is this normal?

[t-dogg]

ok well let me start of by saying by rabbits name is bobo, he is approx 1 and 1/2 yrs old, we adopted him when he was about 12 months old from his previous owner (good owner) he is spayed and everything, but sometimes when I go to pick him up [when he’s outside of his cage] he will run away or hides under the couch, usually when he’s in a big room.. He don’t always do this like its 60% he’ll let me pick him up. Is this normal after being with a new owner for 5-6 months?
is he just shy or hates me?

[BinkyBunny]

Welcome t-dogg. It is absolutely normal. Actually most rabbits do not like to be picked up. There are a many that will tolerate it, and then a rare bunch that actually enjoy it. But rabbits, being prey animals, usually associate being picked up with being “caught”.

He’s had alot of change going on. New human companion and new home. Another aspect to prey animals, is to know their territory, and feel comfortable where they are, makes them feel safe. And even if change is to somewhere safe and loving, the rabbit will need time to get to know his area and you to feel safe.

So just give him time. Hang out on the floor with him. Have some healthy things for him to munch on when he comes over to you. Once he trusts and feels safe, then begin to pick him up. You’ll both need to get used to that for nail trims and such. And IF he liked it before, then once he trusts you, he may enjoy it with you too, but he also, like most rabbits, just prefer to have all four on the floor. So grab some pillows and hang out on his level.

Patience will pay off.

Keep us updated. Good luck to you.

[t-dogg]

Thanks for the reply,  well I have another question though, when he relaxes down in a big room, like you said to lay down by him; I do that but sometimes he will run away as if i were to pick him up.

[bunnyluvr]

Just stay down on the floor and eventually his curiosity will take over and he’ll come check you out. The main thing is to stay patient and try not to make sudden movements when he’s near.

[RabbitPam]

When you’re down there, don’t even bother to make eye contact. Watch TV or read a book. Be doing something while you totally ignore him. The you will start to be tickled with some curious whiskers. He’ll come to you.

Sammy hadn’t let me pick her up in months, and it is clear she is affectionate. She just doesn’t llike the sensation. So I was stunned last night when, during a thunder and lightening storm, I just unthinkingly scooped her up and she came willingly. I put her into her cage and that was that. I have had her now for 8 months, and she’s only just starting to equate me with safety. She’s always made it clear with kisses and snuggling on the floor that she is fond of me. It’s just bunnies don’t want to be airborne.

[t-dogg]

Thanks guys for the help, helped me alot..

[MarkBun]

Do you pick him up for a certain reason? Like to put him back into his cage? He could simply not want to go back in at that time and he’s associating picking up with going back to the cage. It’s like when both of my rabbits will turn tail and run away when I move either the shop vac or the pet carrier.

[t-dogg]

Haha, well most of him,  I pick him up to cuddle with him. But I did notice that he would rather be outside his cage than to be in it..

[katie, max & penny]

no worries, t-dogg! i’ve had my boy max for almost two months and after TONS of laying down (tummy down) on the floor, now he climbs all over me, on my back, grooms my hair, flops on my keyboard. Bobo will get there- give him time and neverending patience! and keep us updated!!

[BinkyBunny]

t-dogg- I should clarify – I didn’t mean try and pick him up now, but in about a month when he has had more time to get used to you.   You may find that he may never really like to be picked up (again very normal) so you may find a better way to bond – tThe great advice you have already received w/ A bunch of compfy floor pillows for you may be the answer.  Of course you will have to pick him up in certain situations, but you may not be able to cuddle with him in your arms as a regular way to bond with him. 

However, I have found that when bunnies feel safe and secure, the real enjoyment comes from watching their spirit shine.  Binky Mania and funny parts of their personality come out.  So in addition to them coming over to me and hanging out with me on the floor and nudging my hand for pets, they also can really show their personalities because they are not hiding or running away.   So, even if you find that your new  bunny is not a lap cuddlier,  I bet you will find other great ways to connect.  Keep us updated.

(Though, when I have to pick them up to clip their nails, I do take advantage of this time and give them a quick cuddle – can’t help it!)

[t-dogg]

haha thanks guys! He’s actually right on my lap as I’m typing this. Sometimes he will come to my lap and just you know try and smell me as i type something or when I sit on the couch he will come and smell me and try to figure out whats goin on..

[katie, max & penny]

that’s a great sign!! he loves you, don’t worry! bunnies can be fickle so don’t that get to you. Like BB said, you’ll see his amazing personality the more comfortable Bobo gets with you.

[t-dogg]

thx guys I’ll keep you guys posted

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