Help with behavior and bonding?

[Kiley Rose]

Well, for now I just mainly have a question about behavior. I lost my 14 year old dog to illness almost two months ago. I got an adorable little lionhead to help fill the hole. Marlee is an amazingly well behaved rabbit, stays in my room with the door open, uses her litterbox, very interested in her surroundings and lounges all around. The only problem is, she just runs away anytime I try going near her..even when I just reach my hand towards her slowly. Before I had her spayed she would lay on the ground and let me pet her, but now she won’t even let me get near her. She is extremely spoiled and I try to do everything I can to make her comfortable. Any advice on how to pet her or pick her up? Once she is picked up, she’s fine. I’m just so lost what to do with her.

So then, the little pet store by where I work (owned and run by one woman) has two rabbits that accidentally got let out together and now has 6 more. I’m going to get one when she’s six weeks and try to bond her with Marlee. I’m thinking maybe it will help Marlee feel more comfortable in her environment and not so lonely? I am a bit nervous about bonding them together though. Marlee has been a little more stand-offish and aggressive (without biting) since her spay.

Anyone have any advice? Ha. I’m sure anything will help. I just want to give my rabbits the best home I can.

Thanks

[jerseygirl]

Welcome to the forums! First, I’d just like to ask how old Marlee is and how long ago was it that she was spayed?

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Some buns like to play chase-she may be doing that to you

Are you looking for how to catch her=or how to pick her up?

Welcome to the forum!!

[Kiley Rose]

-She just turned 7 months and I had her spayed about 2 weeks ago. I got her at a little over 5 months. The woman who I got Marlee from said that she was at her friend’s house outside for two months and wasn’t handled much..I think that may have a lot to do with her behavior.

-I guess I’m trying to find out if I should catch her or if that would scare her even more?

[jerseygirl]

Since her spay was so recent I’d say the hormones are still effecting her behaviour a bit. Also she is an adolescent bunny. I would just go about things like you would bring a new bunny home. Be down at their level and just let them approach you.

[<3 tallulah]

My bunny tallulah is the exact same… She hates getting picked up but cuddles in when shes in my arms. to be honest i think its because shes enjoying out playing about and doesnt want put in her cage. I got a buddy for her on Saturday and since then shes let me just pick her up whenever i want. shes getting on brilliant with harvey and its even brought her closer to me. strangely!!

im sure your bun loves you but is just enjoying out playing… try and coax them over with a treat like a cabbage leaf!!

any pix???

[Kiley Rose]

Yeah, I’ll be getting her a friend by mid-november when Amelia’s old enough to come home (the baby ) I was also thinking that if she had another bunny she might not be as scared and see that I’m actually good..ha. It seems like a lot of work to bond them so I hope she bonds as well as yours are!

When I woke up this morning I opened her cage and when I walked back in my room she was waiting in bed for me It was so cute.

(her eyes look kinda funny, I tried to fix the red eye)

[RabbitPam]

That’s adorable!
I think she’s warming up to you quickly. I wouldn’t worry at all.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

She’s sooo cute!!

I’ve known a couple of lionheads, and they ALL were FAST and good at maneuvering-I know what you mean about hard to catch

TBH the more handling you do the more she’ll get used to it. If you cuddle her first then allow play time, that’s kind of a reward for putting up with cuddles.
My Rupert was a demon about being picked up-very scared. In no time at all, with regular postive cuddling he’s totally fine being held, even can perch on my should with no hands holding him and he’s content

[<3 tallulah]

awwww…… she is sooo cute!!! she looks very comfy indeed!!

Tallulah was quite frightened of harvey at first and i would save her so i think thats made her love me more… she rubs her sent on me as if to say – shes mine lol!!!

i was the same as you… wasnt sure what to do about getting a 2nd bun buts its the best thing ive done for her!!! id def give it a try!!!

[Kiley Rose]

Here’s Amelia. I hope she bonds well with Marlee…I haven’t read too many things about two females bonding. :/  This picture is neat cause it was actually taken against a black shirt, but I think it looks professional almost. Ha.

She’s only 2 1/2 weeks old in this picture, but I’ve been visiting her after I get off work every few days. She’s growing so fast, it’s crazy!

I think she’s just going to be a “regular” rabbit..like size-wise. I’m not good enough yet to know all the lingo.

[jerseygirl]

*gasp* !!!!!!!

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