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BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

This topic has 2sd replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 3 years, 10 months ago by DanaNM.

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- 03/24/2022 at 5:36 AM
  Bun-chan
  Participant
  29 posts
  I have a little boy bunny who will not accept pets from humans. He nudges your hand away if you pet him. On the other hand, his older (and bigger) sister rabbit, i.e. the dominant rabbit, will gladly allow us to groom her, which seems normal.
  
  Recently, he’s been allowing us to pet him, but on the condition that his sister is being pet at the same time. For example, we were grooming both of them tonight, and the sister got up and left. His eyes were closed and he was really enjoying the session, but suddenly he realized his sister had left, looked left and right to confirm, and ran away! It’s as if he doesn’t want his sister to know that he’s getting the attention and pets, so he only accepts it when she gets her share too.
  
  What do you guys think of this behaviour? Any insight as to what it means? I’d love to be able to pet him more, and it’s especially great during shedding season when he’s willing to stay still for a groom.
- 03/24/2022 at 5:49 AM
  Azerane
  Moderator
  4691 posts
  Some rabbits are simply more shy than others, my Luna likes to be petted but she doesn’t usually stop still for them for very long.
  
  In contrast to that, your rabbit nudging your hand when you are petting him can be an indication that they want you to pet them more, especially if they are trying to get their nose under your hand. My other rabbit Apollo is constant budget when he wants to be petted and you’re ignoring him.
  
  Just keep up with the gentle petting, don’t force it on him and make sure that sometimes you’re the one pulling away first, so that he doesn’t feel as nervous about you not stopping.
- 03/24/2022 at 10:55 AM
  DanaNM
  Moderator
  9064 posts
  My bunny Bonnie is like this, she will occasionally accept some head rubs, but usually only while I am also petting Cooper, her bonded mate. I interpret it as she actually thinks that Cooper is grooming her while I’m petting her, and then if he leaves she realizes it’s me!
  
  . . . 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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