Two different buns...!

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BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

This topic has 7sd replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 11 years, 3 months ago by Monkeybun.

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- 01/23/2015 at 5:12 AM
  lucy :)
  Participant
  13 posts
  So, I recently posted asking advice on bonding bunnies and I took the recommendations of the forum and adopted a pair of already bonded brothers! I think they are about 6 or 7 months old.
  
  I have taken them to the vets for a check-up and all is well. We had them booked in to be neutered this week but unfortunately there was a snowstorm so we didn’t want to risk it with them in the car…. so we live with another week of not-so-perfect litter habits haha!
  
  Anyway, the reason I am posting is that while both buns are very inquisitive, friendly etc, one is much much more timid and jumpy than the other. I know some buns will never like being picked up and cuddled etc and I’m fine with that, however, our vet recommended we get them used to being handled so that in an emergency we can pick them up, and so that in summer we can check their bums etc. Neither bun likes being picked up but the more confident one tolerates it much more. I feel like I am traumatising my more shy bun by trying to pick him up so I have stopped trying.
  
  I’m worried that he will become terrified of me if I keep picking him up, and I don’t want him to hate me. He is so sweet and friendly and I don’t want that to change but I don’t want to be in a position where I can’t make crucial health checks either
  
  What do you think I should do???
- 01/23/2015 at 8:04 AM
  Sarita
  Participant
  18851 posts
  Honestly I think if it’s an emergency or they are sick they will be okay to be picked up. And even if they aren’t it’s just a pick up to put in a carrier. Also once they are at the vets, it’s usually a whole different scenario since they are scared anyway.
- 01/23/2015 at 8:35 AM
  lucy :)
  Participant
  13 posts
  Hi Sarita
  
  So do you think I should stop trying to ‘train’ them to being handled? I just feel so cruel when they are frightened that seems to me the right thing to do – I can pick them up if I have to.
- 01/23/2015 at 2:59 PM
  Tessie
  Participant
  1231 posts
  It’s okay to pick them up to check their nails and teeth etc, and to take them to the vet, but you should avoid picking them up if it’s not necessary, especially if they’re new; you want them to bond with you and picking them up won’t help. You’ll never ‘train’ them to like being held.
- 01/23/2015 at 3:35 PM
  JackRabbit
  Participant
  5451 posts
  JMO, but I don’t think a bunny who hates being handled can ever be trained not to hate. He may learn to tolerate it but still may try to avoid it.
  
  My three have gotten to where they usually don’t hold pickup grudges for too long, especially when a treat is involved. I’ve never picked them up unless I had to.
- 01/26/2015 at 10:37 AM
  lucy :)
  Participant
  13 posts
  Thanks for all the advice. You’ve all confirmed what I was thinking! I just don’t see the need to pick them up unless for health checks etc as it upsets them so much. They always come running straight back to me afterwards for a treat and I am happy to keep it this way.
  
  Am now a bit concerned about my vet’s bunny knowledge…
- 01/26/2015 at 4:20 PM
  Beka27
  Participant
  16016 posts
  There are differing opinions on this, so i wouldn’t worry about your vets knowledge or skill as an exotic vet.
  
  Keep interacting with them on their level and work on trust. They sound like sweeties!
- 01/26/2015 at 4:29 PM
  Monkeybun
  Participant
  10479 posts
  In my experience, the “training” is different for every bunny. One of mine, Moose, is terrified of being picked up, always has been, but he was also a rescue that had been abandoned in a field. It’s a chore to get his nails done. Another bun, Monkey, wasn’t terrified, but HATED being picked up by anyone. Now though, after years of dealing with her Royal Highness, I am the only one she tolerates picking her up! Handling her definitely made a difference.
  
  So I do say it depends on the bunny’s temperament. Your bun may be nervous now, but over time might accept more handling. Just keep interacting with him, so he learns trust.
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