Jealousy

[Phil]

Our house rabbit passed away a few months ago
and recently I adopted a gorgeous lop for my girlfriend
because she missed having a rabbit around.

In the early days I put a lot of effort into “speaking bunny” to her
Because I heard that she prefers to be solo. I thought it would
Help her settle in. It worked. We bonded quite quickly and she’s
Very friendly and active.

But

Despite me telling my girlfriend all the things I did to bond,
The rabbit doesn’t like her. She will tolerate a stroke until I’m
in the room, then she will run to me, kicking up at my girlfriend as she goes

It really upsets my girlfriend that even when we’re sat together on sofa,
Mardy Mable will come and sit on me with her back turned to my girlfriend.

Please, is there any way I can get the rabbit to like my girlfriend without
Me being more cold to the rabbit? My girlfriend is now in charge of food, water and treats
In an attempt to make friends. So far, Mable doesn’t care……

Any advice welcome, it’s been weeks with no change in behaviour

Thanks,
Phil

[Deleted User]

She will need to spend a lot of time with the rabbit. You two have a strong bond (you and the bun lol) and it will take some time to get her warmed up to your girlfriend. She should spend time on the floor at the bunnys level for at least 1-2 hours a day, and feed any treats/ veggies by hand. She should always be calm around the bun and never try to pick her up. Other than that, time and patience is what it will take!

[12345ABCDE]

Sometimes bunny’s just pick a favourite person…of course the more nice things your gf does (feed treats, play with toys, pet her if she likes that) the more chance there is that your bun will develop a relationship with her. It’s not guaranteed tho – my bunnies aren’t really fans of my partner and we’ve had the bunnies for 10 months!

[Deleted User]

Have her sit on the floor with the bun and not attempt to pat her or touch her. Just lay there. The buns natural curiosity will eventually take over. If she doesn’t try to pat Mable, and just lets her explore, Mable will probably go near her more. When Mable is more comfortable, she can do a few pats then stop, that way Mable gets used to her touch.
Some buns just bond better to the person who was primarily taking care of them. My boys will let me nose rub and pat for hours. I also clean their cages and feed them and spend more time on their level. My husband will try to pet for a bit, and they hop away after a few minutes. He also isn’t on their level enough or doing a ton of stuff for them. They just know.

[Deleted User]

I second the others as well! My buns are much more receptive of me than my husband. He would rather do something else around the house… I would rather snuggle on the floor with buns! I think they can sense that I truly care about them and they know they are safe with me

Side note: Asriel & Bombur I have never seen your buns til now!!! So adorable!!!

[Wick & Fable]

Letting her give your rabbit the treats and food will help a lot. You’ll need to let her know she needs to spend more time with the new rabbit! It’ll take some time, but a rabbit’s love is never only limited to one person.

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.

[Phil]

Thanks, the rabbit often jumps on the sofa when I’m sat o the floor so she’s at my head height, I encourage my girlfriend to do the same. I’m sensing time will be the main factor. I can go and read elsewhere so it’s just those two alone. But I’ll miss my best friend ?

Thanks for the advice guys. More tips welcome x

[Deleted User]

I think it will definitely take some time, but I don’t think you should isolate yourself from bun! She’s obviously very attached to you so you don’t want to “offend” her. I say it that way because sometimes my bunny literally acts like I’ve offended her. Sometimes I get rabbitude if things don’t go her way! Maybe you can help foster their relationship. If she snuggles up to you have your gf sit next to you and you can start off petting her but then transfer petting rights to the gf. Maybe bun will notice, but maybe she wont lol

[Deleted User]

Wait, unless by best friend you meant your girlfriend not the bun XD

[Deleted User]

Thanks BunNoob they’ve sadly grown so much since then. Almost senior buns now!

I agree with everyone else about feeding her by hand. That’s how I started getting Asriel’s trust, as he was a very shy bun. Now he’ll sit with me as long as he’s out.

[Author]

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