Hi all, I’d just like some reassurance on the behaviour of my little bun Lola.

When I rescued her she was extremely timid and shy initially, the first day I let her out of the pen she hid under the cabinet for three hours.
This behaviour soon changed and she became a very happy and inquisitive bunny.

When I initially bonded her with Oscar my original bun she came out of her shell even more – picking up on his confidence and traits I’m sure (he is very much people oriented).

Anyway they had a big fall out and were separated – Lola was a little more timid without Oscar but I do feel that she copied him. Where with Oscar I can pick him up and cuddle and play with Lola I will always sit on the floor and allow her to come to me before I pet her.

She was still very happy and would wiz around the living room on her times in there (loving the carpet)

Anyway, I have recently had surgery and so had to. Go home to stay with my mum and dad. Buns are still separated so tbh it’s been easier to keep them fully apart here than in my flat. We started prebonding and all was going okay until one day about ten days ago. Oscar escaped through the gate and there was a quick scuffle as I only allowed access when they were supervised I intervened very quickly however Lola bit me badly.

Since then I have given prebonding a break except for changing litter boxes.

Lola has now turned into this awfully frightened bunny – when I go into the room she runs to hide as soon as the door opens. I have to sit on the floor and wait quietly for her to come out. She occasionally lets me pet her but I have to be very still and quiet for her to allow me. Sometimes I get on the floor as I enter the room and edge closer but by bit so that she doesn’t fart (she does settle but you can see her ready to bolt) I then have to allow her to sniff me. Sometimes she will let me pet her after she’s sniffed but often she sits very still and ready to run. I don’t force her if she’s like this – I just speak quietly to her and offer her a treat. If she doesn’t take it from me as sometimes she is too scared to even do that, I will leave it for her on the ground and sit until she eats it.

I’m not sure what else to do, as I am going back to my flat shortly I would like to start the bonding process soon. If it doesn’t work out I will have to return Lola to the rescue for the sake and happiness of both bunnies however I don’t want to put her through more stress.

I’m not sure what the best thing to do is in order for her to be a little happier. I’m not sure if it’s the room she is being kept in is too quiet and so she gets spooked by a new noise or something. She was in the hallway which had more hustle and bustle but she kept escaping upstairs in the night which my mum wasn’t happy about and so we had to set her up in another room.

What do you think may have happened? What should I do to help the situation?