First Week/Time Adopting a Bun

[Zin Marie]

Hello, everybody! I’m new to this forum and my name is Cristina. My bun’s name is Totoro and he’s an 9 week old Netherland Dwarf.

I adopted him this past Friday and got him all set up. Big cage, toys, lots of alfalfa hay and water, nice bedding, and a little den. However the breeder I got him from said to ease him into the transition of a new environment, give him space and not handle him while he gets accustomed. But I’ve read a couple of times that it’s okay immediately. So I have left the cage door open, talked to him, pet him while he’s inside, I’ve only picked him up today and held him, which at first he struggled against me but allowed afterward. Hasn’t thumped angrily nor growled, not bit me. Scratched when escaping BUT that’s it.

So me being so paranoid, I’m wondering what would be the best thing to do to ease him into trusting me. I want my bunny to love me and I know it takes time. Any advice or experiene sharing would be fantastic!! I want to do right by him.

[Tay]

Welcome to you and Totoro! When I first got my bun Charlie I picked him up a lot and spent a lot of time with him. He let me pick him up but then once he was more comfortable around me started to resist being held. I’m thinking he was probably just terrified at first and was just giving into being picked up and not trying to fight me, but now he lets me know if he doesn’t want to be held.
I think what helped me bond well with Charlie was spending lots of time with him just laying on the floor. He would hop all over me and eventually started licking my face and hopping in my lap. Treats help too, so you could always present him with a treat when he sees you so he associates you as being good. We’re huge to them so it’s best to get on their level and show them you don’t want to hurt him. If he hops away or hides just give him his space and try again later. They can be tough to win over but once you do it’s all worth it .
Recently I’ve been clicker training Charlie and I think that’s helped us bond quite a bit as well – he’s learning to listen to me and associates me with treats. He runs to me every time I open his door now.
Good luck, I’m sure you’ll win him over in no time!!

[Zin Marie]

Fantastic to know! Yeah, he’s allowing me more and more. I talk to him and pet him, so I’ll keep at what I’m doing then! This makes me happy!

[Jessica]

As Tay said clicker training is a great way to bond with your bun. Amelia and I recently started clicker training and it’s such fun. Just make sure your bun is comfortable taking food from your hand before you startclicker, and look for a clicker that’s a bit quieter, Amelia didn’t like the louder of the two I looked at

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