Getting buns to accept me

[Lymie]

I have two rabbits: Beazel (1) and Alfie (Less then 6 months).

When I got Alfie I got another rabbit, Louie. A month after I got them I adopted Beazel. Beazel had a giant cage, which would have been perfect to put my babies in since theirs was tiny, but he was super attached. So, I lost my job and they're getting bigger and I was running out of space.

Louie HATED Beazel. He went so far as to attack him through the cage and lost a nail. I didn't want to give Alfie up, because he was my first choice and we were getting on really well. When I would come in he would run to me, lick my feet and come when I called him. So, I adopted Louie out and bonded Alfie with Beazel.

I know I broke a cardinal rule, but Alfie is doing just fine and Louie has a new friend at his new moms home. Beazel was pretty lonely, and now he's doting on Alfie like a baby.

Beaz is still adjusting. I've been letting him take his time. He's coming out and exploring the room, but he takes off back into his cage whenever I'm around. He likes being a free roaming bunny (Fulltime) and having a friend. He just doesn't trust me. And now Alfie doesn't either.

How do I win my babies trust and affection?

 

[kirbyultra]

Hi Lymie. I guess it's hard since they have gone through so much change in so little time (from the way you described it). They are still very young bunnies and since they have taken a liking to each other, Beazel and Alfie may dote on each other and plain ignore you for longer time than if they were single - I have heard that bonded rabbits may have a lesser tendency to bond with their owners, but it's not a rule and you are not doomed.

They are so young and active that it might be more of a challenge to get them to sit still and pet them. Since they are free roaming it should be easy for them to come and access you if they feel like it...but perhaps you can encourage it a bit. This is just an idea, maybe you can close off a room with them and just sit there and be with them so that they have a chance to observe you - like 30 minutes every night? If they have the run of the whole home, they may just happily ignore you.

Keep at it and you will be rewarded Good luck with the babies!

 

[NorthernAutumn]

Yup, I second everything Helen wrote ^^^

Bunnies hate being ignored. Sit down with them in a play area (like a closed bedroom, inside their exercise pen).
Read a book (they can't stand being ignored), or talk on the phone while they are there (mine seem to like it when I'm talking on the phone)

Casually leave a few treats on your lap.

I simply don't exert a lot of effort to go "here bun bun bun" or coo at them. Ignore them long enough, and they'll get there eventually.

My boyfriend trained Evie to submit to being stroked while he holds her cranberry for her to eat. She loves cranberries more than she hates being patted, so she settles down now for a pat before her snack (took about 6 months to get her to this point.. she was pretty cranky though).

You can do it.. just takes a while I'm so glad your boys are enjoying eachother so much!

 

[Lymie]

Thank you for your replies!

I've been feeding Beazel (Alfie wont respond) his veggies and cheerios out of hand. He's doing really well, but wont let me pet him yet. He's a pretty greedy bunny. In fact, I've had trouble with him lately jumping on my bed and stealing my pillows. He likes to toss them on the floor and then lie down. I'm going to see if I can't find him one of his own.

 

[NorthernAutumn]

Hold onto everything while he eats it... don't let him snatch it away

Some play "toss": try using the well rinsed lid to an old laundry detergent bottle.