Bonding with your Bunny

[Franklin'sMommy]

Hello

My name is Katrina and I am brand new to binkybunny. My husband and I just added a new rabbit to our household; he is almost a year old, a black and white polish dwarf mix, male bunny- we named him Franklin. We got Franklin last Tuesday. So far, so good! He is not neutered and I plan on calling the vet this week to make him an appointment. The reason I am posting this thread is I was wondering if everyone could give me an idea of how long it took for their bunny’s to settle in to their new homes! Franklin is doing really well- he truly is…but he is still quite skittish when we get us from the couch, walk around the house, and he is still not too sure about us petting him, touching him, etc….which I know is quite normal! 

I guess I am asking how long did it take for your bunny’s to start bonding with you. I should point out that Franklin has not ever been with humans before. A pet store ordered him from a breeder for a woman who requested him, but then she changed her mind because she said he was “not small like a bunny should be” (whatever that means)! That is okay- her loss is my gain!

Thanks in advance!

[peppypoo]

Welcome, and congrats on your new bunny! The best way to bond with a new bunny is just to spend some time on the floor with him, and let him come over and explore you on his own terms without pushing contact on him. You can try occasionally offering a treat, but the idea is to let him get comfortable around you first. Some bunnies are just complete cuddlers from the start, while others are more skittish with big personalities, even after they’ve settled into a home. However, most skittish bunnies will learn to be fine with pets eventually, but the key is to let him do it on his own terms.

[MerlinsMom]

My newly adopted female bun was very skittish when I first brought her home, she was born in a rescue centre and although she was handled every day she was still a very nervous bunny. Being with my ridiculously over confident male bunny seems to have helped her but that’s only been a recent thing.
When we first got her I would just sit on the floor and watch tv or read whilst she was out. She could explore in her own time and check me out without me being too intimidating. Whenever she came over to me I would give her a treat (if she didn’t startle and run away lol) and also give her a treat whenever I passed her cage. We’ve had he about two months now and she is gradually getting used to us, but she will always be a naturally skittish bunny as that’s just who she is. My other bun was climbing all over us and pestering us no end after a week! Lol

[LittlePuffyTail]

Welcome to BB and congrats on your new addition.

I agree with the others. The length of time a rabbit takes to trust and bond with his new humans depends on his personality. And also, how he’s been treated in the past. My 2 boys bunnies didn’t take long to bond with me, a month maybe, tops. But my female who I suspect was badly handled before I got her, took about a year before she would enjoy cuddles and attention.

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