My bunnies don’t like to be pet

[alice&binkysmom]

I have had Alice and Binky for 2 months now. They are very friendly and about 5 months old. They sit in my lap and run up to me when I come into the room. They follow me around sometimes and nudge my feet. This is probably due to the fact that I give them treats when they come near me so they have associated me with food.

I am starting to worry that they will only ever like being around me if I am giving them treats. I can only pet/hold them if I am feeding them a snack. They come around me and lay near me when I am in the room, but usually will only allow me to pet them for more than a few seconds if there is a treat in my hand. They both seem to be okay with me touching them on their backs and Alice will let me pet her head sometimes, but mostly they will only trade their love for food.

I can hold both of them for about 10 seconds if I have treats to give them, but then they will start to struggle so I stopped trying because I didn’t want to scare them. I know most rabbits don’t like to be held so I don’t want to force that on them. I do want be able to hold them for a little longer for nail trimmings and such. I know that you need to go slow and work at their pace, but how can I get them used to being handled if I seldom try?

I understand that i have not had them very long and they are still young (Binky is neutered, Alice is not yet) but is this behavior normal? Does anyone have any tips on how I can teach them that pets are good even without the promise of treats?

[Limit]

Time plays a big factor, stroking them when they allow you to and accepting when they don’t want to be stroked. My bun Binky ( gotta love the name ) which I’ve had for 4 years now still will only accept head rubs when she wants them! Letting me know she’s had enough with a turn and flick of her back feet.

I think if you continue slowly stroking and encouraging with food they will come around. Some rabbits, though, are just like that

[Author]

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