New bunny advice

[LuluRabbit]

Hi! Longtime lurker of BinkyBunny, parent of one 4 year old bun named Alfredo (some sort of Netherland/English spot mix from the shelter) and soon one 8 week old Holland lop!

I’ve been caring for my Alfredo for about 3 years now, and am familiar with how to interact with him, but this is my first time with a baby, and I’m not sure how different it’ll be. Alfredo has gotten more affectionate over the years (he likes to come to my bed for pets at night) but mostly likes to keep to himself. I was hoping this new bun will be more laid back and snuggly (though I understand every bun is an individual and ultimately you need to respect whatever their personality is).

Does anyone have advice for how to best help a baby adjust to a new place, and how to best encourage them to want to spend time with me? Should I try to interact with him immediately, or keep a distance for his adjustment? Currently Alfredo has his own room which is connected to mine, and he has free roam in my room during the day. The new bun has a set up (play pen + play pen extension, plus hopefully supervised free roam in room) in the living room to keep them separate, at least for now before he gets neutered and we can begin the bonding process. I’m providing unlimited small pets select pellets and Timothy/Alfalfa hay until he’s an adult (when he will switch to 1/8 cup pellets + Timothy hay + 2 cups veggies introduced slowly). Anything I’m missing? I’m kind of nervous to take care of such a young bun. Thank you!

[LBJ10]

I would give the new bunny some time to adjust to their new home. After all, some are more skittish than others. Once baby is settled, you can start building a bond with him just as you would an adult rabbit. Sit quietly nearby and wait for baby to come to you. Ignore him at first. His curiosity will get the better of him. Try hand feeding “treats” (pellets for young bunnies, as it would be too soon for fruit and such). Don’t force pets, let that come naturally as he begins to trust you. I’ve found that most babies are more interested in exploring than being pet. So don’t be offended if he doesn’t sit still for very long.

[HipHopBunny]

Another relaxing method is to play some soft music, like soft piano, or natural. It tends to relax rabbits. When I play it with mine they will just sit there, mesmerized. 🙂 Some like to read to their bunnies so that they can get used to your voice.

Your bunnies are very lucky to have a good bun mom like you, who wants to actually bond with them. 🙂 I wish you the best of luck (and no stubborn bunnies! 😉 )

[Wilburbunny]

Hello! I have a Holland lop too and he was a little baby not too long ago! Sadly they grow up so fast😭 but slowly he has gotten so much more affectionate and cuddly. The individual personality of your bun will definitely determine how you first approach him. Wilbur for example is super sassy and energetic and was practically begging to explore as soon as I brought him home. Like LBJ10 said, babies loveeeee to explore and don’t really care about pets. This was 100% true with Wilbur. He didn’t stand still long enough for me to pet him for like 2 weeks. During this time I would just sit on the floor while he explored and sometimes he would come over and sniff at me. My bun doesn’t have a skittish bone in his body but I know most buns do. Just make sure you don’t force your baby out of hiding or his pen and don’t try to pick him up much for awhile. Wilbur slowly chilled out more though as he got familiar with my bedroom and began standing still long enough for me to pet him. After about two months he would always lay next to me on the floor and follow me everywhere. I also started teaching him small tricks (like standing up on his hind legs) and I think that also helped us bond. For treats I gave pellets but also oats because he had access to unlimited pellets so he didn’t get too excited about those. The main difference between babies and adults is puberty so don’t be surprised when your babies personality changes (although Wilbur didn’t have a bad puberty). Also, you will have to litter train, so if I were you I wouldn’t let him free roam for toooooo long at the beginning…

Anyways, Wilbur is 6 months old today and I couldn’t be happier with how he turned out☺️ Sense you already have experience with Alfredo, I’m sure everything will go great!

[LuluRabbit]

Thanks everyone for the advice! We actually just picked him up!! So far I’ve seen him drink from his bowl, eat pellets, and eat hay and pooped in the litter… so I’m happy he’s at least healthy and properly adjusting. He’s really scared of us though and mostly is in his hidey house! But basically I’m just staying quiet and watching him from afar while working, so I’m hoping he’ll warm up to us in the next weeks 🙂

[HipHopBunny]

It always takes some time to build a bond with a bun, so don’t get discouraged! You are doing the right thing, letting him adjust and not rushing into trying to bond with him. You are going to be an excellent bun mom for him. 🙂

[pinkiemarie]

Yay I’m so happy he’s doing well! Give him time and he’ll be your BFF soon 😀

[Wilburbunny]

So glad to hear he’s doing well! Please send some pics!!!

[LuluRabbit]

Yay! I will try to post pics (we caught him splooting just earlier!), still figuring out how to use the forum haha.

[HipHopBunny]

It took me a while to be able to post pictures, too! 😉 You add photos into your profile, then you click the ‘add media’ button in the corner, pick your pic and insert it into the topic. I look forward to seeing pictures of the beautiful baby! 🙂

[LuluRabbit]

Oh got it! Here he is 🙂

[Wilburbunny]

OMG HE IS SOOOOOO CUTE!!!❤️❤️❤️

[DanaNM]

SO CUTE!

@Wilburbunny he looks like he could be Wilbur’s brother!

. . . 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.  

[Wilburbunny]

Lol you’re right!

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