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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.

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BUNNY 911 – If your rabbit hasn’t eaten or pooped in 12-24 hours, call a vet immediately!  Don’t have a vet? Check out VET RESOURCES 

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 Bonding with my new bunny

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    • Alfieminilop
      Participant
      4 posts Send Private Message

        Hello everybun

        I have my little male minilop for just over 2 weeks now (16days)

        He comes out of his cage everyday by himself but does not really come over to be petted yet

        He doesn’t mind me coming over to to though. I just feel like perhaps he doesn’t like me all that much or the I just being impatient?

         

        He gets a firm no when he tries to chew my carpet or anything he isn’t allowed to, is this also perhaps slowing down the process?

         

        Another thing, I know bunnies don’t like being picked up but do you think there’s a way that I can at least get him used to it? Or just to hold him to pet him or is that not a good idea ?

        I really want to bond with my beloved bunbun any tips would be really appreciated!

        He is such a sweet little bunny, loves to binky around so I know he’s happy, I just want to have a lovely connexion with him 🙂

        He is 9 weeks and 3 days old (born 25th dec)

        Thank you everyone


      • Asriel and Bombur
        Participant
        1104 posts Send Private Message

          Be patient 🙂 bunnies take time. I’ve had my boys almost 4 years, and only in the past year or two has Asriel started opening up and being the most absolute loving little bunny. Some bunnies take time. And you haven’t had him very long either. Just lay on the floor with him and do your own thing. Eventually he might grow to like pets. Some buns never do, and you just don’t force it. But it’s a good sign he’s doing binkies.

          as for picking up, only really do it for an emergency or when you need to do health related things. Bunnies don’t like being picked up, and it can really stress them out. When you take him for his first vet visit you can ask the vet and the vet assistants how to best handle and pick him up. They usually know the best ways and can give you a hands on explanation so you and bun avoid any unnecessary accidents.


        • Bam
          Moderator
          16964 posts Send Private Message

            I agree with what Asriel and Bombur says, buns take time! Two weeks is a very short time when it comes to bonding with your rabbit. Rabbits are very different from dogs, who will love you pretty much instantly.

            Most rabbits really hate being picked up, because to a rabbit, being picked up is the first step towards being eaten. It is important to be able to pick your bun up for nail trims and brushing, but for cuddling purposes, it’s not a good method.

            It is best that he comes to you. You can actually play a little hard to get, so that you are in the room with him but without intetacting with him. You can read a book or listen to music.

            I think most buns eventually enjoy being pet – especially on the head- but they may not know it at first. A gentle nose rub is often a good way to start.


          • Asriel and Bombur
            Participant
            1104 posts Send Private Message

              Tell you the truth… but I honestly just love annoying the living 💩 out of Bombur. He’s always been a really hands on bun, so it’s funny when I overwhelm him with snuggles and kisses, only to have him hop away and stare at me like “ugh mom you’re so embarrassing”


            • Alfieminilop
              Participant
              4 posts Send Private Message

                Hi ! Thank you for your feedback

                I was thinking I’m a little impatient 😁

                But I have heard of so many buns around the same age who are already coming up for cuddles etc

                I mean he does come over to me here and there and loves head rubs (grinds his teeth together) but for now he seems busier having fun with binkies and zoomies haha

                I’m really happy both ways but I just want to do my best to be the best bunmum for him


              • DanaNM
                Moderator
                9054 posts Send Private Message

                  Head rubs and teeth grinds mean he definitely likes you. 🙂 Each bunny has such a different personality, part of the fun is learning what they like. Especially with a young baby, he’s still developing and learning to be on his own.

                  As for carpet chewing, I’ve had the best luck with blocking problem areas with heavy ceramic tiles (since they tend to obsess over specific spots), and then providing safe alternatives like cardboard cat scratchers and grass mats to chew instead.

                  . . . 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.  


                • LBJ10
                  Moderator
                  17023 posts Send Private Message

                    Some bunnies just take time. It doesn’t mean there is anything wrong. They are all unique in their own way. He’s young, so I’m sure he is discovering his independence right now.


                  • Alfieminilop
                    Participant
                    4 posts Send Private Message

                      Thank you all so much for your feedback !

                      He seems to be warming up to me I’m so happy! I know it’ll be a long way before he fully trusts me but I’ll keep patient 🥰

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                  Forum BEHAVIOR Bonding with my new bunny