Sarge is a very trusting bunny, with me, anyway. I think he's afraid of large spaces, though. A little background - Before I got him, he was in a VERY small hutch, there was just room for a litter box, a food bowl, and the bunny in there. (half the size of the smallest cage I'll keep rats in...eek) His cage here is WAY bigger than that, while still not up to the standards given on UK sites, it's way bigger than most American sites would suggest. (Sarge and I are in the USA) He's comfortable in there, and will hop and even binky around in the cage.
However, Sarge will not come out of the cage of his own free will at this point. If I pick him up and cuddle him for a while first, he'll slowly bob around and explore the room, and then he'll go in and out of the cage. He'll come and sit on my lap, then hop away and look around. If I call him, he comes straight back. It's like he needs me to assure him that it's okay to be out of the cage.
So, how can I build his confidence up so he's not afraid to explore on his own without me having to give him permission? Or does he just need more time to get comfortable with the idea of some freedom? I've only had him two weeks.
Before anyone suggests it, a rabbit friend is not feasible right now. Money, mostly, and space. If I could do it, I'd totally get him a girlfriend. (after neutering, I want NO babies!)
However, Sarge will not come out of the cage of his own free will at this point. If I pick him up and cuddle him for a while first, he'll slowly bob around and explore the room, and then he'll go in and out of the cage. He'll come and sit on my lap, then hop away and look around. If I call him, he comes straight back. It's like he needs me to assure him that it's okay to be out of the cage.
So, how can I build his confidence up so he's not afraid to explore on his own without me having to give him permission? Or does he just need more time to get comfortable with the idea of some freedom? I've only had him two weeks.
Before anyone suggests it, a rabbit friend is not feasible right now. Money, mostly, and space. If I could do it, I'd totally get him a girlfriend. (after neutering, I want NO babies!)