agh!

[kestrelcrowe]

So I had to move, and I brought my bun with me.So know he's living in the porch, running free, at my parents house,and he seems to be doing okay, but he's very very nervous and tense,and runs away from me sometimes, and I can't really pick him upanymore. I believe it's becuase he's used to being in a house, and notused to the noises and smells associated with the outside, in a moreforested area. But he's so skittish, and has become a bit standoffishwith me. Especially since I can't spend too much time with him as I'mworking. My mom visits with him when shes home, but he's still mad atme. Tonight, I went outside and he thumped at me, andeverytime I spoke, he would look at me and thump, and didn't want me topet him.

Do you think theres any way I can get him used to this, and to be nice to me again?

 

[BACI]

You mention the porch, is it like a screened inporch attached to the house? My concern is the nervousness and since itis different I would try to make it as safe feeling for him aspossible. Did the bun used to have a cage or live free in the house? Ifit was a cage put it in the porch and keep the door open or if there isno room put some boxes in there, places to hide, dig, litterbox, toys,treats, some people even hide hay in different areas of a room sincethat is part of a rabbits instinct. Give him/her places toclimb. On our porch if I let the rabbit play there she likes to climbup to see out the windows. It is a new area so it may take some gettingused to. I would also suggest hand feeding to get reaquainted. Is thereany way to make it quieter if it is outside noise bothering him? Changeone or two things at first so you know what is bothering him. I am sureAngela has some ideas, she always does but that is all I can think ofright now. He is definitely mad. Give him some time and try rebondingalone with him. good luck. See the resource section under shy or justlook it over... it is alphabetical so a quick look would bebeneficial./images/emoticons/wink.gif

 

[naturestee]

Actually, Baci, I was going to give some of your ideas!

Mocha was a bit like that when I moved her from her cage into anopen-topped pen. She felt more secure when I gave her moreplaces to hide. A box, a tunnel, and a dark, secure,half-covered corner did the trick for her.

Also, spend as much time as you can with him. Just sit or layon the floor with him and don't try to catch him. Yourpresence will be reassuring, and he may be feeling a little abandonedright now.