New Bunny, lots of questions!

[QPDoll]

Hello,

 

I have been reading your forum for a little while but first time posting. I decided I wanted a bunny a few years ago, and since then have done a lot of research online. I just got my bunny on Sunday and have a few questions that I hope you guys can help me with.

Grimm is a male Flemish Giant, 5 months old, intact (but not for long). He has a vet appt next week for the intro exam, then the week after for his neuter. I know that having him neutered will likely help with all my questions. Mostly I’d like to see where I can improve and if there are things I can do until then to help us have a good start.

 Bonding: He doesn’t seem fearful when we approach his enclosure or pet him, but he doesn’t seem to seek out interaction. I have started rewarding him with a leafy green and petting when he comes to me, and speak to him sweetly using his name often. Are there other ways I can entice him to want to interact?

 Holding: When I go to pick him up he sort of hunkers down and feels a bit trembly. Sometimes I can pick him up without him squirming/kicking, but even on those times he doesn’t seem to want to be held long. I pick him up like the breeder taught me, one hand on the head, the other under the chest, held closely to my body. I’ll attach a pic if I can figure out how. Ive also tried holding like a baby, both head over my shoulder and cradled. After a few seconds he calms, but really isn’t into being held long before he wiggles, kicks, and sometimes nips. Is this a trust issue? Him being freaked about new home/curious to explore? Age/hormones? Any advice on how to get him to enjoy being held?

Nipping: He seems to be quick to nip. He has done so while being held (before/during initial wiggling), while hopping around exploring (was mouthing my clothes then nipped), and just this morning when I stepped into his enclosure to pet him (nipped my feet). Except for the being held cases he doesn’t seem to be upset or scared. Is he just exploring with his mouth? I respond by making a high pitched OW noise to let him know he hurt me, but again, he doesn’t seem to really respond. Is this likely to reduce with time? Is there anything else I can do to discourage nipping during any of these times?

Thank you for any help you can give. I want my bunny to be happy and content in his new home

[tobyluv]

Rabbits can vary a lot in their interactions with people. I have had 9 house rabbits of my own, and have known countless rabbits at the sanctuary where I volunteer. Some of the rabbits do seek human contact – they like to nudge, lick, sit beside you or sit in your lap. Others, even though they may have lived with me for years, do not seek out that contact, although they do enjoy being petted or massaged. I respect the rabbit’s ways and don’t try to force interaction.

Most rabbits do not like being held, and will struggle, sometimes nip, when they are held. As prey animals, it scares them. They like to feel in control, not feel confined or captured. They are much more secure on solid ground. I do not pick up my rabbits, unless I am clipping nails, or they are going to the vet, or they need to be relocated in the house for some reason.

Some rabbits can be nippy. I already said that nipping can be common when a rabbit is held, and they don’t want to be held. Rabbits can nip playfully, or they can nip because they are irritated or mad about something. They can be very territorial, and some don’t like hands or bodies coming into their cage or territory. Nipping shows you that they don’t want you invading their space.

The nipping may slow down or even stop after the neuter surgery, but some rabbits will continue to be nippy. One of my rabbits likes to nip me occasionally, seemingly for no reason at all. Or maybe she has her reasons, like when my foot is in her pathway.

Don’t force holding or bonding with your rabbit. Be there for him and near him and hopefully he will seek out your company on his own.

[QPDoll]

Thanks, Tobyluv!

He seems to be getting more confident in our home, and is now more interested in the people (and cats) who inhabit it. While he still isn’t snuggling on the couch with me, he does look at me when I talk to him, and will often come up, sniff me, and stand still for petting.

As for holding we seem to be getting somewhere there too. One of the reasons I wanted a Flemish Giant is because I have read they are generally a very laid back breed and will tolerate (and often enjoy) cuddling and holding. Now when I hold him he is much quicker to relax, and has even fallen asleep in my arms. He still gets wiggly when startled or when I sit down, but we seem to be establishing a good foundation of trust.

He is still nippy on feet. Maybe I’m imagining it but they seem to be getting gentler, so I’m hopeful there too. They seem to be exploratory 100% now.

I think we are beginning to learn each others’ language. It’s been difficult for me, as I’m used to dogs and cats, so I’m having to learn new cues.

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