Why does my rabbit run away from me?

[Kendall]

I’ve got a male, 1 year old mini lop called biscuit. I’ve had him since he was a baby and he’s a lovely rabbit however recently whenever I go to pick him up when he’s indoors to take him back into his hutch he always runs away and won’t let me get close to him, Even when I slowly approach him he still runs away. The first few months I would sit on the floor with him he would climb all over me and he would let me pick him up but as he’s got older he doesn’t seem to want me to go near him anymore. I try and sit with him and let him come to him but even then he still doesn’t, I’ve tried with food but he still keeps him distance. But when I hold him when I’m sitting down he’s perfectly fine and actually licks.

I seriously don’t know what to do, If you have any reasons why or any tips to stop this and make him love me that would be very helpful!

Edit: I know it’s better to have rabbits indoors but I live in a small house and we don’t have enough room for him to be indoors permanently even though I would prefer it, it’s my parents house and I can’t do much. I take him indoors for exercise especially this time of year when there’s snow/ it’s raining or just too cold for him. Anyone have any ways to bond with him or gain trust?

[Mikey]

Sounds like he much prefers it inside than out in his hutch.

[Dasher]

Rabbits really don’t like being picked up and I think they tolerate it more when they are younger.

[Deleted User]

Bring him permanently indoors. It’s so much easier to bond with them. Your bunny will also feel more settled and comfortable. Imagine how it must feel being moved back and forth constantly just because someone else wanted you in a certain place at a certain time. That’s like if someone was to get you out of your home and make you leave and go somewhere else when you were happy and settled and then take you back again.

[Bam]

I’d consider bringing him indoors full time.

That said, the vast majority of rabbits have an intense dislike of being caught. It’s an instinct that remains with them from when they were wild rabbits. Getting caught means you’re about to become somebody’s dinner.

[Kendall]

That’s what I was thinking. I would love to have him indoor however we don’t have enough room for him and we also have 2 cats

[Kendall]

I’ve hear it’s easier to bond with rabbits when they’re indoor permanently however we don’t have enough room for him to be indoor since I live with my parents and it’s a pretty small house, we also have 2 cats. He loves being indoors it’s just moving back and forth he doesn’t like all that much

[Deleted User]

Could you keep him in your room and make it a cat free zone?

[Sirius&Luna]

If he really can’t move indoors, perhaps you could use a pet carrier to transfer him between inside and outside since he hates being picked up. Is he neutered? If he’s an outside bunny, it’s really best for him to have a friend, as there will be lots of hours where he’s outside alone.

[mschoonover11]

Even though you said you live in a small house, I still recommend bringing your rabbit inside. Trust me, it’s much better than he/she living outside. There have been many cases of rabbits that live outside getting diseases. Plus, rabbits don’t like being picked up anyways. Maybe try finding somewhere in your house that you would be able to bunny-proof.

[Kendall]

My room is very small and I share it with my older sister. The cats are completely okay with biscuit however I don’t trust them with him alone since they try and play fight with him as if he’s a cat.
they tend to hit him when he gets close to them especially when they’re in boxes or tunnels but in a none violent/ aggressive way

[Kendall]

We do have a pet carrier and I might try that! It’s more that he doesn’t like he trying to pick him up. He’s not neutered, I’m thinking about getting him a friend however I don’t know much about that and will have to look into it so if you have any tips please share.
If I get him a friend I know they both have to be neutered however since he’s a mini lop will I have to get a rabbit of the same breed?

[Author]

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