New bunny

[Bunnylove]

I’ve recently got a 5 1/2 month old mini lop. (Week ago) He’s my 3rd bunny over the years. This bunny is completely different to my other bunny’s. He loves to shoot around doing bunny 500s, he loves to flop out and chill. He doesn’t like being picked up, which I have to do to get him out of his home. He doesn’t like being stroked, sometimes will let me stroke his head for a few minutes. Was thumping this morning very loudly as he heard I was up and wanted feeding. Sometimes he turns his back to me. We get foot flicks too, but the other day he was doing his foot flicks at no one. I was just watching him from the door. I’m wondering if it’s a happy thing with him? Do you think he will accept the stoking eventually? Because I’ve taken him from his home, was thinking he might be upset, hence the bunny butt. He’s happy and enjoying himself so don’t know what it’s about.

[DanaNM]

Hi there, welcome!

That’s great he is already doing zoomies and flops, sounds like he’s pretty relaxed already! How long have you had him?

Most bunnies do not like being picked up. Is there any way you can allow him to get from his cage to his play area without picking him up? Maybe by making a ramp or some steps for him? Or moving his cage to make that happen? I think that will really help!

The less you can pick him up, the more he will start to trust you. Best is to just chill on the floor with him, and pretty much ignore him, aside from hand feeding greens and treats. This starts to build trust. Once he will chill on the floor near you, you can try a little pat here and there. It will help if your body language doesn’t look like you are about to scoop him up. I just adopted a new bun about a month or so ago and just last night (!!!) she started accepting pets and seeming like she’s enjoying them. 🙂 I only pick her up for nail trims, but at the shelter she was so used to being scooped up she thought every time I reached for her she was going to get scooped!

The foot flicking is usually what buns do when they are annoyed, but that said my other bun will run around thumping and being crazy every night. I think he is “defending” his territory from potential “invaders” lol.

. . . 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.  

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