Why doesn’t my sons bun like him???

[jackieblue]

My son’s rabbit, DigDug stamps her foot LOUDLY when he goes to pick her up!!!  He is very sweet and loving to her and the only thing I know of is that he hasn’t always been able to pick her up the “right” way but nothing otherwise. Will she eventually refer to biting him or anything? I just don’t get it!!

Once he has her in his arms or lap she seems okay with him, it is only when he reaches for her.

Thanks.

[Stickerbunny]

Rabbits do not like being picked up. As a prey species, being picked up means they are about to be eaten (to their instincts). Usually when they are sitting “calmly” while held, it is because they are afraid and uncomfortable, rather than content and happy to be held. Frequently picking up a rabbit can cause trust issues and … well thumping and sometimes biting. They are not cuddly animals, in general. And if he is unable to always hold her the “right way” that will just increase her distrust. A thump in rabbit language would mean “no” or “stop”.

A way she would probably enjoy being interacted with more is him laying on the floor with her and letting her come to him. He can offer her treats and lie still and let her climb over him.

Now, this doesn’t mean you can never pick up a rabbit. But, generally it is best to only do it as much as you need to. Grooming, clipping, vet visits, etc. She should be able to be picked up, so pick her up often enough she is used to it and allows it in case of emergency… but not enough that she thinks he is always going to be grabbing her.

[LBJ10]

I agree with Stickerbunny. Thumping is her way of saying “I don’t like what you’re about to do, so stop”.

[Baxter n Boos Mom]

I think the others did a good job of explaining  why.  But now you need to encourage your son to build a positive relationship with his bun.  First - have him avoid picking up the bun.  If you have a better relationship with the bun – you should be the one to carry the bun out of the cage, or if you can, just open the door, and let him hop out on his own.  

 

 

Your son should start by spending lots of time with the bun on the floor, whether he is reading, playing DS or just lying on the floor – allowing the bun to explore him on his own terms. Also have your son feed the bunny veggies/treats by hand, so he associates positive things with him.

This should help him start to build a positive relationship with his bun.

Wishing you much success.

 

[jackieblue]

Okay, I get why she does what she does except that she doesn’t do it to me or my other son. I know Jake never  hut her intentionally and really didn’t even pick her up to hold but for a very short time once a day because I told him a baby rabbit especially, didn’t need to be held any more than just to know that she was “his”.

 

 

She will sit still while I reach to get her or just pet her and she will push her head thru the mesh wire of her plaground for my other son to pet her and nuzzle her face but none of the above for the “master”.

 

 

Oh well I guess I will just read him this stuff and let him take it from there.

 

 

Thanks!

 

 

[LBJ10]

Perhaps there is something else about your son that she doesn’t like. Bunnies have a tendency to hold grudges. If she is associating your son with something “bad”, then that could explain her avoidance of him. I’m not suggesting you son did anything to deserve the grudge. Sometimes things happen when other things are happening and they become associated in a little bunny brain. If that makes sense.

[tanlover14]

I noticed you said he hasn’t always been able to pick her up correctly… I wonder if she is nervous about him picking her up from a prior incident? He may also not hold her as tightly so she just may feel very insecure in his arms.

Rather than picking up the bunny while standing – he may be able to help her become accepting (if she is accepting of others) if he only picks her up while he is on the ground. He can sit down next to her, pick her up and set her in his lap. Without walking around with her.

None of my bunnies like to be picked up. It’s very natural and can be very stressful and scary for them. Even the one who is very easy going of mine will breathe very heavily when you carry him around. If your rabbit enjoys what I call “lap time” (hanging out and cuddling on your lap) I would encourage this. And continue doing it. We sit around with two of our bunnies on our laps while we watch TV and they enjoy it. You can usually tell they enjoy it by their responses – does the bunny make a purring noise (lightly grinding with their teeth)? This can help you ensure the bunny IS enjoying it and not just scared like Sticker mentioned.

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