i would suggest maybe he has a "hidden" health problem.....and is in pain for a start.
sadly small children are not always nice to pets..or maybe people in general have upset him.
how long was he with the breeder before coming to your friend?
negative experiences with humans..children or adults....and other pets can seriously damage a bunny and sadly isnt an easy fix...it takes time love and trust to even get any semblance of a relationship.
Bunnies do not like to be picked up or cuddled or hugged.....especially big ones let alone giant ones:shock: giants..contis...frenchies..etc are all TOO BIG to pick up...can be seriously injured as their weight goes against them
id advise your friend to go back and ask about his history....ask the vet if its hidden pain......give him his space and very very slowly reintroduce themselves to him.
hes obvioulsy feeling scared/threatened.....time is all your friend can give him.
bertie loves you to get on the floor and cuddle him and hug him...BUT only when he wants it...but hes not the norm. Hes a law unto himself:lol:
i am lucky if bluebell so much as lets me give her a nose rub and she bites when scared etc....but shes had a traumatic time since nov with losing her sister etc...and she sometimes is very sweet but other times..RUN!!
shes only bitten me once and it wasnt too bad..but she got nikki very badly...the inside of her arm is stil sore and lumpy a few months on. But we know its not becasue shes a nasty bun...understanding and patience is all we can give her too.
house rabbits can sometimes feel threatened if they dont have a "hide"
but cooping them up even in a big playpen can also drive em nuts.
i hope you will be able to help her and her bunny.:wave: