He let me pet him.

[Scuttle]

I know it seems silly to write about it, but it did light up my morning. I adopted Buddha a little over a week ago. He was passed around in “the system” a lot due to his need to pick fights with other bunnies and lack of affection. I decided to take a chance on him. Overall, my experience has been fine. He’s a true angel with the litter box and he gears his chewing to his toys/blocks. He quickly opened up to being near me (his area is in the living room, so I’ve been laying on the floor whenever I’m in there-which is often).He was already following me around and giving me numerous nudges (in which I felt played whenever I would go to touch him- I just felt like he was saying, “SIKE!”) We’ve bonded rather well since he’s been home. I already love him so much! In the mornings I give him a little bit of pellets (which I think he considers a treat). I had my luck and put my hand to his head, and he let me do it. Woohoo! 

Slowly, but surely…. I know we still have a lot of trust to build, but I’m having so much faith that we’ll get there. My main goal is to build enough trust so I can cut his nails, though I already know he absolutely HATES being picked up. I think he associates people with being taken somewhere else, same thing with cardboard boxes. I had mentioned in another post that he doesn’t really mess with cardboard. I think he might think he’s being taken away since that is how he was being transported. Anyway…I’m super stoked!

Either way, I’m glad that I’ve given this guy a chance at a happy life. 

[tobyluv]

It’s not silly at all. I think it’s sweet and I can relate to it. We adopted a 4 year old rabbit from the shelter last year and he was very much an untouchable for many weeks. We were so happy when he finally stopped running away and seemed to enjoy our hands patting him.

It’s very common for rabbits to hate being picked up. Rabbits I’ve had for years still felt that way. In time, you should be able to pick up Buddha at least long enough to trim his nails. It’s good to have a helper for that. One to hold the bunny and one to clip.

It’s wonderful that you had your morning brightened by Buddha and the fact that is is becoming more comfortable with you and that he senses that he is in a good and loving home.

[Mikey]

Thats awesome! Its really not something silly at all, its adorable I had to make an excited post to whenever my littlest bun did his first binky in the apartment. Firsts are always exciting Congrats on bonding with the little guy

[Bam]

I totally agree, there’s nothing silly about it. It’s an accomplishment to gain the trust of a mistreated rabbit. He’s a very lucky little bun to have found you

[Azerane]

That’s awesome! It’s always a great feeling when you first get through each new level of trust with a pet. I remember with Bandit it was the first time he licked me, and the first time he snuggled into my arms and tooth purred (not that he ever snuggled into my arms again, but still).

[Author]

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