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The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet.  It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

Forum BEHAVIOR New bunny wants nothing to do with me!

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    • PlutoAndLuna
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        Hello, I’m new here this is my first post and I’m really hoping to get some advice from some fellow bunny owners.

        I have had my first bun Pluto for two years now and as I recently went from working closer to home to a new job in the city with me gone for much more of the day I decided that it would be best to get him a girlfriend to keep him company while I was gone. 

        I got Luna three weeks ago and they have bonded amazingly well, they love each other and are always grooming and cuddling which is fantastic and exactly what I had hoped for but sadly for me Luna is very, very wary of me. (Of course I completely understand that it takes time but its been almost a month and I haven’t seen much progress).

        She will eat food from my hand and is fine with that but she will run if I try to touch her at all or if I make any movements whatsoever, even if I move super slowly. 

        They are housebuns and have free reign of my kitchen/dining room area so are always with me while I’m home until I go to bed.

        I’m very stuck at what to do to build a bond with her as she is so frightened of me! My other bun Pluto is so docile and friendly and wants to be with me all the time so you would think that she sees him and realises that I’m not a threat, especially so as it’s been three weeks and I haven’t picked her up, touched her or anything scary but of course thats not the case.

        What do I do?! 


      • Asriel and Bombur
        Participant
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          A lot of bunnies do take a some time before opening up. You’ve had her less than a month. Bunnies are inherently prey animals. So just give her time. some bunnies in general just don’t like to be touched or fussed over. I have one that loves being showered in cuddles and kisses, and another one that like head rubs only at bed time and will run away if you lay a finger on him. It’s just the way it goes sometimes.

          I know you didn’t ask this, but for the safety of your bunnies I’m going to say it. First how old is the new bunny and is she spayed? Second, I’d really advise separating them. Bunnies aren’t like cats and dogs. You can’t just put them together and call them bonded. Bonding is a process. Your girl may very well lash out at your male in a few months once she’s actually settled and her real personality comes out. You just don’t know, which is why proper bonding is important. She needed to be allowed to settle in for at least a month, then prebonding by switching them between enclosures for a month, then you begin bonding in neutral territory. I, and many other people here, would recommend dialing it back, separating them, and prebonding, then begin bonding sessions after a month of prebonding. Especially if you just put her into his territory, things really could shake up in a few months. I say all this out of concern because fighting buns are a scary sight to witness, and they can get seriously injured if they are not bonded properly.


        • BinkyBunny
          Moderator
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            I agree with A&B that it will just take time.  Just let her slowly warm up to you by hanging out with them everyday. Have some treats. Read a book, do something on your phone or tablet or whatever…right near them and allow her to come over and explore. 

            Regarding the bonding advice:  There will definitely be differing opinions about this and you will have to figure out what is right for your situation.  It is true that a new bunny may be nervous now and once she settles in and finds more confidence she may become a bit more “bossy” or territorial which could cause issues.  However, her nervousness and trust in your bunny, who seems to be treating her well — no mounting or nipping – just grooming may have helped with the bond too.  So based on the info you gave, I respectfully disagree with A&B and I do feel that in some cases, you risk breaking a bond just to do long pre-bonding which then could backfire.  I know that is not helpful as you sort of take a risk either way based on our opposing view points..   Either of us could be right.. or wrong… and so again, you have to weigh everyone’s opinions and do what you think is best based on the what you are witnessing.  I recommend reading about bonding and educating yourself so you feel well-equipped to evaluate the situation properly. 

            My advice also may differ depending on if she is spayed or not.  (and her age).   But if she is spayed and they are doing just fine, grooming etc 3 weeks in, then you may be one of the lucky ones with a quick bond. I have had the experience of love in a few days, others it took many months. 

            Here are some of the different scenarios that the HRS gives:  

            SOURCE: https://rabbit.org/faq-bonding-multiple-rabbits/

              What are the possible scenarios after first introduction?

            • Love at first sight. If this occurs, you can try them in the space they’re going to live in. If it’s still good, then they’re fine, you have nothing else to do.
            • Tentative friendship: If this occurs, just watch them when they’re together, keep them separate when you’re not around, and if no fighting occurs, they’ll eventually become friends.
            • Amorous behavior: If the (neutered) male mounts the female, and the female does not mind, then this is usually a sign that the relationship will go well. If she does mind, and runs, it is still not usually a problem. If she minds, and becomes aggressive towards him, then you must prepare for a lengthier introduction period.
            • One chasing, one running. If this occurs, just make sure the one running doesn’t fight back and doesn’t get hurt. If neither of these things occurs, then just watch and wait. If one gets hurt, then separate them and go slower and if one fights back, then you must prepare for a lengthier introduction period.
            • Fighting. When two new rabbits (or, for that matter, two existing rabbits) fight, then you must prepare for a full introduction period.

            ————————

            Even bonded mates may go through tiffs and have to rebond —   

            Please read the post about bonding — https://binkybunny.com/FORUM/ta…fault.aspx


          • DanaNM
            Moderator
            9054 posts Send Private Message

              Playing hard to get works wonders with shy bunnies! You are right to hand feed her, but don’t try to pet her at all just yet. Spend as much time on the floor with her, but completely ignore her, even if she approaches you. A month feels like a long time to us, but sometimes it can take several for buns to open up.

              You are right that she will learn from Pluto that you can be trusted, so you can keep focusing your love on him, and she will observe and learn from that.

              It can also help to talk to them a lot (or just talk to yourself) when you are around them so they get used to your voice.

              . . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

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          Forum BEHAVIOR New bunny wants nothing to do with me!