Monty's Human
Alpha Buck
So we have now had Monty for a couple of months, and I'm not sure whether things are going well or not, but we have a specific issue that I was hoping I might get some advice on. We seem to have made something of a friend in Monty - he almost always comes up and noses/sniffs/occasionally licks us when we sit on the floor, and he's been known to jump up on the sofa and actively cuddle me occasionally (usually if food is involved, or he wants it to be involved.)
Like most rabbits, he doesn't like being handled, and will only be stroked if he's in the right mood. This is fine most of the time - I am happy with any affection I get, and watching him, particularly grooming himself, is the most delightful thing ever. But as a lionhead, he needs quite a bit of grooming, and also with nail cutting I am very much still learning to do it with him.
For example, the other day, we had an Incident. He had a large knot that needed to be dealt with, but it took a fair bit of scratching and a few nips before we managed to groom him; in the end, we cornered him in his litter tray and one of us fed him while the other groomed. We try and keep these light and stress-free - eg a quick comb each time he comes up to play, little and often, but at times like that he ends up terrified and we feel horrendously awful for making him terrified.
(I should say that he came and hopped around me yesterday and insisted on dancing, so I think I have been forgiven!)
I've tried to read up and follow all of the advice, but as much as he seems (relatively) friendly most of the time, basic grooming and nail cutting are a horrid time. So is there something that we are not doing/could do better to make it easier for him? Will he learn in time to trust us enough to comb him/clip nails?
We have also been discussing whether or not to get him neutered. We fall down on not doing so for now; he's a single male, displays (almost) no troubling behaviour already and we don't want to put him through an unnecessary operation. But is he likely to become friendlier/more docile when needed if we do?
We've also long gone over the issue of getting a second bunny. It would be tricky - and they would have to bond with Monty, as we only have one hutch - but it might be just about do-able. I am home all day, which is why we decided on having one rabbit, but would a companion be likely to improve his behaviour? We are happy to reconsider, although we would prefer to just have Monty at the moment.
Thank you in advance for any sage advice!
Like most rabbits, he doesn't like being handled, and will only be stroked if he's in the right mood. This is fine most of the time - I am happy with any affection I get, and watching him, particularly grooming himself, is the most delightful thing ever. But as a lionhead, he needs quite a bit of grooming, and also with nail cutting I am very much still learning to do it with him.
For example, the other day, we had an Incident. He had a large knot that needed to be dealt with, but it took a fair bit of scratching and a few nips before we managed to groom him; in the end, we cornered him in his litter tray and one of us fed him while the other groomed. We try and keep these light and stress-free - eg a quick comb each time he comes up to play, little and often, but at times like that he ends up terrified and we feel horrendously awful for making him terrified.
(I should say that he came and hopped around me yesterday and insisted on dancing, so I think I have been forgiven!)
I've tried to read up and follow all of the advice, but as much as he seems (relatively) friendly most of the time, basic grooming and nail cutting are a horrid time. So is there something that we are not doing/could do better to make it easier for him? Will he learn in time to trust us enough to comb him/clip nails?
We have also been discussing whether or not to get him neutered. We fall down on not doing so for now; he's a single male, displays (almost) no troubling behaviour already and we don't want to put him through an unnecessary operation. But is he likely to become friendlier/more docile when needed if we do?
We've also long gone over the issue of getting a second bunny. It would be tricky - and they would have to bond with Monty, as we only have one hutch - but it might be just about do-able. I am home all day, which is why we decided on having one rabbit, but would a companion be likely to improve his behaviour? We are happy to reconsider, although we would prefer to just have Monty at the moment.
Thank you in advance for any sage advice!