Extremely Nervous Bunny

[Nora1567]

Hello! I recently adopted a rabbit, she is my second rabbit I have ever owned. My first one i bought from a breeder so i was able to bond with her from a young age. This time i took the route of adoption. i have now owner her for 2 weeks. I feel ass though this was a mistake now, my rabbit has her ups and downs with her nervousness. Sometimes she is totally calm and with just a flip of a switch she is super scared. Just a few minutes ago i was walking into my room where i keep her, she was chewing on the tarp and i quickly stopped her, she bit me cause of it but other than that seemed fine, she even let me pet her for a second or two, but as soon as i opened the x-pen door to fill up her pellet bowl, she freaked out and ran around her x-pen in absolute fear, i was so afraid she’d break her neck! She is now hiding in her cage in her favorite spot. She runs away if i walk into my room without calling out her name first, i have been looking online for ways to help her but i’m struggling to find any good information, please help, i am worried for her.

[DanaNM]

2 weeks is really no time at all for a bunny to adjust to a new home and learn to trust you, so don’t be too sad just yet.

Not sure what you mean about her chewing on a tarp, you should set up her space so it is completely bunny-proof.

Time and patience are key. Spend time sitting on the floor with her and ignoring her. Read a book or watch TV, but don’t try to pet her yet. Let her get used to what you look and smell like from all angles, and learn that you are not a threat. Hand feed her as much as possible so she learns not to fear your hands, speak calmly to her as much as possible so she gets used to your voice.

Even if she seems calm around you, don’t reach out to try to pet her just yet. Bunnies respond really well to playing “hard to get”. Once she regularly relaxes near you (like, she lays down on the ground near you when you’re sitting on the floor with her), then you can “ask” to pet her by placing your hand on the ground in front of her, with the back of your hand facing her. If she put her head down, she wants you to pet her. if not, don’t force it.

Also, make sure she has lots of hiding spots in her pen, so she feels like she has a safe zone.

. . . 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.  

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