New bunny- have some questions & more

[Zoe]

I was going to get a bunny to bond with my current bunny Leo in the summer. Well, I fell in love with this one mini lop and decided to get her. I have Leo and her cages next to each other for pre-bonding and until I get them both fixed, so bonding isn’t going to start anytime soon. I would love some tips on bonding as well. So the new bun is really sweet and loves to be pet and chillax. I have given her a couple days to settle down in her new home. I know when bonding with a bunny you aren’t supposed to pick them up, but I want her to get used to being picked up. I Don’t know her age, but she is pretty small so I would say she is fairly young and read that when handling bunnies young then they will be more likely to like to be held. I have only held her a couple of times, but when you first pick her up she doesn’t really seem to like it, but when she is in your arms sitting there being petted she seems to enjoy it. I don’t want handling her to effet our bonding, but I want her to get used to being picked up. So, what should I do? Also, does any one have name suggestions (See picture below)? One last thing. I will probably make another post about this, but Leo’s stomach makes noise when he moves. I don’t know how to explain it, it is just one sound his stomach makes when he moves. It doesn’t make this noise when is sitting or moving slightly. He doesn’t seem to be in pain and loves running around his new pen. Should I be worried? Does anyone have suggestions for what it is?  It’s been going on for a while, but as I said he is still same old happy, always getting into trouble Leo. Do you think I should take him to the vet? Thank you for your responses! 

[Dface]

Is there a specific reason you’ll need to get her used to being picked up?

Most rabbits hate being handled and it’s very much a personality thing as to whether they’ll actually tolerate it. Some rabbits are grand and will allow it(though not like it) others will kick up such a fuss that it isnt worth it.
To be honest, picking your rabbit up will probably only teach her to fear you (If every time you saw someone and they did something you didnt like you’d quickly learn to avoid them right?)
Personally I avoid handling rabbits as much as is possible. They are delicate creatures, and can so easily damage themselves if they panic.
Im sorry this seems like a rant but I honestly discourage unnecessary handling of rabbits.

Also anything to do with a tummy noise would worry me enough to go to the vet with it, I wouldnt risk it being something bigger!

Btw she’s such a little cutie!!

[joea64]

For my own part, I try not to pick Panda or Fernando up unless I need to, for instance, if Fernando, who is mischievous that way, has gotten out of the X-pen and needs to be herded back in, but even then I prefer to gently chivvy him along by petting him on his rump to get him hopping in the direction I want him to go (as you probably know, most buns dislike being touched on their bums). If you want to snuggle or cuddle with your new little one (what’s her name?), I recommend floor sessions instead. Bunnies are ground-bound creatures that prefer to keep their paws on the floor at all times, so getting down to her level and letting her set the pace will keep her comfortable and happy.

[Zoe]

Thanks for the advice! I will just have to play with her on the floor. She does love sitting on laps and being petted! I don’t know what I am going to name her yet. I plan on scheduling a vet appointment today about the noise in Leo’s his stomach. 

[Deleted User]

OMG he looks just like my Quincy!!! Twins!!

[Deleted User]

[Deleted User]

Posted By BunNoob on 9/18/2017 10:11 AM
OMG he looks just like my Quincy!!! Twins!!

I saw a bunny in the pet shop on Sunday who was the double of Quincy. Very adorable

[Deleted User]

I see him everywhere lol!! I guess that broken pattern is quite common! Sweet little fluffs

[joea64]

Posted By BunNoob on 9/19/2017 11:50 AM

I see him everywhere lol!! I guess that broken pattern is quite common! Sweet little fluffs

It really is, and not just on lops. My Panda has a very similar pattern in black and white, including exactly the same “mustache”.

[Deleted User]

I love the ‘stache!!

[joea64]

I really do wonder if all these brokens get their patterns from the English Spot (which is, after all, one of the oldest domestic breeds). Panda herself was originally identified as a dwarf/English Spot mix before I worked out that she and Fernando are probably Polish.

[Author]

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