Best way to comfort a scared bun?

[BB8]

Hello, I have two bunnies. Both are very brave but today I was folding a shirt and I held it up and BB8 saw it and freaked out. It was the first time he’s ever thumped. My other bun got scared from BB8 thumping but not as frightened as BB8.  Anyway I stopped and sat with BB8 and he started to calm down and I offered him some oats. After about 10 minutes he seemed okay and started to act normal again and nudged my hand for pets. Then I did the same thing with my other bun. I’ve never really had a bun this scared before and I’m not sure if I did the right thing or not. Just as a side note both buns are separated, each getting half a room.

My question is next time they’re scared what is the best way to comfort them and calm them down?

[Mikey]

You need to be careful not to train them that being scared = treats. My partner and I unintentionally trained our Bombur to become scared at the smallest things, because it would mean he got a few extra pellets and several minutes of pure love and attention (or maybe he faked it, who knows). It was really hard for us to train him out of it, because the only way to train out of it is to ignore them while theyre scared or nervous.

When my three are scared, we first tell them in a soft voice that everything is ok and that they are safe. We might repeat this a few times, depending. If the bun(s) are still thumping after about a minute, one of us will sit on the floor and talk with them so they have physical safety, and we will continue letting them know everything is ok. Usually by this time, theyre all better because they can see that nothing bad is going on. But, if they continue to be afraid, we continue telling them theyre safe while petting them very lightly until they calm down.

So, overall, I personally think you did the right thing I would just be a little cautious in the future if you notice this becoming a pattern. Rabbits are very smart, especially when it comes to getting something like treats or attention

[LBJ10]

I suppose there is a difference between being momentarily scared/startled and being scared for an extended period of time. If something seemingly silly scares Wooly, then I will simply talk to him in a calm voice and tell him it’s okay. If I leave him alone after that, then he will usually calm down pretty quickly. However, if the scary thing doesn’t go away (fireworks, construction noises, etc.), then I will go into comforting mode. I will pet him and offer him a treat, I will talk to him in a soothing manner. The problem with Wooly is that he can become very stressed after something REALLY scares him. In the past, he has pulled his own fur out and also humped Leopold relentlessly. The fur pulling was because of fireworks. The humping was because of the internet guys drilling into the brick on the side of the house. When something like that happens, I have to break out the melatonin.

I think Mikey is right though that some rabbits can associate being scared with getting a treat. Therefore, they start overreacting to things just so they can be rewarded or receive attention. They can be similar to children, I suppose, in that respect.

[BB8]

Okay thanks for the quick replies! I’ll be careful with giving them treats when they’re scared.

[Timmeh]

Agreed on the treats and attention. They have a habit of taking advantage of the worst patterns. My Bunard will intentionally dig to get attention after he realized I didn’t like him doing it. (He looks up at me and then when I stand up he runs from the spot and assumes the petting position in front of me)
But it sounds like you are doing the right thing. If it seems when he’s scared he doesn’t want to be approached I feel it’s good to give the rabbit its space but continue whatever you were doing on the ground where you can be approached if he changes his mind. It’s what I have to do any time there’s a storm outside lol.

[Author]

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