Couple different things

[Cupcake~]

Hi, so I just got Toby a week ago, and I was wondering about a couple things.. first of all, so I know most rabbits aren’t snuggly and good with being held but many are, and since he’s still a baby it would now be the time to get him conditioned to that. How do I go about it? I’m nervous of picking him up but I’ll have to and don’t know how to go about it. I want him to trust me and hopefully he’ll be a lucky rabbit who’s snuggly in personality and will tolerate being held. For the first week I’ve pet him on the head a few times and am not trying to hold him or anything.. so anyway, how do I go about this process?

The other thing was that he’s now 10 weeks, and he eats a small handful of Timothy hay a day and unlimited pellets- when and how do I go about transitioning it to more/unlimited hay? Thanks!

[Mikey]

I would start with getting him used to being on you. Seeing you as a playground and nonthreatening. Lay on the floor, let him explore you and pet him every few times. Same with sitting on the floor: let him explore your lap and only pet him some of the time. Once he gets used to this, start with holding him for a few seconds while sitting on the floor, then put him down. Try this a few times a day, as long as he doesnt start to get upset. If he gets upset, take a few days break and start again

He should currently have unlimited hay and pellets Around six months you should start cutting back his pellet intake based on his weight

[12345ABCDE]

Even if your baby bun tolerates being held now/soon, once he goes through puberty he might have a complete aversion to it so be prepared for that and try not to take it personally. My rabbits have never liked being picked up. It’s too stressful for them.

He needs unlimited hay at all times so just start now

[Luna]

You could also start with lifting one of his paws up for a few seconds at a time if he absolutely resists to all attempts at being picked up. Even if he objects to being picked up, it should help with him getting used to a paw in the air when it’s time for nail clipping.

[Wick & Fable]

Your presence is very important. With Wick, I spent an enormous amount of time just sitting in his pen (I stayed because he didn’t object, but if your bun does seem uncomfortable with you there, don’t push that boundary!). I also baby-talked to Wick a lot, and I still do!

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.

[Cupcake~]

Do I give him unlimited hay all at once? Or gradually? Don’t want to shock his system

[Luna]

You can give him unlimited hay immediately without waiting .

[Author]

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