bunny wont eat food that i give him.

[Rollin Thunder]

But If I leave it in his cage, Food disapears. To be safe I actually bought a wireless baby camera that sends what its sees to my computer, So I gave him some food. Left the room, and watched about 10 min later him go out and scarf it up. Is this just the sign of a shy bunny? Or is there something potentially wrong? So he wont take it out of my hand or eat if he thinks I can see him. But as soon as he thinks im gone (like if I sit in the corner behind the bed or leave the room. He eats until he is stuffed. Any input is appreciated!

[KatnipCrzy]

How old is the bunny and how long have you owned him?  Previous history?- been around people a lot ?

[Rollin Thunder]

Vet says about a year old. I have had him for a little over 2 months. Not sure any history other than me. My puppy golden retriver found him in my yard and brought him to me (by the scruff of the neck), I decided to keep him after nobody responded to my lost bunny posters. He is quite friendly, actually enjoys my older dogs company, been to the vet for a check up recently and has been found to be a ok as far as health is concerned. My house is rather busy at times, but on the flip side can be just me in the house as I live alone. But Do have a lot of people in and out, and he gets alot of attention some days, than others Its just me petting him and letting him out for his runs.

[SmokeyBunnyRobinson]

Smokey was like that with me when she was a baby. It took a bit of time and patience and me having food and/or treats in the palm of my hand before she was comfortable eating around me. Now she scarfs of food from my hand : ) Good luck with your bunny and I’m glad your dog didn’t harm him!

[Dee]

I agree that it sounds like he’s just shy about eating for now. Who knows what happened to him before your dog rescued him? Some bunnies are just timid- my Nelli has been with us for 2 1/2 years, since she was 5 months, and she’s still jumpy. But she has progressed to eating out of our hands- only her very favorite foods though! I think it took a while- when we got her, she hid constantly and wouldn’t even let us touch her. The thing is, rabbits are prey animals that depend on their caution and ability to flee to survive- even the domestic ones retain those instincts. So when they maybe have had bad experiences on top of this, they get REALLY nervous.
Taking your rabbit to the vet was a good call- that way you know that any weird eating habits aren’t signs of a physical illness. The fact that your bunny is eating until he’s stuffed is proof that he’s enjoying the food you give him. I think that bunnies who have been stray in the past often have “food issues”. Nelli still sucks up her food like a vacuum cleaner. Sometimes she will grab a piece of greens and scoot backwards with it hanging from her mouth, as if she must get her treat to safety- lol. And she hasn’t been hungry since she was a baby!
It’s great that you’re so dedicated to making this bunny’s life as good as possible. So many people actually go get a pet and still don’t bother to educate themselves on their care- your pet kind of got you and you have still taken the time to find out all about it. Your bunny is probably the only rabbit in the world who’s actually lucky to have been caught by a dog

[Rollin Thunder]

As I say he eats and poops fine, Just wont eat when im around, or he thinks im around. Right now Im in the same room as him, but behind the bed and I can hear him chomping away at some Timothy hay. But If I look up at him and he sees me he stops. Kinda funny actually.

IM sure if it was any other breed than a golden retriver he would have been lunch. I could tell the dog had found something as he stopped and stared at the bushes with his left paw in the air. Then before I could get to him he bolted, cought the bunny, and trotted proudly over to me holding the bunny by the scruff of the neck, Bunny scared as hell im sure. But he seems to have adjusted rather well, as I say he loves the company of my older dog who is quite timid and very relaxed. When I let the bunny run around he will sometimes go flop next to the dog, its quite cute actually.

 

here are a couple pics, he can jump up on the bed all on his own, never knew bunnies could jump so high.

 

 

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n167/fishbonejr/168615_1410608445242_1833438351_761731_875381_n.jpg

 

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n167/fishbonejr/164149_1410608005231_1833438351_761729_2838922_n.jpg

[Queensbun]

Awww, he looks like my bun.  Except with bigger ears.    I think he’s just getting used to living with you and the dogs and it’ll take some more time for him to come around but I’m sure it will happen.

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