Update: How can you help an overly timid bun?

[Baxter n Boos Mom]

As I said below, my husband wanted to start Xpening both Baxter and Boo in the living room – to 1) get Boo comfortable in the living room again, and 2) get Baxter to accept Boo in the living room,

Well we’ve been doing this every day for < 1 week - and this evening, both boys were hanging out in the living room, without the Xpen, and Baxter was not chasing Boo!  I’m so excited that we’re making progress with these boys.

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When speaking with a lady at our local HRS chapter about potentially adopting a girl bun to add to my two boys, I described Baxter as being aggressive/dominant, and Boo as very timid – to the point where he never stands up for himself.  She  disagreed with using terms like aggressive/dominant to describe bunnies – as they are all prey animals.  But she said that Boo’s behavior was more than just accepting his position in the hierarchy, and said that he may not be well adjusted – which I believe may be true, as he never stands up for himself. 

Baxter sets the rules -and Boo just follows.  And it’s gotten to the point where Baxter no longer allows Boo outside the man cave.  We live in a condo – that my brother-in-law describes as 1 big living room, with 2 tiny rooms attached.

How do we build Boo’s confidence?  We thought a third bunny might help the dynamics – and the main reason we are considering adopting a girl bun.

Today my husband thought that it might be better to Xpen both boys in the living room – so Baxter learns to accept the fact that Boo is allowed in the living room.   Baxter’s been chasing Boo, and Boo is trying to keep sanctuary under my desk as I work.  I clap to stop the chasing – but should I allow it?     

Any suggestions on how to make life more fair for my sweet Boo bun?

[Sarita]

It just sounds like to me that Baxter is the more dominant rabbit – even prey species have a leader (although Baxter may be more the dictator LOL).

What is Boo like when he is out of his area by himself without Baxter? It may not be that he is behavior is only affected by Baxter and he’s not timid just not trusting of Baxter.

I do wonder if a 3rd rabbit would help or would Baxter treat her the same as Boo….that is just a situation that is impossible to know I think. It’s an interesting idea though and if it would “level the playing field” then it might be good.

[Baxter n Boos Mom]

Thanks for your thoughts Sarita. And I agree with you – that even prey animals can have dominant/aggressive/defiant personalities, like my Baxter….who is incidentally the more playful bun – so it’s hard to stay upset with him 🙂

Boo is rarely out without Baxter…but when he is, he seems afraid and very cautious…he walks around the living room with his body over-extended, moving very slowly – worried that something or somebun will jump out at him. He wasn’t always this timid – and the funny thing is Boo is larger and stronger than Baxter – he just doesn’t know it.

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