New Bunny hiding. Should I worry?

[Shelberto23]

My boyfriend and I got a new rabbit. Shes maybe 3/4 years old. We brought her home and she’s kinda shy and scared. She’ll stay under the bed for long periods of time coming out just to eat, drink, or for a quick hop. If my boyfriend or I get out of bed while she’s in the room or move, she’ll run right back under the bed. She comes out when she thinks we’re gone. The family we got her from said they had a child that would chase her and scream alot. I figured she was just anxious from all of that/ being taken from her home. Is this normal? Will she get used to us? What should we do to help?

[Wick & Fable]

It’s definitely normal, especially because of her poor background with kids. She will get used to you, but it may take a lot of time.

I recommend doing what you can to show that while you are present in her space, you will respect her space. Spending time on the floor and doing activities to yourself is a great way to start instilling that. If the rabbit approaches you, let her sniff you and don’t feel pressured to try and reach out to her because it may spook her. She may not want to go near you for a while, but if she’s able to realize you will not constantly try and “attack” her, as the child in the past did, that will make her come out of her shell more.

Handfeeding pellets or food can be good too.

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.

[Shelberto23]

Thank you so much! I figured it was okay, I just worry about her. We’ve been trying to take turns sitting or laying on the floor for awhile, it seems to help alot.

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