How long does it take

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BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

This topic has 4sd replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 10 years, 3 months ago by vanessa.

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- 12/21/2015 at 10:28 PM
  Koton
  Participant
  32 posts
  For a new bunny to get used to his environment and start trusting his owners? Do you guys know? We had Pikus our new lionhead bunny for 2 weeks now and the only time he lets me pet him is when he’s in his cage. Otherwise when he’s out he’s somehow still afraid. Which I don’t get since we’re showering him with love and treats.
- 12/22/2015 at 12:16 PM
  Bam
  Moderator
  17033 posts
  It varies a lot between individuals, so it’s really not possible to say. It depends on the bun’s personality, his previous experience with humans and his age. 2 weeks is a very short time for a bunny though, that much I can say. A puppy-dog will take to his owners more or less at once, but bunnies are less trusting since they are prey-animals and their instinct is to be very cautious. It makes sense if you think about how many enemies wild bunnies have.
  
  Keep showering him with love and treats, and I’m sure he’ll come around. They do tend to want to decide when it’s time for cuddles though. And when the bunny decides it’s time for cuddles, the human must comply =)
  
  If you haven’t already you can give him a hidey-box (upside-down cardboard box) with 2 exits (they don’t like to feel trapped), because if they have a safe hiding-place where they are “invisible”, it makes them feel more secure and more willing to explore their environment.
- 12/24/2015 at 4:32 PM
  Koton
  Participant
  32 posts
  He’s got some hidey spots already. The only time he’s ok getting petted though is when he’s in a cage relaxing. When he’s out exploring and binkying he tends to run away the moment you reach out to pet him.
- 12/25/2015 at 8:35 PM
  Beka27
  Participant
  16016 posts
  Is he able to go in and out of his cage on his own or do you pick him up to put him back? He might associate your hands with going back to his cage if you are picking him up to put him back. Just a thought… Other than that, sounds like normal bunny behavior. They like to do stuff on their own terms!
- 12/25/2015 at 9:53 PM
  vanessa
  Participant
  2212 posts
  Instead of reaching out to pet him, offer him treats from your hand. For example, a piece of lettuce, and do’t just leave it for him to eat. Hold it out for him to eat while you are holding on to it. Keep doing that. That should lead him to feel comfortable eating pellets and other food while you are sitting nearby. And then.. you can try to pet him while he is eating.
  I have a bunny who got comfortable with me after 2 weeks. He is super snuggly now. Demands my attention. Makes the most adorable buzzing sound when I come into the room. Storms my ankles, insists on being petted. Another bunnyI’ve had for over 2 years, and by feeding her from hand, she sometimes lets me pet her, for a few seconds. Then she runs off. Each bunny is different. Food food food.
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