Rescue Rabbit

[madifatty]

I rescued a rabbit that was seriously hurt by a cage mate about 8 months ago. I was only supposed to be a temporary caretaker, but I fell in love with the guy and decided to adopt him. The vet said he couldn’t be bonded to other rabbits in his life. He is a lionhead, and so very small, and I’ve cleared a whole room, about 12x8ft for him to roam around at his leisure. I also spend some time in this room in the evenings reading and generally moving about. He is a very good rabbit, doesn’t chew the rugs, carpets, walls, or other things laying about (books, baskets, furniture).

 I just seem to be having the hardest time bonding to him. I hear him running and jumping sometimes at night, but whenever I am in the room he will sit under the coffee table and not do anything. He doesn’t really approach me, and I am reluctant to handle him because when I had to give him medicine and clean his wounds he would bite me, though when I (rarely) do he will sit with me awhile and let me pet him. Whenever I move around the room, he seems to panic and the will thump both back feet and stay on the opposite side of the room from me. I have supplied a lot of toys, cardboard boxes, paper, etc. I give lots of veggies, clean his litter box and cage often. I notice him sometimes laying down and stretching out, or cleaning himself if I have not moved about or made much noise in awhile, otherwise he seems so anxious. 

 Does anyone have any other ideas or thoughts about helping him bond to me?

[FrankieFlash]

I would start with having his area in the room you are in the most. So he can get used to you moving and your normal noises. The sitting on the floor, ignoring him thing works so keep doing that. Bring a book or computer to amuse yourself because it can take a long time. And maybe have a treat ready for when he does come to see you. A small bit of carrot or raisin/craisin bit.

[madifatty]

Thank you! I will try the treat idea, and stick to the same spot.

[peppypoo]

Aww, thank you for taking him in! Do you know how old he is, and whether or not he is neutered?

FrankieFlash made a great point with her suggestion to just hang out in his space. Bunnies are curious little things, and after he becomes more comfortable with you and his surroundings he’ll likely venture out of hiding to check you out, at which point you can reward him with some handheld treats .

[Author]

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