rescued bunny dislikes me

[courtneyandcara]

I own two bonded rabbits; Courtney and Cara. Courtney is great, she loves me and I love her, but Cara on the other hand…not so much. I’ve had Courtney for a year and a half, and Cara for almost a year. I spend time with them almost all throughout the day since I’m working towards coaching as a career but I don’t have a steady job. Plus it’s generally how I like to spend my day, I’m a huge animal lover. I’ve tried things such as laying on the ground to get on her level so she isn’t scared of me, humming to communicate with her, hand-feeding her to building trust, etc. It feels like theres no hope left and I don’t know what to do. She runs from me, backs into corners if I make even slight movements, and hides at all times. I love her to death, I just want her to love me back. I’ve done so much research on how to bond with house rabbits, but I haven’t had any success. Is there any hope? 

No hate please, just a confused 18 year old girl here who is close to losing all hope. thanks so much for your help in advance!

(I am not the type to get rid of an animal, I see it as getting rid of a family member which is unrealistic. So no need to worry about that being a possibility.)

[Chrystie]

I’m assuming they are spayed since they are rescues. Many rescues do that prior to placing them. You sound like you are doing the right things and all I can contribute is to keep doing what you’re doing. I’m guessing that Cara actually does like you she is just a fearful anxious bunny. I have one of those. Our Moose has been with us since he was 12 weeks but still, he runs from us and is generally skittish. He’s bonded with his sister Nutmeg whom is the Alpha in our brood. Some bunnies are just naturally like that and I would encourage you to just relax and accept Cara as she is but don’t stop making an effort. She probably trusts you and loves you. Just like people, bunnies have their own personalities. Just let her do things in her own time. I found with Moose, when I just let go of what I wanted and let him come to me, even if only for one small pet of his soft fur as he hopped away as soon as he got there, he started approaching me more often but some days, not at all. Then I have two others that stand on their hind legs wanting me to pick them up as soon as they see me. Cara will also watch you with Courtney and pick things up. I noticed that as Nutmeg became more affectionate with me Moose was more willing to approach me.

So, just relax and keep loving them. Probably not very helpful but that’s all I have. Keep it up.

Chrystie

[courtneyandcara]

thank you so much for your help, that’s really reassuring to know that she probably does like me, and is just anxious. and unfortunately they were not spayed when I got them. I had to get that done myself. but they are spayed now.

[Bam]

We don’t hate here, we have strict rules against that. So don’t worry =)

I’m afraid I don’t have any other suggestions for you than what Chrystie has already offered. I have one shy bun who needed a year before he warmed up to me. He was a single bun – a bun that has a bonded mate might need even longer time to accept and trust a human. Since Cara has Courtney she doesn’t really “need” you for affection and company. That said, I do think time and persistence and LOTS of patience will win her over to at least some degree. Handling Courtney is probably a great way to convince Cara that you are not only harmless but actually quite nice. Contrary to what used to be believed about animals, they do learn quite a lot from observing the behavior of other animals (incl humans) around them.

This is, as I’m sure you realize, mostly a problem for you – Cara is probably perfectly happy, because she has Courtney. So you don’t have to feel guilty about her being skittish and fearful, she’s part of a little “flock” and that is very important for a bunny’s well-being and overall health.

PS: I don’t think she actually dislikes you. I think it’s more about lack of trust. Bunnies in nature can’t afford to be trusting, so they have deep instincts telling them to be sceptic. 

[courtneyandcara]

thank you so much for your help! I will continue to be patient with Cara and continue interacting with Courtney; in hopes she learns that I’m not to be feared.

[LBJ10]

I agree with Bam. She has Courtney so she doesn’t “need” you for affection. Therefore, she is probably slower in developing a trust with you. It sounds like they have a good bond, which is what’s most important since she is such a shy bun. I’m sure she will continue to improve, but you have to remember that she will probably never be as friendly as Courtney. This doesn’t mean she doesn’t like you, it’s just a part of who she is.

[LBJ10]

What have you hand-fed her? Is there something she REALLY likes that she can only have if she comes to you for it? Mine like banana. A lot. Okay, they’re addicted to it.

[courtneyandcara]

this is great to know! thanks everyone!

[courtneyandcara]

my buns love bananas as well! i usually hand feed them hay, carrots, strawberries or bananas.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Ditto Bam. Some buns take a long time to warm up to their person. My bridge bun Olivia took over a year before she really enjoyed my attention.

[courtneyandcara]

hopefully Cara will warm up to me soon then. I didn’t realize how long it could take, but I’m happy to hear that I’m not alone and that others have been in this situation as well.

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