How do you get your bun over a grudge?

[Stickerbunny]

Stickers is currently so scared for me to approach her because she’s been getting baytril 2x a day, she thinks any time I get near her it means medicine. Tomorrow is the last day of her treatment, so when she stops having to be given medicine… what trick do you use to get your buns to stop being mad at you? lol She used to let me pet her (unless she didn’t feel like it) but now she eyes me like i’m a predator anytime she’s in the room with me.

[kinggoblin]

apple of forgiveness lol. I offer mine apple slices and he forgets what I did to piss him off

I’m glad my bunny LIKES getting medicine though, he thinks they are just more treats, piggy.

[Sarita]

I think the best thing is to go back to a normal routine and try not to fuss over them…seems like fussing with them makes them less trusting.

I know you feel upset because she appears to hold a grudge, but you sometimes have to do something that seems unpleasant to get bunny better. She will get over being pissed off with you and will feel better too :~)

It’s too bad our rabbits don’t understand that what we are doing is what is best for them – I guess that is the same with children but they too soon get over their grudge once they feel better.

[Hannah]

I’d guess that with a particularly skiddish or untrusting rabbit, that answer is probably treats and PATIENCE. : ( I’m sure Stickers will forgive you eventually!

[Mandyyy]

When I was medicating my mouse, he started getting in the routine that when I was at his cage that means medicine. If I were you I would try to break that chain. Maybe make it a little surprising, and give her a tasty treat when she is done being medicated.

[Michelle&Lolli]

I give treats and then leave her alone. If it gets really bad, I would lay on the floor and read or watch tv. Then they’d get all curious and come over. LOL

[Stickerbunny]

I do give her a craisin when she’s done, but now she thinks craisins mean medicine too – she runs from the craisin bag when she used to climb all over me when I brought the bag out.

Sarita, yes they do make you feel bad when you have to medicate them! And it’s for their own good! She is so hard to win the trust of, it took me months to just let me get near her when we got her thanks to her previous owners (gr@ people who teach animals to fear them), I am hoping she doesn’t take that long to trust me again after this. But, it’s gotten rid of her symptoms completely, so worth it even if she hates me atm. lol

[Joyfull_music]

Momo and I had a disagreement recently, and she would not let me near her for like a week. I just get on the floor with her and give her treats when she is out. Eventually she will get over herself.

[RabbitPam]

Sarita has the most experience with treating bunnies with meds. She’s right – they come around to normal routine soon enough.

I’ve actually seen Sammy put up a huge fuss when getting something done, only to realize a while later that she’s feeling better. Then I feel these little kisses on my feet. I swear they are code for “sorry I was a brat. I feel better now.”

[Jessica Rabbit]

Poor Stickers! I’m glad she’s feeling better.

Hang around her more, but touch her less, I think. Let her realize again that you being around doesn’t mean bad things but the contrary. Maybe try giving her a different treat for a week or so, and then go back to giving craisins so she’ll have forgotten the association?

[Stickerbunny]

Hehe aw, cute that Sammy gives you kisses.

Under vet supervision we stopped the medicine today – all day she’s been THUMPING at me anytime she sees me like “You aren’t picking me up, you bet you aren’t!” I’ve just been responding with “You’re safe silly head, no more medicine” but I don’t think she understands yet. So I’ve just been petting Powder so maybe she gets jealous enough to come over (usually I do double bunny pets, petting each with one hand while they touch noses).

[Author]

Messages