wishing for me to stop!
- 11/22/2008 at 8:33 AM
  Balefulregards
  Participant
  715 posts
  How long have you had Marshmallow?
  
  I ask because it certainly took Coco awhile to get into the Fully relaxed position. She clearly loved the rubs, but would remain kind of flighty. I liked to think of it as “Boy I really love this, but I haven’t quite decided if I can trust you entirely yet, so I am going to remain here…but I can flee if needed”
  
  Now, after Eight months ( and being spayed) she gets that dreamy bunny puddle look. If I stop rubbing – she will maintain that position for a few seconds, then give me the nose bump to tell me to get a-movin’ again.
- 11/22/2008 at 6:18 PM
  Kokaneeandkahlua
  Participant
  12067 posts
  I think he’s enjoying it but being cautious…My two cents!
- 11/25/2008 at 2:24 PM
  Sage Cat
  Participant
  1883 posts
  Kay was just like Baleful’s description of Coco. It took a while for her to get really comfy when I was petting her.
  
  Kay also has favorite petting spots – not on her but, places in the room. If I will come in the room, she runs to one of her spots and assumes “the position” – I had better go over and give her pets!
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