FinleySkel
New Kit
Hi, I'm new here.
I recently brought home my first bunny, an 11 week old mini-lop. When we collected him the breeder had him held up to her chest, and he seemed happy enough. She told us to be as 'hands on' as possible with him after letting him settle for 24 hours in our home.
This turned out to be more or less impossible. He wouldn't let us touch him at all, let alone pick him up or stroke him (and still doesn't). It felt cruel forcing him, so we gave him the space he wanted. We've had him for 12 days now, about a week ago we could hand feed him dried fruits, and in the last few days he has been happy to sit about a metre away from my desk, sprawled out, whilst I'm working, occasionally doing quick-sprints and binkys under me. I can sit very close to him whilst he is sprawled in a vulnerable position without him running away or even looking anxious, which implies he isn't afraid of me. But, as soon as I reach out to stroke his forehead or upper back, he's gone, then returns to a safe distance and sprawls once more.
I guess what I am asking is if this behaviour is normal for a newly-homed bunny? I'm aware not all rabbits want to be stroked or held (this is also true of dogs I have owned), but it is strange that he is both relaxed and terrified at the same time. I can't work him out. On an evening, between 10:30-02:00 (I stay up late) he seems to be my best pal, his free roam area is large, but he chooses to sit and play very close to me, so I think he wants a friend? Yet, on a morning he sometimes won't leave his cage or take treats from my hand. He is very inconsistent.
I would love to hear if anyone has had a similar experience, or if this is normal in new bunnies.
Many thanks,
I recently brought home my first bunny, an 11 week old mini-lop. When we collected him the breeder had him held up to her chest, and he seemed happy enough. She told us to be as 'hands on' as possible with him after letting him settle for 24 hours in our home.
This turned out to be more or less impossible. He wouldn't let us touch him at all, let alone pick him up or stroke him (and still doesn't). It felt cruel forcing him, so we gave him the space he wanted. We've had him for 12 days now, about a week ago we could hand feed him dried fruits, and in the last few days he has been happy to sit about a metre away from my desk, sprawled out, whilst I'm working, occasionally doing quick-sprints and binkys under me. I can sit very close to him whilst he is sprawled in a vulnerable position without him running away or even looking anxious, which implies he isn't afraid of me. But, as soon as I reach out to stroke his forehead or upper back, he's gone, then returns to a safe distance and sprawls once more.
I guess what I am asking is if this behaviour is normal for a newly-homed bunny? I'm aware not all rabbits want to be stroked or held (this is also true of dogs I have owned), but it is strange that he is both relaxed and terrified at the same time. I can't work him out. On an evening, between 10:30-02:00 (I stay up late) he seems to be my best pal, his free roam area is large, but he chooses to sit and play very close to me, so I think he wants a friend? Yet, on a morning he sometimes won't leave his cage or take treats from my hand. He is very inconsistent.
I would love to hear if anyone has had a similar experience, or if this is normal in new bunnies.
Many thanks,