Timid Flemish Giant

[Mcqueen1897]

I’ve had my male Flemish Giant for about a month now and can’t seem to get him to warm up to me. He’s almost 7 months old and was neutered 3 days into me having him. I’ve never caged him(except for travel) and allow him to free roam in my very large bedroom. Since the first day I brought him home he’s hid himself under my bed and spends most of the day under there. I set up a litter box across the room, which he does use to do his business and snack on hay, but only really feels comfortable doing this when I’m not in the room or am asleep. He will creep out from under the bed every so often, but if I happen to enter the room, or stand up from my bed he quickly retreats to his hiding place. I try whenever I can to nestle up or sit on the floor to make him more comfortable approaching me, but he never steps foot out from under the bed unless I’ve replaced his food bowl with fresh pellets. He also is never tempted by any veggies or fruit I offer him. I’ve tried to minimize picking him up( as I don’t want to traumatize him) except for the few instances I needed to transport him to the vet. I was hoping someone had some advice on how to be a better rabbit parent, as I care for him dearly. I also own a 6 month old female Rex Rabbit( which I keep in another room since she is not yet spayed), and she became completely attached and comfortable with me after only 2 weeks of having her. I know the Flemish Giants tends to be more docile( and perhaps less affectionate), but I would love for my Flemmie to feel comfortable at least interacting with me so he doesn’t feel the need to stay hidden in one spot all day. Any input would be much appreciated.

[Sirius&Luna]

It’s great that he’s free roam! But, it’s still important that he has his own space that he can retreat to. I’m guessing your bedroom is making him feel a bit overwhelmed, so he’s found a hidey spot and is sticking to it. Perhaps you could make him a caged area (you can make it so it has a permanently open door, or make one out of grids with a permanently open section) where his litter tray, food and water live, and perhaps a big cardboard box for hiding in. I think it will make him more secure if he has some space of his own, where all his things are.

Lots of bunnies do take a while to warm up their humans it sounds like you’re doing everything right, so I think it’s just going to be a matter of time for him to come out of his shell. Try doing your usual activities while lying on the floor so he can approach you – read a book or watch tv on the floor and don’t try and pet him if he comes near you at first

[Bladesmith]

What S&L said.  He’s feeling overwhelmed.  He’s gone from a place he was raised and felt safe in, to a new place and a vet visit, and back to a large, wide open space he’s not sure of and doesn’t trust.

My suggestion?  Go back to basics.  Give him a smaller, more personal space he can “claim” as his own (and treats), and feel safe and comfortable in, then slowly open him up to free roaming as he exhibits more curiosity and comfort with more space.   Make sure to give him lots of time with you (and treats) so he associates you with fun and happy things (And treats!) and so will want to come out and explore and be with you.

And since I’m a HUGE fan of Flemmies and giant buns, could you post some pictures?  Pretty, pretty please?  (And treats!)

[Mcqueen1897]

Thank you Sirius&Luna and Bladesmith! I think my impatience was getting to me, but I definitely do value his feelings and sense of comfort above all else right now, so I will just continue to give him his space and hope he comes around. I did consider that it might have been overwhelming to start free roam right away( as the breeder I got him from appeared to keep him confined in a smaller cage ).I plan on going to the store today to look for one of those child-sized tents that he can freely leave in and out of, but still call home. In the meantime I’ll keep showering him with his favorite food ( He loves pellets), and hope he recognizes all the good things I’m providing for him. As for the picture, I tried uploading one with the original post but could not find any that met the size requirements, but I’ll definitely try and compress a couple and upload them sometime today. I would love for you to see my beautiful baby thanks again!

[FlemishDad]

You can divide his pellets into more but smaller feedings and give them when you are around lying on the floor so he learns to think of you as the bringer of treats faster.

[Valerie]

Flemmies are the best! Just give him time. My guy was shy at first but nothing phases him now. I have had him for 2 years and he is free roaming during the day, large dog crate at night.
His crate is his den and he retreats there many times throughout the day. He is the most layed back pet I have ever had. It took many months for him to come around but now he seeks us out and entertains us with his largeness.

[Bladesmith]

This thread is worthless without pics. We don’t have nearly enough Flemmie pics.

[Three Little Bunnies]

I don’t have a Flemish, but I did meet a sister pair at a rabbit shelter once. So so cute! (And enormous)

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