im having trouble bonding with my shy rabbit

[Delaney]

so, im kinda new to owning a bunny as this is my first one. I’ve done everything I know to do, my bunny is 8 weeks old and I’ve had him for a week now and he has plenty of fresh green hay, unlimited pellets while he’s young, I have about 5 different toys out for him out right now as well as a nice hidey home and im trying to bond with him as much as I can. I took him to the vet today for a checkup just to make sure everything was good, and he’s all healthy, but since he was so skittish and scared, my vet said I needed to attempt to hold him while petting him a lot more to desensitize him to being touched so he’s be more comfortable with all touches. I know the vet visit might’ve been stressful for him, but ever since I’ve gotten home he’s come out to eat and drink but other than that even though I’ve left his door open so he can come out to play while I sit on the floor, he just stays in his box and kinda sits there? he doesn’t seem interested in coming out to okay or anything and I just want him to be happy, it’s almost as if he’s afraid to come out of his pen at times. any tips on how to really bond with him and make him more comfortable with me, is it really just a patience thing?

[Luna]

He’s not moving from his litter box, or his cage? Has he pooped since the vet visit? Sometimes stress can cause gas ,or result in stasis, so if he hasn’t pooped in 6-12 hours he will need medical attention and have to go to the vet as it is serious. 

For bonding, you’re right that patience is key. Some buns bond quickly, while others may take weeks or months. It took about 3-5 months for Luna to be comfortable around me, then by 8 months she fully trusted me. If you have only had him for a week it is normal for him to want to stay in/close to his cage because he feels safe there.

Tips:
– If his cage is in a room with a door, try closing the door to make the room look smaller so that he feels more secure in coming out of his cage.
– Most buns like being pet but do not like being picked up. If he doesn’t like being picked up, then don’t pick him up because the more you pick him up the more he will be afraid thinking that anytime you come near him he will get picked up.
– Sit/lay next to him as often as you can while he is in his cage and either talk to him or sit there while reading a book or something.
– Offer him some pellets from you hand.
– Hang in there! It’s worth it .

[Author]

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