New to this whole rabbit thing

[Kinder]

Long story short, my friend decided she wanted a rabbit then got pregnant and couldn’t keep her. She gave her to a friend that swore up and down she would be taken care of. Well she wasn’t. She was never let out of her cage, she wasn’t fed the proper diet, never socialized, never given chew toys or mineral blocks, her cage was filthy and chewed to threads, and her nails were so long the ones that hadn’t broken off were curving in. So, this lady is moving and calls my friend to come and pick the rabbit up. In turn, I get a call. Can I house the rabbit until we find a home for her. Sure why not. I have had her for 2 1/2 days. The first day, I took her to get her nails cut, bought her a chew toy and a mineral block, and bought her tons and tons of fresh organic veggies. Her favorite seems to be broccoli. Ok, back to my situation. Yesterday, she was fine. Let us pet her, pick her up, no issues at all. Well today, she started huffing at me and running from me. Her new favorite hiding spot is the bottom shelf of my daughters changing table, so I pulled all of the bibs and shoes out and laid some towels down so she wouldn’t ruin the wood. She was freaking out when I tried to pet her, let alone pick her up. I take her inside at 7am and put her back at 7 pm so it’s not like she isn’t having time to run around. She just doesn’t. She sits in the changing table all day. I can’t leave her out 24/7 because I have a dog that is very curious and 2 cats. I am not keeping her, but I am being very selective on who she will go with. I refuse to give her to someone who knows nothing about rabbits, or will just think she can stay in her hutch till she dies.

So, is this normal behavior for a rabbit? If not, is it because she was neglected, and will she become sweet again?

[LBJ10]

Completely normal. She was probably terrified when you first brought her home. That’s probably why she let you pick her up. She was simply scared stiff. Now that she realizes you’re not going to hurt her, she is starting to show her little bunitude. I would give her more time. She is likely still scared, but not scared enough to protest. She probably feels secure under the changing table. I would let her get used to her surroundings and then try hand feeding her treats or pellets to get her to warm up to you a bit.

[gingerg]

Concur with LBJ; I suspect she was so scared on the first day, she just froze. Now she’s found a sheltered spot and is trying to claim it for her own. I’d say just leave her to it. Eventually, she’ll be come comfortable enough to come out a bit, but right now, that space is making her feel safe.

Bless you for taking care of this animal. I can’t believe what some humans will do to other living things.

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’ve had my Olivia for 6 years and your bunny is acting just like she does. Females are very territorial of their space, especially if they are unspayed. 2 and 1/2 days is not long enough for her to feel comfortable with your or your home. She needs time to adjust and learn to trust you.

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