Bunny Not Warming Up

[jessbunnyy]

I've had my bunny Luna for around a month now and haven't really seen any improved signs of her warming up to me. We have run around time in my room every day where I sit quietly and let her explore and check me out in her own time, she's fairly active during this but still extremely skittish. She doesn't like me coming near her, petting her, being around her. I'm trying everything I can and will continue to be patient even if she never warms up to me. I love her dearly. Does anyone recommend any other bonding techniques (i've also tried hand feeding her, but she refuses to take food from me.) I just want to make sure i'm doing everything I can to help her become more comfortable in this new environment.

Hope everyone is well,

-jessbunnyy

 

[Megamuffinandchip]

Hmm, I'm also having some issues with a bunny boy I just adopted. Speaking from experience with my little girl, who I had since she was small, laying down and putting food near or on you can be really helpful! She began to associate the good food being near me. First work your way to her wanting to eat near you, then try hand feeding, and after that she "might" let you get in for those sweet sweet pets. Also, petting their cheeks or sides is much less scary than trying to pet their forehead, since they can't see directly in front of them.

 

[HoppyRabbits06]

Hey I remember you! If you haven't try sitting next to her cage/playpen. That could help her get more used to you. When she is out try laying down and waiting for her to come and sniff you. Rabbits like it when you are down at their level they feel safer. Another thing you can try is placing a treat near you while you are sitting or laying down. Remember that bonding takes time, its ok if she seems skittish at first. Hope this helps.

 

[Lucas the Bun 💕🐇]

Make sure the area is compleatly safe (so you don’t have to touch her) & don’t touch her. Does she have a favorite treat, give her favorite treat if she gets near you.

Rabbits are curious creatures she’ll eventually build up her confidence.
In the mean while get her to associate you with good things. (Treats, Toys, eventually pets).

About petting when she gets more confident around you, attempt to pet her by slowly moving your hand by the side of her head and see if she flinches back off and build more trust then try again.

Does she have a Hidey House ? That could be a stress reliever, and possibly make her friendlier.

 

[Blue eyes]

What's her age? Is she spayed?

 

[Sam_]

I set up a sleeping bag on the floor and slept on the floor with bubbles and brownie when I first got them and it helped them to warm up to me

 

[jessbunnyy]

Just to update everyone I tried some of the things listed!
I was able to expand her enclosure to allow me to comfortably sit inside and give her tons of room. This overall has made her so happy (her cage was big before but now it's massive.)
Hand feeding she will take hay and lettuce, but no pellets yet because they are a bit too close contact to my hand.
She now takes soft pets on the sides of her face and I'm planning on sleeping a night or two in the cage to get her even more accustomed to me.

All the help and comments mean the world to me, she is such a special bun and i'm so happy I can be a part of her life <3

 

[Lucas the Bun 💕🐇]

That’s wonderful !!