Scared BunBun

[BonBon]

just under 2 months ago I adopted a bunny from the rescue shelter. He is approx 2 years old.

I get that bonding and having them comfortable with you takes time, but he was sooo sweet and wonderful and open to caring at the shelter, that I had to have him. once I brought him home, he was timid naturally, but let me pet him, and not afraid. I’ve re arraged my whole room, and it’s now really his bedroom, and I get a littel corner of the room. I don’t mind that because I love him so much. the past week or so I’ve noticed that instead of getting more comfortable with me, he’s just terrified of me, he wont let me carry him, understandable, they dont all like that. so I’m not forcing it, but now even if I go to pet him, he will run like crazy away from me, or if I do manage to pet him, I can see that hes not relaxed, and is sort of in a ready to pounce kind of stance.

 I’ve tried giving him treats, and he has so many different toys, and I even extended his pen to twice the size so that when I’m not home he has more freedom to stretch out and move. and I thought that would make him not be so excited when I got home to just move around comfortably, but so that he would want to spend more time with me, then not… Really any advice on how to have him love me as much as I do him?

[LBJ10]

When did you rearrange the room? Perhaps he was settling down a bit only to have things disrupted again, making him uneasy. Another idea is that he was literally scared stiff when you first got him, so he seemed docile. Then he started to settle a little bit, still scared but now he’s willing to show it. Have you tried just laying on the floor with him and letting him approach you? Offering treats is a good idea. Maybe only offer them when he comes up to you on his own. Some bunnies take longer to warm up to people, so you just need to have some patience. I mean, 2 months really isn’t all that long. Especially if things were getting disrupted for him.

[LittlePuffyTail]

it’s now really his bedroom, and I get a littel corner of the room

This just made laugh. You are certainly bunny-whipped by your little angel. Welcome to the Club!

Do you know about your bunnies past?

My Olivia comes from an unknown, but most likely rough, previous home (or homes) and it took her over a year to feel comfortable with me. Not saying this will be the case with your bun but some bunnies take a long time to adjust. My best advice….spend lots of time sitting on the floor. Let bunny come to you. When he does reward with a pet (if he will allow) or a small treat.

Also, when approaching your bunny to pet him, approach from the side not the top (top is more predatory). And let bunny smell your hand before touching him. He may run away or come closer for pets.

I’m sure you will feel very loved before too long.

[BonBon]

Thanks, So basically just stay strong, and remember that he will eventually come around and become more comfortable.

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