Very fearful bun

[SassyBuns]

I have had my bunny Beyoncé for a little over 2 years now and she is still very skittish around me and other people. She will occasionally eat from my hand and sniff me a bit. Whenever I let the bunnies inside to play she is always hiding in a corner unless I am not in view. I know most bunnies are not “people bunnies” but it breaks my heart to see I have made no progress with her the 2 years I have had her. I even once put me and Beyoncé in a small room and the whole time she stayed huddled in the corner. I have also noticed her breathing is a lot faster than my other bun Benjamin(who is doing great by the way). Any tips on how I can make her more comfortable around people?

[DanaNM]

Hmm what have you don’t to try to bond with her?

Do you spend a lot of time on the floor with her? Do you have to pick her up regularly (this can make bunnies fearful)?

. . . 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.  

[SassyBuns]

I have tried feeding her from my hand sitting in a room with her, basically anything you can do to bond with a rabbit. And I often sit on the floor of their room and on the floor when she is inside for play time.

[DanaNM]

That’s rough , but I have heard of people having breakthroughs with shy buns after 2 years or more, so don’t lose hope!

The best trick I know for shy scared bunnies is to actually ignore them completely and play hard to get. Feed her and take care of her as you normally do, lay on the ground and read a book, and if she comes up to sniff you, don’t reach for her. Hand feed, but don’t force petting. Only handle her when you need to for nail trims or medications, etc.

When she gets to the point where she will relax on the ground near you, you know you will have made progress! The fact that she will take a treat from your hand and sniff you is a great thing, and means you have something to work with. When she regularly lays down near you, and doesn’t startle and run if you walk by her, you can “ask” to pet her. I like to place my hand on the ground, pinky touching the ground so the back of my hand is facing the bun’s face. If she puts her head down, you can pet her head. If she doesn’t, don’t force it. Many bunnies are hand shy because they are so used to being grabbed, so I’ve found it helps to prove to them that you aren’t going to grab them.

. . . 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.  

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