I screwed it up…..

[MountainBuns]

So this morning I went to Caroline to off the light in her room. She was eating pellets when I walked in and I offed the light. i left the room quickly so she could not leave with me and she squeezed herself through the door. I applied pressure on the door so she could not leave. I should have just let her go and then lead her back in. She turned around and left after that I needed to put something next to the door. I was not aware she was upset with me and when I put my hand down, she kicked it. It was not a hard kick though, after that I moved my hand and she looked away from me. She ran away like she was scared and hid in the closet. I feel so bad, I should not have done that. I was just starting to bond with her, She was showing me so much affection. What should do? I wont get home for a while. I hope she does not hold a grudge against me.

[Luna]

Did she accidentally get caught in the door, or was she just upset because she couldn’t leave? If she accidentally got wedged in the door when it was closing (if so she’s not acting hurt is she?), she might act a little scared for a bit, but should return to normal behavior. If she was just upset because she couldn’t leave, she is just giving you the “bunny butt treatment” (kind of like the human silent treatment). Don’t worry, it shouldn’t affect your bond .

[Sirius&Luna]

I agree, you obviously shouldn’t squish her in the door, but if shes just upset cos she wasn’t allowed out of the room, then she’ll get over it.

I’m so paranoid about getting the bunnies caught in a door

[MountainBuns]

I did not squish her but she is mad because she could not leave, I guess she is just giving me the “bunny butt treatment.”

[Luna]

She might give you the bunny butt treatment for as little as a few minutes to as long as a few days (just depends on her). In the meantime, just continue to interact/bond with her as you normally do.

I have to sneak out of Luna’s room quickly too when I go to work so that she doesn’t get as mad with me for leaving .

[Harley&Thumper]

In the future you could use a smart light bulb that is set to turn off at a certain time and then close the door before the lights turn off. That way you can see if Caroline is trying to escape.

[Wick & Fable]

As people said above, it’s not the end of your relationship. These things happen, so just be more careful in the future.

Wick nips at/runs from/hides from/kicks at me on a daily basis when I do his topical treatment, but he always reverts back after it’s done, haha.

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.

[Gordo and Janice]

Yes, no screwing up there. Just continue interacting with her and showering her with your love. If she was already showing you so much affection, you are and will be her person.

[MountainBuns]

Thanks for all your help! Caroline acted like nothing ever happened, she greeted me when I got back and ate pellets out of my hand. She also started licking me a lot as well. But, since Caroline does not really appreciate contact when it is not her touching you, how can I show her affection besides giving her food, I do not want to give her to many pellets.

[Wick & Fable]

I think generally being a presence that respects her space can help build rapport. Sitting and staring at her from a distance is also a part of relationship building for rabbits. Facing vs. not facing each other can have significant meaning, so if you’re doing something and she’s doing something, you can turn to face her to win some brownie points perhaps.

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.

[MountainBuns]

I always thought staring seemed like I was a predator, like with birds. So staring can be a way of affection? Also I am testing my camera so tell me if you see the picture. This was me and Caroline chilling just buds being buds

!

[Ellie from The Netherlands]

It also helps to close your eyes one in a while and assume a relaxed posture yourself. Rabbits (and other mammals) will mimick that and they’ll respond to your energy.

[Justynicole]

Oh goodness you didn’t screw it up! I have a Flemish Giant who’s getting older and with that more stubborn, quick to annoy. But oh man is he an affectionate bun that loves to snuggle.

On the daily I annoy him or make him angry. I get running away bunny kicks and the butt treatment. And then five minutes later guess who’s snuggling on the couch.

Herc loves petting and forehead scratches ? he always nudges me when I stop so I will literally end up petting him for a billion years lol.

Oh and he’s a big water drinker like he can deplete a large dog bowl in ten minutes like nothing happened and he binkies A LOT when I get him a nice big bowl of water first thing in the morning.

[Manda]

It sounds a bit weird but you can “groom” yourself- mimic the bunny grooming- as this tells them you are comfortable with them and they will do the same. I just make those little circles with my fist and then pretend my hair are my “floppy ears” it seemed to work well with my 9 week old petunia- she started grooming herself. I say just keep doing what you are doing. I have always thought rabbits are like a cat and a dog mixed together. So loveable but yet very independant. We are staff but also friends to our bunnies hee hee…

[MountainBuns]

I actually do groom myself in front of Caroline every once in a while. Not sure if it helps though.

[Heaven]

That’s funny, when I’m doing my hair & makeup in the morning in front of the mirror Sam always hops up & grooms himself too! Never made the connection, maybe he is mimicking me <3

[Ellie from The Netherlands]

Awww, that’s so cute Heaven!

[MountainBuns]

That’s adorable!

[Author]

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