Why does my bunny lick me but not let me pet her?

[Katie]

Hey guys! I adopted my bunny around a year ago. She wasn’t very receptive to people petting her, which I totally understand. As she has gotten used to us, she lets people pet her now. Only my mom and dad can but not me. She loves giving me kisses but as soon as I try petting her, she runs away. I don’t know if it’s something I’m doing but I’m confused on why she kisses me but doesn’t let me specifically pet her

[pinkiemarie]

Licking you sounds like a good sign. I would suggest sitting on the floor and just ignore her, even if she licks you. Then she’ll understand that you’re chill and safe and will hopefully become more trusting over time. You don’t have to ignore her forever, just let her get comfortable.

 

[DanaNM]

Buns can be very particular, and if often works well to play “hard to get”. 🙂

Sometimes a strong smell of a lotion or perfume will make a bun not want to be petted. The other thing is how you approach the petting. If you make a fist that looks like a small bunny head, and place it on the ground near the bun’s face (but not immediately in front of her nose), that is how you “ask” a bun if they would like to be petted. If she puts her head down, then she is saying “yes please pet me”. Then you can proceed to give her some pets on the head and ears. If she doesn’t put her head down, then she isn’t interested in pets at that moment for whatever reason, so don’t force it.

Most buns don’t like their backs or bums touched, especially if you are first starting to pet them, so avoid those areas.

 

. . . 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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