How to tell if pestering and when to cuddle.

[Ben]

I have a black sable mini rex rabbit (un spayed) for a week now, hes 25 weeks old and is a friendly rabbit never shown any aggression but doesn’t act overly affectionate but trusts me a lot since he will groom infront of me and even roll tummy for me.

I keep my rabbit in a nice bunny shed 6×4 with run and i visit 3 hours a day and it has heating just heads up and he loves his shed and run.

I haven’t got experience with rabbits but i have done tons of research but no matter how hard i search i cant really get a answer for some questions.

How do you tell if your rabbit doesn’t want a cuddle and whens best time?

My rabbit doesn’t nudge me for attention and as per advice i dont stroke when he is eating or grooming since i did use to do that, but when i stroke after that sometimes my rabbit will stand still and go in a loaf then eventually roll over, sometime my rabbit curves head up if i stroke head and pushes up.

Regardless of when i attempt to cuddle if i put hand in front of face when in non relaxed position he will push or nudge hand away even if after i stroke he relaxes and he did he nipped twice after putting hand near face to sniff.

Also can i stroke my rabbit if sleeping or is that a no go?

[DanaNM]

Mine usually like cuddles after meal times. But then again mine will also take pets and cuddles most of the time. I think if he relaxes when you pet him then he trusts you and likes the pets.

My Bertha sometimes does the head curving up thing when I pet her! It’s really cute… I think she does it when she smells something interesting on my hand? No clue though.

You are doing the right thing by “asking” to pet him by placing your hand in front of his face. If he doesn’t want the pets, he’ll either hop away or continue on what he was doing. I usually present the back of my hand, pinky side down. If you hand is too low it can be seen as an aggressive gesture.

I think with the amount of time you are spending with him it will probably take some time to build a strong relationship with him. Since you’ve only had him a week I think you are doing pretty well!

I do worry a little about him being alone for so many hours a day. Rabbits are social creatures and thrive with interaction (with humans and other bunnies). Are you able to spend more time with him? If not, you might consider eventually bonding him (he will need to be neutered first) so that he has a friend at all times.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[Kiki]

I agree with Dana about the amount of time you spend with him. I would, if possible try to increase that and I think it will help with the bonding and you will get to know his cues about the petting/attention. My bun is very straightforward about letting me know it is time to pet, or continue petting.

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