Develop a relationship with bunny?

[Luluznewz]

Hello! I am new to the rabbit world. My new rabbit named Lulu is obviously quite skittish, but shes not so bad that she wont let you pet her or something when she comes to the front of her cage.

She still wont really come out of her cage(though i figured out she doesnt know how to use the little ramp door, I had to open one full side of her cage so she has enough space to jump in and out). Basically, she doesnt seem to really like me. Shes interested in things, but not really in me.

I know it takes time, but for all of you who have had rabbits for a while, do you feel like you have a real relationship with them? I know they arent like dogs, but I'm getting a tad worried that I'm going to always take care of her and she will always think im intruding.

For example: I know rabbits dont like it when people stick their hands in the cages, but I have to all the time to clean it and refill her food. She wont come out, so I cant do it then, so I have to scare her while im taking out her litterpan.

 

[BlueCamasRabbitry]

It does take a while for them to warm up to you, and trust you and stuff. I do feel as though I have a relationship with my bunnies, though. But even if you do have a relationship with them, they can still act skittish, and be territorial, etc.

Just go slow with her, and let her investigate you. Try not to scare her while taking out the litterpan. Talk to her, and let her know you're not going to hurt her. If you take things slow and use your voice, she'll learn that you're not going to hurt her and that you're a good person.

Emily

 

[bunniekrissy]

It just takes time and patience. In the case of two of my former rabbits, I had one since she was a baby and when I adopted an adult friend for her, (Pepper), I was having trouble bonding with him because he was very shy around people. Eventually he became a very friendly rabbit and I became very attached to him. Many rabbits will not be super-cuddly, and some stay pretty reserved around people, but you have to accept them how they are and find things to appreciate. She will probably start venturing out of her cage as she gains confidence in her surroundings, but it may help, if you can get her out without too much stress, to sit with her on the floor in a somewhat small space so she can hop around and sniff you, etc.

 

[kirbyultra]

Hi! Welcome to the bunderful world of rabbits.

How long have you had Lulu? How old is she?

I can tell you that your girl's behavior sounds a LOT like my Kirby when I got him. He was a shelter bun, owner surrendered and very skittish but not mean nor aggressive. Just scared. It took him about 2 weeks to get comfy in his new home, a month to like the space, 3 months to tolerate me constantly in his "space" and 7 months to start loving me.

And he does love me. He lights up when I come home from a day of work. He puts his head down on me for petting. He "communicates" with me through body language when he wants something. He has even come over to me when I am sad. He knows when I need him.

So yes, bunnies can develop a relationship with you. When buns bond with someone or somebun, it's very strong. You just have to give her time, work with her, be patient. Show her she can trust you. You will be well rewarded when she loves you

 

[Bentley]

When I first got Bentley she didn't really seem interested in me and kinda scared, but then I began taking her out (forcefully) cause she didn't wanna come out by herself, so I just kinda pulled her out lol. Anyways, I just talked to her and petted her for a little bit, then put her back and let her by alone. Eventually she would stop running away from me, (now she only does it if she doesn't want to be taken out) and now we have a close bond ^^

--reward them with treats like carrots after every time you take it out. I did that with Bentley and it works well

 

[JadeIcing]

Becareful with carrots they are very high in sugar.

 

[Luluznewz]

The person I got Lulu from said she was about a year old. She is spayed and a Lionhead / english spot (I know the lionhead for sure, but I sorta guessed about the english spot) mix. I've only had her for about a week.

I know thats not long, I'm expecting her to warm up to me. I guess its just hard to wait.

 

[JadeIcing]

Picture?

 

[Luluznewz]

I'm going to post more when she is doing something so you guys can see her cute little bunny body but here are some pics>>>

 

[JadeIcing]

Looks all lionhead a broken black to be exact.

 

[Luluznewz]

Oh really? You cant really see in the picture, but shes got a fairly long back with a black stripe and spots. Her body looked a lot like the english spots i saw in pictures, but I dont really know anything other than her old owner thought she was a mix. Also, the only place she has the long hair is her "mane".

