New Enviornment

[Michelle]

We have a mini lop (male not neutered) He just turned one year old and we recently moved from ND to SC. While in ND he was caged unless we were playing with him. He was friendly and didn’t mind being held or petted until you went to place him on the floor. Since moving he has ownership of our sunroom which we open during the day allowing him access to the house. Each day he behaves more and more feral. He doesn’t desire to be picked up causing scratches to family members and will run when he hears voices or if anyone attempts to pet him. We have had him since he was removed from his mom and I do not want to have to rehome any ~~ any suggestions on how to discover the pet rabbit versus just living with a potty trained wild rabbit?

[Deleted User]

stop picking him up for one thing. he’s not neutered. that’s half your problem. he’s hormonal. as he ages he won’t enjoy being picked up and the more you do that when he doesn’t like the more he will not trust you. that’s not behaving feral. that’s him not liking what you’re doing. bunnies are prey animals and don’t enjoy being picked up. that’s a misconception that they do. hormonal bunnies are not feral. they are hormonal. if the hormonal behavior bothers you get him neutered.

[Harley&Thumper]

I would recommend neutering him, that should calm him down a bit. It’s important to remember that most rabbits don’t want to be picked up.

[Surmom]

Agreed, neutering him is the best option for long term results. I know they are cute and cuddly but mine too has to be in the mood to be held (female and is fixed) but she LOVES when we lay on the floor with her. She will come right up to your hang and nudge you to pet her. Try getting on his level and letting him gradually come to you.

[Wick & Fable]

In addition to considering hormones, remember that it is a new environment, so he may feel insecure and not as comfortable yet. Give him space and time to feel secure in the new environment before interacting with him as before. I do agree that picking him up should be done sparingly and not a part of a cuddle routine if that’s what you do, as he is communicating he no longer enjoys it. As rabbits get older, they become more driven by their hormones, so it’s not as easy to socialize with them as they were when they were younger. This is why both neutering and adapting to your rabbit’s changes is important.

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.

[DaisyMae]

When we first got our bun, she didn’t mind being held, but as time went on, she liked it less and less, and now if we even attempt to lift her off the ground, she scampers away. However, we spend a lot of time sitting on the floor, hand feeding her veggies, and just playing. She loves attention, and to be petted and snuggled .. as long as her feet remain planted on the ground. Spend time with him in his new environment. You both have to get used to the new normal, but it doesn’t mean he can’t be an enjoyable pet. He is probably feeling a bit insecure right now.

Our bun is very happy and affectionate, but she definitely likes her routine and familiar spaces. Also, when anyone walks into a room she is in, it helps if we don’t walk in quietly … that scares her. We always enter the room talking so she knows it’s us. It may help if you do that, so he knows he is in a safe place. I really think he’ll adjust, but you just have to get used to the fact that he no longer wants to be picked up.

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