We have 2 lovely Netherland Dwarf rabbits - we initially were told they were both boys, but one turned out to be a girl and we had a surprise litter (I've posted about this elsewhere).
I just wanted to ask about something that has been puzzling me. The buns came from a breeder who always handled them from an early age and since we've had them (they are now both 8 months old) we've carried on picking them up and giving them cuddles. But I've since seen a website on bun behaviour that suggests perhaps we might be stressing them out (i.e. they are prey animals and don't like being off the ground).
The male is often easy to pick up as he sits still in the hutch and will (most of the time) sit still while being lifted - he does struggle a little when his back legs leave the floor, but once he's in our arms he seems to enjoy being tickled and stroked. I'm saying this based on the fact he gently grinds his teeth and will often lick our hands or arms.
The female is rarely easy to catch and often growls, but again once she's in our arms or on our laps she seems to enjoy being tickled and stroked - again she gently grinds her teeth.
When on our laps, they have their ears forward and are looking around seemingly interested in their surroundings - my son describes the females stance as her "show bun pose" because she stands all pert and adorably with her ears up. The male will often step off your lap and move over to the lap where the female is sitting and you end up with both together!
When in my arms, both rabbits will sit still and allow tickling of the cheeks, neck and sides seemingly contentedly - again they gently grind their teeth.
I'm trying to become more aware of the rabbits behaviour and be mindful of not stressing them out. We all love them both deeply and I have to say there really is no better fix for a stressful day than sitting and tickling a contented bunny especially if you get paid back by a lick!
Are we doing more harm than good?
I just wanted to ask about something that has been puzzling me. The buns came from a breeder who always handled them from an early age and since we've had them (they are now both 8 months old) we've carried on picking them up and giving them cuddles. But I've since seen a website on bun behaviour that suggests perhaps we might be stressing them out (i.e. they are prey animals and don't like being off the ground).
The male is often easy to pick up as he sits still in the hutch and will (most of the time) sit still while being lifted - he does struggle a little when his back legs leave the floor, but once he's in our arms he seems to enjoy being tickled and stroked. I'm saying this based on the fact he gently grinds his teeth and will often lick our hands or arms.
The female is rarely easy to catch and often growls, but again once she's in our arms or on our laps she seems to enjoy being tickled and stroked - again she gently grinds her teeth.
When on our laps, they have their ears forward and are looking around seemingly interested in their surroundings - my son describes the females stance as her "show bun pose" because she stands all pert and adorably with her ears up. The male will often step off your lap and move over to the lap where the female is sitting and you end up with both together!
When in my arms, both rabbits will sit still and allow tickling of the cheeks, neck and sides seemingly contentedly - again they gently grind their teeth.
I'm trying to become more aware of the rabbits behaviour and be mindful of not stressing them out. We all love them both deeply and I have to say there really is no better fix for a stressful day than sitting and tickling a contented bunny especially if you get paid back by a lick!
Are we doing more harm than good?
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