 

[JadeIcing]

Some only get the main. That pattern in most breeds is just broken insert color. If you can get some different angle pictures and post in the rabbitry may get a better response.

 

[kahlin]

To answer the original post, I'd say yes, I have had a relationship with all of my bunnies. However, that relationship has been very different for each one. It takes time though.

For example, we've had Finley over 3 years. Most of the time we can pet her, but she doesn't often seek us out (unless we're late for feeding!). She's mostly friendly. Likes loving, but on her terms.

I felt connected to her, but I didn't think she felt the same way...but a while ago I went away for a weekend and left her in the care of my husband. Over that time Finley had started to slowly go off her pellets because I left her.

Every bunny will show you their love differently and in varying degrees. If you give Lulu more time, I'm sure you'll see something develop between the two of you.

 

[kahlin]

I forgot to mention...I spent a lot of time on the floor with each one. I'd talk to them, let them climb all over me etc.

Something else that helped a lot with one bunny...I read to her in a really calming voice. She liked it so much that whenever she was stressed later in life I'd pull out a book and she'd get all comfy for her story.

 

[Fancy77]

kahlin wrote:

I forgot to mention...I spent a lot of time on the floor with each one. I'd talk to them, let them climb all over me etc.

Something else that helped a lot with one bunny...I read to her in a really calming voice. She liked it so much that whenever she was stressed later in life I'd pull out a book and she'd get all comfy for her story.

AWW what a cute story...no pun intended lol

 

[tonyshuman]

She is a real cutie. When I deal with skittish bunnies (at the shelter) or new bunnies, I like to just sit on the floor with them, or even lie down, and almost ignore them. They'll come up and investigate--just let them climb on you without reacting. Eventually you can pet them when they come up to you. It's important to let them check you out without moving because they think every movement you make is going to be toward them to catch and eat them. Eventually they learn that's not what you're after.

 

[doggie0506]

My new rabbit was like that for a couple days too but she totally warmed up after a few times of me sitting on the floor with her not paying any attention at all to her! She is very friendly and love to sit on your lap!

 

[elrohwen]

I've had my bun for 6 months now and our relationship is always developing. He can be independent and aloof at times, but I watch him getting more affectionate and seeking us out more every day. I like to get a bunch of pellets, sit down on the floor, and feed him a pellet every time he comes up to see me. I'm pretty sure he runs over to me now because he thinks he'll get food ;-) but that's ok. It's certainly made him trust me a lot more and I'm building on that trust by getting in more cuddles and petting. Bunnies aren't like dogs, or even cats, and can sometimes take a long time to develop a relationship with. But it's worth it!

 

[tonyshuman]

elrohwen wrote:

I'm pretty sure he runs over to me now because he thinks he'll get food ;-) but that's ok.

It's absolutely ok! That's great, in fact! In classic Pavlovian training, the animal just needs to associate you with some kind of reward. Eventually and gradually, the reward he gets from coming to you can switch from a food treat to a word (good boy) or petting, and he'll feel the same kind of reward. It's the same thing as clicker training--the animal associates the click with a reward because they always occur together, until the click itself becomes the reward.

 

[rindindin]

When I got my General, he was already used to being handled (the store handles all of their small animals, as well as the reptiles.), and he has never minded being picked up, as long as you hold him correctly. He actually likes it, and begs to be picked up just like my neighbour's dog. Such a sweetheart!
Even with him being an affectionate little guy, and brave as a big dog, he still didn't really trust me. So I would just let him run around my bunny proof room, and I'd either sit on my floor, or on my bed (that he can get up to) and read, or draw, or just be on my computer. When he came over to me, I'd give him a piece of treat (fruits, or veggies.), or pet him, or both. He likes being talked to, so I do that too. It only took him a few days to start crawling all over me. He's like a little cat! Loves being petted, and just getting attention in general.


Ooop, forgot to say, your baby looks just like Gen! Except General has one floppy ear, and has brown instead of black. Also, I can't spell today.