Bonding with rabbit

[Fezdcb]

Hi there!

I have a 11 week old Netherland Dwarf, her name is Orange. She is the most adorable thing ever. However I’m not sure if I’m doing something wrong. She goes from one day running up to me and licking my nose. To the next day running away from me, and backing up and I get near her. What do I do? Did I do something wrong? Any suggestions and help is much appreciated.

I have been around animals my entire life, but she is the first rabbits Iv ever had.

[Meg]

Hello!  I’m sorry it took so long to get a reply — I’m not sure if you’ll still see this but I’ll give it a shot!

It could be a few things: hormones as she’s right around the end of babyhood?  Babies are way braver and more cuddly, on average.  Our Teddy came home at 3 months old as a cuddly little baby and like 3 days later became a sullen teenager 😆  Having two bunnies (both spayed/neutered, of course) helped them both be happier and paradoxically more social with humans, in my experience.

Bunnies are easily frightened, too, so you can study her reactions and learn as you go what makes her feel comfortable.  They have pretty poor eyesight, so they might not recognize you if you’re carrying something, for example — but you can always talk to her in a soothing voice when you come in the room, so she for sure knows it’s you.  There’s a cute book on bunny communication called “Are You Going to Eat That?” that can help.  Let me know if you have other questions!

[Author]

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