Asriel’s space

[Deleted User]

I know this is a weird question, but I’ve been feeling guilty over it so I’d thought I’d ask anyways. 

I see so many people on here talk about their bunnies and being aggressive when their hands enter the cage. Everyone comments that it’s because they are entering the bunnies’ personal space and safe haven.Everyone also says that a bunny needs one place to feel like it is totally their own. Neither one of my boys has ever been aggressive towards me (thank goodness) especially when you reach into their cages. Both of them seem to actually enjoy it when you reach in to give them love, especially Asriel. When he’s out, Asriel is very much an explorer, and will occasionally hop on me for some pets. However, when he’s in his cage he comes to the door or will stay near where I am sitting, and will ask for pets. Like he loves it when I reach in and start rubbing his cheeks and nose, and when I stop he periscopes up to ask for more and looks content when I go back to it. Should I stop doing this? Should I keep it “his space”? I just see so many comments on this that I just wanted to ask. 

[sarahthegemini]

I think it’s fine to continue with what you are doing as Asriel obviously very much likes it. I think the whole ‘don’t invade their space’ refers to not reaching in and grabbing/touching them when they are just trying to enjoy their own company sort of thing?

[Nutmeg]

I agree with Sarahthegemini!
My two new bunnies are fine with me reaching in – maybe because sometimes it means I’m putting food in? LOL
So I’ll continue to do so unless that ever changes.

Maybe you have extroverted bunnies who love attention any time they can get it, and other people have introverted bunnies who need their alone time haha

[pinknfwuffy]

Agreed with above! If he likes it, no reason to stop. Some rabbits are more protective or territorial than others. I guess you just got a pretty sociable fella! :] Olaf doesn’t mind if I reach in to pet him. He enjoys it, but he does not appreciate if I try to move his things while he is in his loft. Whyyyy are you moving my stuff, hoomin? I think as long as you keep an eye on it, in case he changes his mind later, it’s totally fine to keep loving on him in his space.

[Heaven]

I’ve read the same about them getting defensive with space but I’d been reaching into Sam’s cage since I first got him (& then finally removed the cage) & he was completely indifferent as far as I could tell!

Put it this way, if you’d never read about buns having a problem when you reached into their cages, and Az has never had a visible problem with it, you wouldn’t be worried right

[Deleted User]

Thanks guys! I just wanted to be sure. I do feel like I lucked out on them. When Az was much younger, he would lodge himself into naughty areas, and because of his eye markings and general shyness at that point in time, I was always so petrified he was going to bite me one day xD
Pinknfwuffy: Asriel is so not a fan of having your hands in his cage when he’s munching on his salad. He will back into a corner and glare at you, even if you’re just adding to his pile. Silly bunny.
Heaven: you’re so right, I wouldn’t be worried if I hadn’t read about it. I guess that’s what us bun parents do best xD

[Luna]

Agree with the others . Luna used to mind before she was spayed, but she’s perfectly ok with me reaching in her cage now.

[Author]

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