Bombur boxing and refusing pellets

[Mikey]

For the last two or so weeks, Bombur hasnt been eating too many pellets, but hes still chowing down on his hay. When my boyfriend (his best human friend) goes to pet him, Bombur’s been cowering and making a weird sound that almost sounds like all of the air leaving his body. My boyfriends cut down on smoking lately and has been petting the bunnies faster than usual (the other two are unphased by this), but those are the only changes we can think of for Bombur suddenly being afraid of him. But, when Bombur sees him and smells him, Bombur gets happy. Its only when boyfriend goes to pet him. Today, Bombur also boxed my boyfriend. 

To note: Bombur reacts normally to me. Bombur is normally afraid of people and has a sensitivity to smellier cigerettes (my boyfriend showers and brushes his teeth after work, the only place he smokes). Bombur does have a sensitive tummy and needs a specific diet. Pellets can be cut out for him if need be.

Any ideas?

[Bubbles 'n Finley]

Although we can’t smell it bunnies may be able to smell the difference if your boyfriend cut down on smoking (even if he cleans). As a result the bunny may need to reacquaint himself with him.

[Bam]

Does he make the weird sound on any other occasion? When Bam had a respiratory infection, the only symptom was a weird little sound now and then, when he got excited for a treat for example, or when he got upset (nail clipping). He doesn’t get treats often and he’s always been a very laid back bun, not prone to excitement, so it took quite a while for me to understand sth was up. His appetite never diminished in the least though.

No change of hand soap or lotions or anything like that? Because he only reacts when bf comes really close, I mean.

[Muchelle]

Throwing a wild guess… maybe your bf’s smell changed because of this change in his habits and the little guy needs to re-calibrate a bit?

[Mikey]

Nope, he only makes the noise when my boyfriend is about to pet him, Bam. No other changes either. My Blue makes a similar noise around treat times, but the vet says its his way of “honking”, lol

Thanks everyone! That is kind of the same thought we had as well We are trying something out. My boyfriend now lets Bombur sniff his hand, and then he lightly touches Bombur’s head, and if he reacts well, my boyfriend continues to pet him. This is how we had to work with trust bonding when we got the buns and it worked well, so we are testing it again for our new situation.

[Ellie from The Netherlands]

Congrats to your boyfriend for cutting down ^_^
Yes, rabbits are extremely sensitive to smells, both in a good and a bad way. I think he may be confused by your BF’s new smell.
About his eating habits: when were his teeth checked for the last time? Rabbits can get grumpier if they have teeth troubles, and they will hide discomfort as best as they can.

[Wick & Fable]

I think the change in petting may be a factor to observe as well! Me and Wick’s other parent pet and cuddle with Wick differently. If Wick’s other parent tries to cuddle or pet him like I do, Wick doesn’t like it. And vice versa.

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.

[Author]

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