Don’t Touch Me!

[DarylGS]

Hello All

I’m probably concerned over nothing, but I just want to get the opinions of others: My rabbit (whose previous owner gave it great care) is betw. 1 and 2-years old. She has a good-sized pen (8×5) with a wire cage (4×2) directly attached that is used for food on one end and a litter box on the other. She also has a cardboard house for privacy. I make it a daily point to open the sides of the pen and section off a larger area of the room to explore and run around. She uses her litterbox exclusively so I don’t have to be concerned about her leaving anything behind.  And yes, she is spayed. 

 I’ve had the rabbit for about 3 months. I often sit in the pen with her which she seems to enjoy b/c she runs in circles around me, and sits behind me or next to me busily nibbling on my shirt. When I step into the pen, she runs to me and I have to be really careful where I’m stepping b/c she is all over the place around my feet. She will eat snacks (bits of fruit) out of my hand (almost lost a pinky over that one b/c she miscalculated what was fruit and what was meat!)  What I’m trying to understand is despite all of this, she will not let me pet her at all. It’s like she’s saying “Yep. We’re having fun…but don’t touch me!” She just  hurriedly hops away. I’m wondering if that presents a problem b/c I understand that I’m supposed to brush the rabbits fur? I did reach out to another “bunny expert” who explained that I have to keep in mind that rabbits are prey and it’s just mental/instinctive in rabbits, sometimes being a stronger trait in some rabbits  For absolute certainty, she was NEVER abused by anyone so I know that’s not it.  She seems happy enough (jumping, running and doing the usual crazy stuff rabbits do).  Just wondered if this will change over time or will the rabbit always act like a bad girl-friend?…(just kidding). Any advice will be welcomed. 

Thanks! DS

[Katie]

I’d suggest giving it some time, my rabbit Reggie took like 3 months before he was comfortable with me petting him regularly, maybe get some pets in while your hand feeding but don’t rush anything

[DanaNM]

My newest addition, Moose, is like this! All I can say just keep being patient, you are taking the right steps.

He is just finally enjoying pets, but only when the mood strikes him (usually after meals), and I’ve now had him since May!

As for grooming and all of that, I’ve had luck brushing Moose while he’s busy eating his pellets.

She sounds like a playful and food-motivated girl, so also try teaching her some basic tricks (Moose picked up “spin” really fast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RERLARS9goQ) to help build your relationship. Bunnies all have very different personalities. Some will snuggle and want pets all day, others would rather play games with you.

The other think with shy bunnies is to wait until they are relaxing (usually after a meal) to try to pet. My Bunston was VERY shy at first, and what worked was to lay on the ground near him while he was lounging for a while. Then to “ask” if they would like to be petted, you should place your hand on the ground in front of their nose, pinky side down, so the back of your hand is facing her. If you just reach for the top of her head without “asking” first she might feel like you are going to grab her. If she puts her head down, then she wants pets! Petting with the back of the hand first usually helps them feel secure (like you aren’t going to grab them). If she doesn’t, gotta respect that.

. . . 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.  

[sarahthegemini]

I could’ve sworn I’d wrote on this before! Grr. Anyway, I agree that all you need is patience as it sounds like you’re doing everything right. Some buns just take a little longer but that’s okay For reference, my Buttercup was happy to be pet almost right away whereas Peanut – who is naturally more timid and not very confident – took probably around 5 months-ish. He enjoys being pet now

[DarylGS]

Thanks to ALL OF YOU for this helpful info.  I was just worried that something was really bothering her or I was doing something really wrong.  It’s my first (and only) bunny.  My wife has forbidden me to acquire another one and I want her to be happy and comfortable (the rabbit that is….my wife is already happy and comfortable as long as I’m paying the bills and taking the garbage out!   ) .  But for sure the rabbit is not only adorable and cute, but smart.  She’s gotten to the point where if she sees me pulling the room dividers out, she sits in the doorway of her house waiting for me to finish and just like a race horse, she is out of the gate as soon as I open her pen!  Someone mentioned training the rabbit, but I’m starting to wonder…between me and the rabbit…..who is really training who?? 

DS

[LBJ10]

She sounds perfectly normal to me. Some bunnies just aren’t into the whole petting thing. Nothing wrong with that, sometimes you just have to find other ways to show “affection”. Dana gave some good tips. I often have to pet Wooly with the back of my hand as well.

[sarahthegemini]

Posted By DarylGS on 11/11/2017 4:11 PM

Thanks to ALL OF YOU for this helpful info.  I was just worried that something was really bothering her or I was doing something really wrong.  It’s my first (and only) bunny.  My wife has forbidden me to acquire another one and I want her to be happy and comfortable (the rabbit that is….my wife is already happy and comfortable as long as I’m paying the bills and taking the garbage out!   ) .  But for sure the rabbit is not only adorable and cute, but smart.  She’s gotten to the point where if she sees me pulling the room dividers out, she sits in the doorway of her house waiting for me to finish and just like a race horse, she is out of the gate as soon as I open her pen!  Someone mentioned training the rabbit, but I’m starting to wonder…between me and the rabbit…..who is really training who?? 

DS

LOL 

Bunnies are definitely very smart creatures! When mine were penned in at night, every morning as soon as they saw me they’d go running to the exact same pen panel because they learnt the order that I dismantled it 

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