Very aloof rabbit

[Harveybunny]

I am not sure if this is where you post questions, (I am new) but here we go: I have had an unneutered Netherland Dwarf for 4 years. When I first got him, I did not know much about rabbits, but have educated myself and he is getting better care. (i.e I do not leave him alone, neglected in his cage day after day). At first I would take him out of his cage and into the backyard where his x pen is. (He seemed to enjoy it) but then I learned that rabbits don’t like to be picked up, so recently been leaving his cage door open and putting down a blanket (for claw traction) plus some treats and toys for him to come out on his own time. I have done this 4 times, and each time, he refuses to come out! He just sits there and grooms himself, and he comes up to the door and seems to consider it, but never comes out. Once I put my face close to the cage and he came right up and licked my nose. I know that’s supposed to be a good thing, but he still won’t even come out of the cage! I know bunnies can hold a grudge, and it seems like this is the case. He is old enough so that he is already past the hormone stage, so I don’t think getting him fixed would help. Please answer, I am desperate!

[kurottabun]

Rabbits are more cautious towards new situations. Since you’ve only started doing this recently, he is not quite sure what to think of it yet and will most likely come out when he’s ready to explore. Also, hormones don’t really disappear with age as long as the bunny is still intact. On rare occasions an unfixed bun will not display hormonal behaviours because that’s just their personality, but it’s quite rare

Is he an indoor or outdoor bunny and where is his cage located?

[Harveybunny]

He is an indoor rabbit and his cage is in my bedroom. (It’s very quiet in there)

[Harveybunny]

I just moved him into a larger cage in our living room. I had to pick him up to move him. The weirdest part is, he seems fine with me holding him and will purr and gently nibble my hand when I pet him on my lap, and yet he won’t come out of his cage on his own. What does that mean? Is he tamer than I thought? (His new cage is a very large dog kennel.)

[Wick & Fable]

Thanks for the update Harveybunny! It’s great that you are doing your utmost to not discomfort your rabbit or do anything that your rabbit may dislike.

Picking up a rabbit is, by default, something you should avoid doing because as you mention, many rabbits do not like it at all; however, there are times when you need to pick up a rabbit for transportation, safety, or medical reasons. In these cases, as long as you’re doing it in a way that is not harming your rabbit, I think it’s acceptable. It is good that your rabbit felt secure when you were holding him.

A rabbit has its own mind and intentions. Lets say someone randomly opens your front door and leaves it open. Just because it’s open does not mean you want to necessarily leave. Maybe you want to stay in your house at the moment, or maybe there’s not really much out of your house that you’d want to do; however, going out of the house is important for exercise and general mental stimulation! So, what to do?

I would encourage feeding him outside his cage to get him comfortable with leaving and being in the new living room environment. It may look very new to him, have smells he’s not accustomed to, and maybe he hears noises you can’t. He feels safe in his cage, so that may be why he doesn’t want to leave. I recommend keeping it cage door open, and just letting him take his time getting out. Maybe, as I said, have food out there to help, and put some hay out as well.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Sofia]

My bun lovvess her little shed and would rather be there, than anywhere really, There are places where rabbits feel safe, and for most buns it’s their cage. And since you mentioned you’ve only tried it 4 times, he’s probably a little sceptical about it. You can try bribing him out with his favourite food, and he might go around and explore. But always leave the cage door open In case he gets scared he can go back to his safe place

[Luna's Parents]

One of the things I love about bunnies is that they love their cages. Consider other small animals, like hamsters – they are always trying to escape! Our bun is free reign when one of us is home (which is most of the time), but she often stays in her cage and she always gets back in her cage on her own. I take that as a compliment: we built her a really cozy home!

That being said, if I need/want her to get out of her cage (usually because I want to clean it or I am judging her for being so lazy) all I have to do is close her cage door! Lol. She’ll sit in her cage for hours, but she likes the option of exploring and she gets annoyed when we take away that option. It is hilarious.

[Harveybunny]

Thanks for the advice guys. I feel much more hopeful 

[Harveybunny]

Guess what? I got Harvey to come out of his cage!

I lured him out by showing him pellets, and by the third time, he hopped out and started eating them. At first, after he finished he would hop right back in, but today, he took time to sniff around and almost jumped on my back! (I was lying down.) But then the front door opened and my family came in so he got scared and hopped back into his cage.

I’m am quite confident that tomorrow, when no one’s around, he will hop onto me. Thank you all for helping me 

[LittlePuffyTail]

Glad to hear that!

[Author]

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