Our scitterish baby buns

[Jack&Lola]

We have two 8 week old Netherland dwarfs that we have had for about a week now and they are quite scitterish, they hate being picked up and can be petted and don’t particularly not like it but they don’t seem to fall asleep or relax like a lot of people on here say theirs do, we were just wondering if there’s a particular way we should be patting them or how to make them more cuddly and how we can make them like being close to us, they are always full of energy and sprinting around and binkying constantly and aren’t scared of us, they just don’t exactly enjoy being cuddly. Any help would be greatly apprectiated. Also we were wondering what the best kind of toys for Netherland dwarfs, we’re trying to keep them entertained and learning as much as we can

[sarahthegemini]

Posted By Jack&Lola on 9/18/2017 4:35 AM

We have two 8 week old Netherland dwarfs that we have had for about a week now and they are quite scitterish, they hate being picked up and can be petted and don’t particularly not like it but they don’t seem to fall asleep or relax like a lot of people on here say theirs do, we were just wondering if there’s a particular way we should be patting them or how to make them more cuddly and how we can make them like being close to us, they are always full of energy and sprinting around and binkying constantly and aren’t scared of us, they just don’t exactly enjoy being cuddly. Any help would be greatly apprectiated. Also we were wondering what the best kind of toys for Netherland dwarfs, we’re trying to keep them entertained and learning as much as we can

It’s very possible that they just aren’t cuddly buns that want to be petted and you have to respect that – you can’t force it. Having said that, you’ve only had them for a week so they might like to be pet as they become more comfortable around you and in their new home. My Peanut took months – I thought he didn’t like being touched but he just needed more time. Now he likes attention and often approaches me for petting. Once he’s had enough,  he’ll hop away  

If your rabbits aren’t enjoying it, just stop it. Go at their pace, not yours. You have to be patient with bunnies. It can be hard to resist the temptation to pet them but the more they see that you’re not going to bother them – the quicker they’ll find comfort in your presence. 

Bunnies as a rule do not like being picked up. It terrifies them so please stop picking them up. It’ll just make them scared of you.

[sarahthegemini]

Oh and for toys – try baby toys! Stacking cups, bowling pins, giant legos etc

[joea64]

And those plastic key rings. From the testimony of a lot of house rabbit people, those toys are huge hits with buns – they love to grab ’em in their teeth and whap them around with abandon!

[Deleted User]

I’ve had my buns since the end of May, and Asriel is still kind of skittish and will only accept nose rubs on his terms and timing. He has to have been binkying a lot and laying in his litter box, then nose rubs are very welcome. It took a lot of time being on the floor with him not moving or touching him, and letting him come to me. Now he’s a love bug when given the chance. In the morning he always goes to the cage and greets me then begs for nose rubs.
Bombur on the other hand, was extremely outgoing the moment we brought him home. He was bouncing around everywhere and was climbing all over us and begging for cuddles.
One thing I did, and I’m glad I did, was I emailed the breeder about Asriel. I asked what he liked and disliked. With patience and her advice, Asriel opened up slowly. You’ve only had them a week, they’ll come around. Right now they’re probably scared and confused. They’ve just been taken from their mom and the only home they’ve ever known.

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