Can rabbits recover from bad past experiences?

[ArtistChibi]

So, as we all know, my first bunny, Tu Shen, was gotten from a breeder. So he's only known life of a free roam love bug with a slight attitude. However, Xiao Wu was adopted from the shelter, surrounded by constant barking, no proper food, and almost no enrichment. Lord knows what life she had before that.

I know she was recently fixed on 3/17/2021, and in her healing phase while her hormones will die out over time. I'm not sure if rabbits are capable of recovering from past bad experiences. I know they are naturally skittish, since they are prey animals. And I know it will take time for the new bunny to get used to their new home.

But is there a chance she could carry some possible PTSD from her time in the shelter? Xiao Wu is assumed 6 months old, looks like a rex mix albino. (I could be wrong.) Any suggestions and advice are welcome. I want to make sure she never has to suffer this ever again.

 

[SirLawrence]

I would also like to know the actual answer of @ArtistChibi 's question...

My boy Lucas has a similar story. The shelter I got him from keeps the rabbits in a separate, quiet space, but their personal space is limited. Before he was brought to the rescue, he was dumped (twice) by a family that didn't want to take care of him. A neighbor returned him once, but on the second time, she asked the family if she could take him to a rescue. They obviously couldn't have cared less. So he fended for himself for quite some time before he was rescued. He's always been more cautious and skittish than Lawrence, who, like Tu Shen, has been a house rabbit his whole life. He was always outgoing, and loud (for a rabbit). He seems to be much more comfortable now, and doesn't fear people, but I've always wondered if he would ever totally recover from his traumatic experiences.

 

[Blue eyes]

I have no proof, but I suspect rabbits are very good at embracing a new happy, spoiled life. It may take some time, but they can learn to trust again. The dozen or so I've had over the years seemed to adjust very well.

Larry (@Nancy McClelland ) probably has the most experience with adopting rescue rabbits and would be a great person to answer this.

 

[Nancy McClelland]

Yes. Some take longer than others to adjust. We've handled over 50 during the last 2 decades and they all became very nice companions--some were a tad bossy but then, so are we. Our latest is now a year old, was tossed out like he was garbage--he's now very sweet and happy and always under foot.

 

[ArtistChibi]

Yes. Some take longer than others to adjust. We've handled over 50 during the last 2 decades and they all became very nice companions--some were a tad bossy but then, so are we. Our latest is now a year old, was tossed out like he was garbage--he's now very sweet and happy and always under foot.

Thank you. Good to know rabbits are more emotionally flexible than other pets when dealing with a bad past.

 

[ArtistChibi]

The slow progression to help heal her and eventual bonding to Shen after he is fixed is going to be some hard work, but worth it.
I know Xiao Wu is feeling a lot better and the barrier between the two has kept them from fighting. They were zooming and binkying at the crack of dawn.