My new buns won’t come out of hiding

[LuluandMimi]

Hello! I got two new buns last Thursday. They are 10 and 12 weeks old. They are Holland lops and both female. They get along well pretty well and have had a bond from their previous home. But since day one, they been so scared to come out of their little hiding spot in their little house and when I open the door for them to come out and roam around, they go and hide under the couch or some other place. I been trying to lure them out with treats but they are not big fans of any treats (except maybe parsley but even that doesn’t work all the time). My previous bun was out and running and interacting with us around within two days. I know each bunny is different but I’m scared these two won’t bond with me at all. I don’t want them to be scared all the time and be comfortable in their new home.

 

[JBun]

It would be best sitting with them in a smaller area where they can't just run and hide. So like in a pet xpen or in a small room like a bathroom. Then just sit there with them, don't try and pick up or pet them, but allow them to approach you on their own terms, so they can learn to trust you. And for any treats/veggies fed, it's best to wait until 12 weeks of age, and start with a gradual introduction of greens into the diet first, and one at a time to minimize digestive upset.

https://rabbitsindoors.weebly.com/greens--veggies.html
https://rabbitsindoors.weebly.com/bonding-with-your-bunny.html
https://flashsplace.webs.com/bondingwithyourbunny.htm
For their area/pen, if they have a cage, I would cover part of it with a sheet to give them an added sense of security.

I would also suggest verifying that you do in fact have two female rabbits. You will need to keep a close eye on their behavior for any signs of hormones or aggression, as this is the time where hormones start up. You will need to separate them if there is any sign of irritation or aggression, have their spays done, wait a few weeks for hormones to fade, and then rebond. Though if you can get them spayed before any hormonal aggression starts occurring, then you may not need to separate them. But just know this could be a risk of a fight breaking out and injury occurring. Safest is to separate now, have their spays done when it's time, wait for hormones to fade, then go through the bonding process. But just be aware that there are no guarantees that rabbits that got on as babies, will like each other as adults.

https://rabbitsindoors.weebly.com/bonding-bunnies.html
https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Bonding_rabbits_together
http://cottontails-rescue.org.uk/information/bonding-bunnies/
https://rabbit.org/vet-listings/

 

[serabeth]

My lops took a while to warm up to us. The main thing is to get down on the floor with them. Then just do your own thing. Relax and take a nap, play on your phone, watch tv, etc. They might take a while, but they are too curious to resist. They will eventually come out to approach you and sniff you. As tempting as it is, don’t reach out to pet them when they come to you. Let them sniff you of their own accord for a while. It might take several days or weeks, but eventually you can start slowly stretching your hand out and very gently touching them. Make sure you’re slow and calm, and that you approach from the side so they can see you coming. Don’t pressure them to come back if they run away. It takes patience, but eventually they’ll get used to you.

 

[WildThumper2010]

I’m going to echo what’s already been said, the best way to get them used to you is to sit on the ground in a room they’re in. I wouldn’t even say the pen is necessary, just sit in the same room they’re hiding in.
Also understand that they will need time to adjust, dogs can take up to several months to get used to a new home and rabbits by nature are very hesitant. It’s good they have a buddy cause it will give them more confidence, but just because they aren’t approaching you now, doesn’t mean they won’t in the future. Give it time

 

[juliam]

May I add
1. Read about the cat method, it is the same. Based on body language and your sensitivity to it
2. If you take the time it takes it takes less time, so be patient and your expectations will be more than filled.

 

[LuluandMimi]

Thank you for all the advice. I been letting them do their own thing. One of them still hide but the other one comes out a little more (still won’t let me touch her).

The one that hides (Mili), has been dropping these very very very tiny dark poops. She’s eating fine (hay, pallets, veggies). I gave her a treat and she ate that too. Can this be stress related or should I go see a vet?

 

[Reh]

Thank you for all the advice. I been letting them do their own thing. One of them still hide but the other one comes out a little more (still won’t let me touch her).

The one that hides (Mili), has been dropping these very very very tiny dark poops. She’s eating fine (hay, pallets, veggies). I gave her a treat and she ate that too. Can this be stress related or should I go see a vet?

My rabbit has similar issue, he eats with no dramas so sometimes it could be stress related OR not enough water consumption.