My bunny so far…

[Mary]

Hey there! I’m Mary

I’ve been consulting this site for months but this is my first time using it. I got my first ever rabbit about four months ago. Her name is Ghibli.  She is/was about two years old. She hasn’t been held since she was a baby and was kept in a (filthy) cage, she didn’t even know how to get out of.  It took me weeks of lying on the floor to get her to approach me. 

About a week after I got her, I took her to her first vet appointment and she got a clean bill of health. The vet told me I could get her used to being held by wrapping her in a towel and holding her for ten minutes every night. I did it for about a week but she got scared of me again and so I had to build up her trust all over again. She stays in my room, having free rein of the floor and her cage is always open. She lets me pet her and rubs her chin on me when I present my hand to her.  The other day, she not only approached me but actually licked my hand!!  I’d like to start trying to pick her up again but I don’t want to break her trust.

The real cause for concern is the noises she makes at nighttime.  she makes two different ones: one is a breathy higher whine, like a dog’s whine. the second is a grunt/growley out breath. both only happens when shes lying on her belly with her feet out.

She also has what I call “fits.” she’s sitting either upright or in the loaf position and she closes her eyes and breathes so hard I can hear it from the other side of the room.  She shakes/ rocks and her face twitches.  I think it might be bad dreams but I wanted to ask your opinion.

Thank you!

[Niamian]

Uff that sounds to me like she might be in some sort of pain. Its strange though because she makes these noise only when she seems to be relaxing.
Has she been doing it before the vet visit and if so what did the vet say? If not you might want to take her again for another check up.

On the other hand, Im not quite sure did I understood you properly. Is that growling when she sleeps like grinding teeth? If so it might just mean your bun is being happy. Thats how bunny purr sounds like.

And about pick up I would suggest just give her time. Even though, some bunnies just dont like to be picked up, and some as mine actually like it. Though far as I understand it first group is more common. Just don’t force it. Picking up or not she has started feeling more relaxed and showing you her love trough bunny kisses (liking your hand).

And I really hope some more experienced bunny human will see this and help you more because I know how it’s like to worry about your fluffy little friend.

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