New scared bunny

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BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

This topic has 3sd replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 10 years, 3 months ago by LittlePuffyTail.

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- 01/07/2016 at 7:41 AM
  Pebbaroo
  Participant
  17 posts
  Hi,
  
  I have a new bunny (from a pet store) who doesn’t behave quite like my previous bunnies. She’s a house bunny and is allowed all of the living room, and whereas my other bunny (and previous one) have been very inquisitive and loved to explore and never minded us being there from day 1, my new one is quite the opposite. She doesn’t come out much and loves to hide. When she does come out she tries to avoid us. Whenever we try and pet her she runs back to a specific corner in her cage (her hiding spot).
  
  Is this normal for a new bunny? Like I said, we never experienced this with our other two. Is this likely to be her “personality” or is it likely she might need some more time to get used to her new surroundings? Last night I put her out and she did binkies and laps, but I couldn’t get her to go past us to go back in the cage when she needed to go.
  
  I don’t want to be able to cuddle her or anything, I’d just like her to be able to run around and explore and not be scared of us.
- 01/07/2016 at 8:32 AM
  tobyluv
  Participant
  3312 posts
  Rabbits can vary a lot in their personalities. Some are more timid or cautious than others, especially in new places. With time, she likely will see that she is safe and will want to explore and want to interact with you more. I have had timid bunnies. In one case, it took him months before he was comfortable in more than just one little area. Then he finally realized how great it was to run through the entire house and that he liked being near us.
- 01/07/2016 at 9:51 AM
  Pebbaroo
  Participant
  17 posts
  Thank you, that’s encouraging to hear! What would people suggest in the meantime? Would it be better to leave her alone until she gets settled, or should I engage with her to try and win her confidence? For instance, she doesn’t seem to mind being petted as much when she’s eating. Should I use that to make petting seem more positive and make her less scared, or would it be better to leave it until she starts approaching us?
- 01/07/2016 at 6:29 PM
  LittlePuffyTail
  Moderator
  18092 posts
  I would probably just let her approach you. You will need to earn her trust. Some bunnies take longer than others. Just be patient.
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