Broken bond with your bunny

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LindaBon

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Feb 6, 2023
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Location
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Hi,

I have recently broken my bunny trust after few weeks of complete affection picking him up and bringing him outdoor for the first time the wrong way. I didn’t have a carry bag, was really noisy outdoor.. he hated it.
Once back indoor he went to hide and I did the mistake to stay on his case and annoy him even more picking up again and forcing cuddles.
Now he’s not the same, won’t come to greed me at the door and didn’t groom me in a while! (Licks / kisses)

Did anyone experience this and do you think it is possible to build his trust back or now that he associate me with something negative it’s going to be super hard almost impossible to? I know they have a very strong memory.

Please let me know I am so apprehensive about it. I loved the bond with my bunny.

Thanks

Linda
 
I think you could gain his trust back. It might take time but it would be worth it.

One thing to know is that rabbits don't usually like to be picked up. So handling should only be done when absolutely needed.

Let your rabbit come to you. I wouldn't force him to interact or he won't trust you.

Try giving him a treat once in awhile and letting him come to you to get it. Don't make any sudden movements. Just let him be curious of you. After a while try petting him slowly and gently when he comes to you.

It is a process of earning his trust and not overwhelming him but respecting him.
 
I had a similar problem when I first adopted my bunny. I had to move her and she hated being picked up and became afraid of me.

I found this video really helpful for reestablishing her trust. She's so happy to be with us now.

How to gain the trust of shy or defensive rabbits
YouTube · Bill Havice
Mar 30, 2016


What helped with moving her was that she loves tunnels and boxes so we would set a long, narrow shipping box in her exercise area. She would immediately go in and I would carry the box to the next room and let her climb out the other side into her cage.

Don't worry - you can definitely fix this!

718fakEpY7L.jpg
 
I had a similar problem when I first adopted my bunny. I had to move her and she hated being picked up and became afraid of me.

I found this video really helpful for reestablishing her trust. She's so happy to be with us now.

How to gain the trust of shy or defensive rabbits
YouTube · Bill Havice
Mar 30, 2016


What helped with moving her was that she loves tunnels and boxes so we would set a long, narrow shipping box in her exercise area. She would immediately go in and I would carry the box to the next room and let her climb out the other side into her cage.

Don't worry - you can definitely fix this!

View attachment 63762

Thank you so much for your message and tips. I will keep you posted ☺️
 

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Thanks you so much!

I found a lot of video about bonding, i believe regaining your bunny trust for the second time once the bond is broken it’s a different and harder thing then bonding from scratches because in the first place he just need to get to know you in the second one he associated you with something negative and how is going to forget that? It’s a much harder task isn’t it?
 
Maybe a little, but most rabbits are very food motivated, so using your rabbits veggies, pellets, and minimal healthy treats, can help motivate a bun to want to interact and feel comfortable again.
 
I found a lot of video about bonding, i believe regaining your bunny trust for the second time once the bond is broken it’s a different and harder thing then bonding from scratches because in the first place he just need to get to know you in the second one he associated you with something negative and how is going to forget that? It’s a much harder task isn’t it?

I've actually had to reestablish trust with my rabbit twice. It can take a while. But I've come to realize that change comes very gradually for my bunny -- so gradually that I often don't notice it until I look back and remember how fearful and skittish she used to be. But it definitely does happen and probably will again because you know he enjoyed your company in the past. You just have to let it go at his own pace.

For reference, this is my bunny now. For a long time I never would have thought she would do this. (She's not always like this. Only when she's in the mood. I let her take the lead.)

PXL_20230207_014543432.jpg
 
I've actually had to reestablish trust with my rabbit twice. It can take a while. But I've come to realize that change comes very gradually for my bunny -- so gradually that I often don't notice it until I look back and remember how fearful and skittish she used to be. But it definitely does happen and probably will again because you know he enjoyed your company in the past. You just have to let it go at his own pace.

For reference, this is my bunny now. For a long time I never would have thought she would do this. (She's not always like this. Only when she's in the mood. I let her take the lead.)

View attachment 63784
Awww thank you for the message and reassurance 💖 your bunny is super cute 🥰
 
@overhear, thanks for posting the pic!!! The melty buns! Transforming a difficult-personality bun and re-establishng trust is rewarding.

Reminds me of the boy we pulled from high-capacity, high-euth shelter in 2007. He would kick vehemently and had severe distrust of humans. I will add he had a not-so-pleasant experience at an interim foster placement with loud arguing, leaking pipes, mice seen in the basement area; plenty of things to cause concern.

After partnering with two other sp/eutered buns in our home, and as he aged, he mellowed into a kisser. A love-dovey sponge.
 
Hi all, just a quick update on this, I feel like me and my lovely Loto are regaining some bond and trust 💖 is still not the same as it could have been if I had more experience with bunnies at the start since he’s such a great bunny that the potential was and is very good, anyway even if it is a work in progress and is taking more time I can see how affectionate he is and I am even more thankful since the history. He’s such a smart bunny ❤️
 
@overhear, thanks for posting the pic!!! The melty buns! Transforming a difficult-personality bun and re-establishng trust is rewarding.

Reminds me of the boy we pulled from high-capacity, high-euth shelter in 2007. He would kick vehemently and had severe distrust of humans. I will add he had a not-so-pleasant experience at an interim foster placement with loud arguing, leaking pipes, mice seen in the basement area; plenty of things to cause concern.

After partnering with two other sp/eutered buns in our home, and as he aged, he mellowed into a kisser. A love-dovey sponge.
That’s amazing 😍😍
 
Hi all, just a quick update on this, I feel like me and my lovely Loto are regaining some bond and trust 💖 is still not the same as it could have been if I had more experience with bunnies at the start since he’s such a great bunny that the potential was and is very good, anyway even if it is a work in progress and is taking more time I can see how affectionate he is and I am even more thankful since the history. He’s such a smart bunny ❤️
That's great news! The other thing to remember is that some bunny behavior is seasonal. My bunny is much more cuddly during warm weather. When it's cold out she gets kind of hyper and doesn't sit still as much for pets.
 

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