Originally a meat rabbit, now my pet.

[justlookingforhelp]

My rabbit was born as a meat rabbit. Lived with others who were taken away in front of him. So you can imagine how hard it is for me to try and bond with him. He also has a permanent head tilt, and one blind eye. I love him so much, but I am worried he has no interest in doing anything on his own.
He will let me come right up to him and pet him. He wont even flinch anymore. He will ask me to continue petting him with his nose as long as I am lying right next to him. He will move to eat treats, and will even sleep in my presence and let me snuggle him.

All this is fine, as long as I am the one going to him. Given the choice he will never take a step towards me for anything less than tasty treats and then get right back away. He is so comfortable and relaxed, he purrs when I pet him and likes it, but wont move away from the wall, and towards me on his own.

My question is, how do I get him to have enough courage to move about and explore, maybe even approach me on his own. Keep in mind he was originally so scared that I could not get 20 feet close without him running full speed. And we made this much progress on just 3 days (a bit proud of that, I am). Maybe this is too fast. I dont know. My first real pet rabbit.
If you have any advice, it would be much appreciated.

[Deleted User]

You’re expectations are a tad high. It’s great that he’s already feeling comfortable enough to eat out of your hand and let you pet him for long periods of times, but bunnies can take a long time to settle in. Some bunnies can take months or longer until they feel comfortable. He’ll eventually move on his own and explore. Some bunnies are overwhelmed in a new environment, which is understandable, so you really just need to give him time.

[sarahthegemini]

Aw, how lovely that you’ve bought him from a meat farm into a loving home I think you’ve made great progress already by the sounds of things. Just be patient and he’ll come around. He needs time to learn that he is safe, which could take a few weeks or even months. Every bunny is different, and if he takes a while it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. Just keep at his pace

[Mikey]

Thank you for taking him in!

Give it time. My Bombur came from a pretty normal breeder (although separated too early) but it still took him over two years to finally “open up” fully around my boyfriend and I. He would explore and accept pets from us, but he was easily startled, nervous, and would not come close without top toeing and investigating to ensure youre a safe person. He cannot be around strangers as he will start to panic. New people need to be introduced to him very slowly.

The fact your little guy is allowing pets (and even asking for them!), cuddles, snuggles, food from your hands, ect all show that he is very trusting of you. Im not really sure what more you can ask for from him. Let him keep the pace he is comfortable at

[Author]

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