Bunny responding to one caregiver more than another

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BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

This topic has 6sd replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 11 years, 12 months ago by Chloe's Mamma.

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- 04/21/2014 at 5:59 PM
  Chloe's Mamma
  Participant
  5 posts
  My fiance and I just adopted a bunny named Chloe. She’s a very personable Flemish giant who was binkying and flopping a few hours after we brought her home for the first time. This is my first bunny as an adult, but I had three as a kid and other pets, too. This is his first pet ever, so I think I might have a leg up with creating a bond. I have been spending a little bit more time with her, too, and have had quite a few snuggle/petting sessions on the floor.
  
  Anyway, even though Chloe has given him nose bonks and come when he’s called, my fiance feels like the bunny doesn’t like him as much as me because she seems to startle more around him and run toward me more often. Is it normal for a rabbit to bond with one caregiver more than another? I know he loves her and wants her to love him back. What can we do to help him form a stronger bond with Chloe? Has anyone else had a situation like this?
- 04/21/2014 at 6:14 PM
  Sarita
  Participant
  18851 posts
  This is very normal. It’s not a matter of Chloe loving any one person more than another and you’ve just gotten her (it sounds like) – it can take awhile for any rabbit to earn trust.
  
  I think he just needs to give her time and realize it’s all new to her and she’s still new to you. I think that he has a desire to bond with her – he will. He just needs to continue doing what he’s doing – maybe have him feed her and clean her area – the more he does for her, the more she will probably respond to him.
- 04/21/2014 at 6:17 PM
  LongEaredLions
  Participant
  4482 posts
  Bunnies will bond the best with whoever is in their life the most, whether that be feeding, cleaning, snuggles, etc. The way to a bunny’s heart is through their stomach, so maybe your hubby could give treats or food.
- 04/22/2014 at 2:52 PM
  Chloe's Mamma
  Participant
  5 posts
  Thanks for the advice. We haven’t even had her for a week, lol, so she’s making great progress in my opinion!
- 04/22/2014 at 3:12 PM
  Monkeybun
  Participant
  10479 posts
  Ha yeah, my bunnies are split half and half, Smudge and Moose are so daddy’s buns, Monkey and Squirrel are mine lol!
- 04/22/2014 at 4:05 PM
  LittlePuffyTail
  Moderator
  18092 posts
  Both my buns are more bonded to my than my husband because I am their primary caregiver and I spend more time at their level giving them attention.
  
  Just a guess, but I think some bunnies might take a bit longer to bond to a guy because they tend to be bigger and louder than us ladies.
- 04/22/2014 at 6:04 PM
  Chloe's Mamma
  Participant
  5 posts
  Yeah, I was thinking that might be the case that she found it easier to bond with me since I am smaller, quieter, etc. I also read that bunnies hear on a higher “register” than we do, so she might even hear my voice better than his since his is lower.
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