New bunny scared

PolishRabbitmama · Mar 3, 2014

We got a lionhead doe yesterday and she is scared out of her wits. We got our polish from a breeder who handled her bunnies constantly. Now this little girl came from a place where they didn't handle the rabbits very much. When we first picked her out of the cage she didn't want to be touched. When we got her home I had to clip her so probably stressed her even more. I know to have her in the main area of the house to get her used to all the new noises as the rabbits were kept outside and this is the first indoor home she's had. Besides patience is there any way to get her used to us. When I go in the cage to give her hay,water,or food she backs into the corner and just sits there. I guess I'm just feeling bad for her as I know time will tell. But I was glad I got her out and now she's not matted and we still need to give her a butt bath but I don't want to rush her. Haven't seen much poop from her either yet. Should I be worried? I have seen her eat hay but that's it so far.

lovelops · Mar 3, 2014

I would get her in a small area to get her used to you and your family that will be handling her. When I got Lady and Brooke, they had to get used to me and they were rescues. I would sit on the floor and let her come to you and get used to you. Probably because she wasn't handled alot she is very nervious. I still can't pick up Lady and I've had her since November 2013. It's going to take a bit of time, but in spending more time with her and just sitting and letting her 'know' you guys and become familiar with you and who ever else will be handling her it will change. I started off with Lady in the hallway and bathroom. That way I would be able to have some space with her, and if she was freaked out she could run off into the bathroom area and whenever she was feeling curious she could come into the hallway area, explore, and then go back to her safe area of the bathroom.

She is probably not eating due to the change in environment. I know Lady and Brooke did the same thing for a day or so. After that they got back to normal and started eating. But as you know, rabbits are creatures of habit.

I would start by offering her some treats if you want to work on having her come to you, I know people are going to say, giving too much treats are bad, but if you want to make friends fast get some banana out, some small sweet treats that we know rabbits love and see if you can start finding out what she likes. I did this with Lady and found out she LOVES bananas and believe it or not dried apples. When she hears me opening the bag for dried apples, she comes running! I'm so surprised! I started working on a list so the next time I sat with her , I would put the treat in my hand or in front of me and she would slowly come in my area to get her treats. Brooke LOVES watermelon! She comes running like little bull for a piece of watermelon! It's a good way for you to learn more about her and her to come to see that you are not a threat to her. At this point, she has no idea who this huge human is that got her in that pretty pink crate. All she knows is that this a change and she wants to go back to how things were before. I'm surprised she didn't thump. I never had a rabbit thump and Lady thumped like every other second when I tried to get her out of her crate and tried to touch her!

Good luck and keep us posted! She is a cutie!!!

Vanessa

PolishRabbitmama · Mar 3, 2014

When I pick her up she is a limp bun. She doesn't like to be scruffed that is how the kid had to get her out of the cage. Not my kid. The kid where we got her from. We gave her a treat and figured later we will put her in the hallway/bathroom area.Mason is in my daughters room so we have to keep watch and later is better that way he won't be as active and she will just get a scent of him. They aren't going to be bonded so we'll keep them separate and at night they go in their cage to sleep.She is learning to play with toys as she keeps moving them around in her cage so I guess she's making headway!

PolishRabbitmama · Mar 3, 2014

Well I gave her a piece of strawberry and she came out of her shell a bit. She started exploring more and is a bit more comfortable in her cage. She found her food and water bowl so she just needs a bit of kindness and I think she'll do great!

lovelops · Mar 3, 2014

PolishRabbitmama said:
Well I gave her a piece of strawberry and she came out of her shell a bit. She started exploring more and is a bit more comfortable in her cage. She found her food and water bowl so she just needs a bit of kindness and I think she'll do great!

Cool! Limp bunnie when you get her out??? Oh my god... Lady is a karate bunny. She will kick the crap out of you and bite the hell out of your hand... Hum Limp bunnie sounds good!

No actually I feel bad for her.. I think you guys are moving in the right direction. It sounds great so far! Keep on letting us know how she is doing! And none of mine are bonded either.. I have to keep them apart..

Vanessa

PolishRabbitmama · Mar 3, 2014

I gave her some broccoli stems and a carrot also and success! But I still haven't seen poop or pee from her and that worries me. She is eating her pellets now. And has rearranged her cage the way she likes it. So she is getting more active which is good but she's still making me nervous about not seeing pee or poop