New bunny problems

[zomkitty]

So hello everyone! I’m new to the forum so if this isn’t the right section please forgive me.

About a week ago I got a young rabbit from a pet store (yes i know, not the best choice of a place to get a bunny. I should’ve adopted but I am in love with this bunny~). When I first handled him he was okay but I strongly believe that’s because he was terrified but since getting him I haven’t been able to pet him at all or pick him up. I realize rabbits do not like to be picked up but in certain situations he needs to be (example: putting him back in his cage at night because he won’t do it on his own). But I’m mostly concerned with the petting aspect. I’ve had 3 rabbits in the past and all of them loved being gently handled and petted on their heads and behind their necks. 

His name is Tofu, by the way

He is social. If i lay down on the ground he will approach me and sniff at my face and hands. He runs around doing lots of binkies but he just does not want to be pet. He’s not a teeny baby either, he’s a few months old and I THINK (but am not sure) that he’s reached some form of puberty —- I’ll explain what I mean. There was a point when he first came home and was still very scared that i picked him up out of the box and into his cage and he well, ejaculated? on me. Unless there is some other unknown substance that isn’t pee that bunnies make when scared o_o;; reeeeeeeally feel awkward trying to explain that. But I fully intend on getting him fixed (just not sure when is the time).

So is there anything I’m doing wrong or could be doing to help the situation? He even chases the cats around but won’t let me pet him. Help please?

[NewBunnyOwner123]

This sounds quite normal for a young bunny coming into the puberty stages. I too got Sally from a pet store and I wouldn’t call her shy or skittish but she doesn’t like pets or being picked up. It’s been months since I’ve picked her up and she only lets me pet her when she’s eating or we are working on tricks. But when she’s playing, exploring, or even lounging shed rather be left alone lol she follows me around EVERYWHERE but she prefers my hands stay to themselves and I respect her boundaries and we have a tight little bond since she trusts me that I won’t invade her personal space.

To get him into his cage feed him his evening salad when it’s time for bed. Or a scoop of pellets. Now all I have to do is shake the bag and both my buns come running and jump in their enclosure for their pellets. That way I don’t have to hurt Sally’s feelings by picking her up.

You can feed him his salad by hand. It’s a good bonding method and while he is eating from your hand slowly pet him with your free hand. But honestly, he has only been there for a week. Give him some time to settle in. It took Sally nearly a month to just come out of her cage! Haha

[Irina]

You are already getting good advice- I just wanted to say I love his name!

[zomkitty]

Thanks guys :3 <3

[BerrySoda]

I think you have to sort of start off slow, not over handle him too much when you first get him when he is still frightened. Give him some days or a week or so to settle in and just get used to you petting at the most, and moving things around like his food etc.

Most of the articles I read about getting a new rabbit said to just leave them alone without picking them up at all at least for the first 3 days. Mine was like that, and from a pet store as well. I have had her two weeks, and gradually she has just become more and more comfortable around me with being petted and held.

Also, are you holding him close to you and supporting him when you hold him? and perhaps getting down on the ground at his level is a good idea. You might seem less scary that way. Rabbits are apparently afraid of heights. I usually try to get down low and pick her up, hold her to my body and then rise. And I also get down on my knees when I release her again gently.

Also perhaps you try calling him and holding out a treat so that he comes to you and associates you with a good thing. And could give some food or a treat and then pick him up and still hold it. So that that way, he will associate being picked up with a good outcome and not too scary.

[buddyboy]

Ive had my buddy for about 4 months now, and still refuses to be picked up.i give home sooooo much attention when im home,and we are very close.he only wants to be petted when he’s laying down, not if he’s exploring and running around.if im laying on my bed, he will jump up and sniff and nudge me then run off, this has two meanings…either I want to pay,or just saying hello.we have the best Relationship right now,i i have come to realize he will never want to be picked up.

[buddyboy]

Ive had my buddy for about 4 months now, and still refuses to be picked up.i give home sooooo much attention when im home,and we are very close.he only wants to be petted when he’s laying down, not if he’s exploring and running around.if im laying on my bed, he will jump up and sniff and nudge me then run off, this has two meanings…either I want to pay,or just saying hello.we have the best Relationship right now,i i have come to realize he will never want to be picked up.

[buddyboy]

Ive had my buddy for about 4 months now, and still refuses to be picked up.i give home sooooo much attention when im home,and we are very close.he only wants to be petted when he’s laying down, not if he’s exploring and running around.if im laying on my bed, he will jump up and sniff and nudge me then run off, this has two meanings…either I want to pay,or just saying hello.we have the best Relationship right now,i i have come to realize he will never want to be picked up.

[BerrySoda]

mm I think some animals are just very much affectionate but on their own terms it might be the way he always is.
I have a bird like that, he’s 14 and still will not tolerate being picked up despite trying gently since he was a baby, but the others don’t mind. He comes to you on your finger, head and shoulders when he likes, and sometimes he can be so affectionate and gorgeous and other times he nips your finger for no reason lol.

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