Rabbit isn't socialable

[AshJ]

Hi,

I've had my Rabbit Rocky for over 3 years now, and he's never been theone for petting or picking up. When he was younger we managed but nowhe's old it's such a struggle to get him into his cage and pick him upfor checks, he's very nervous around people and he doesn't like beingpetted or handled, he just hops away. I haven't got himneutered yet, however I am planning to do this. Does anyone else havethis problem?

 

[Stephanie]

I have one rabbit who isn't very social orlovable with us most of the time. We no longer try to hold any of ourrabbits, as they just don't like it and it causes them too much stress.

As for my one rabbit who doesn't like being pet very much, we just givehim loving the way he wants it. When he's outside of the cage (which isabout 12-14 hours a day) he doesn't want to be pet. He runs away fromus most of the time, unless there's a treat involved that is.

When he's in the cage, we can reach in and give him affection. As thisis the way he wants it, this is what we do. It's not what we'd prefer,but we've learned with rabbits, it's pretty much their way or thehighway.

 

[Linz_1987]

My doe is overa year now and she useto be really scared of people, and run away from you and struggle whenyou pick her up. When we let her out for a run in the garden she justuse to hide in the bushes.

But about 2 months ago i got her spayed and it has helped an awful lot.She spends her time in the garden nosing about every where and evencomes up to the back door to try and get into the house. It is reallyamazing how much spaying can change a rabbit, in a nice way ofcourse.

I also got her another rabbit as a friend. I am still introducing themtogether. The new rabbit loves human company and has set a good exampleto my original rabbit!

When i have them in the kitchen together they are both exploringeverything and going right up to you nudging you and stuff. Its reallycute.

Therefore i think spaying/neutring really helps with their personalities. Give it a go


But Stephanie is also right, some rabbits just dont want tobe touched, and they prefer staying on the ground.

 

[AshJ]

Thanks for your help!

 

[Bunnys_rule63]

My rabbits aren't very sociable either. I neverpick them up unless i have to but i've trained them to go in the basketfor vet checks etc. I try and spend as much time with them as i can, tobegin with tempt him over with food then stroke him, do this alotuntill you can stroke him without food, my bunnies weren't to keen onbeing petted but now they will hop up to me to be stroked although ifthey've had enough they will nudge my hand away. Try and play with yourbun and spend time just sitting with him and maybe put some hay orsomething on your knee so he eats near you or even plucks up thecourage to jump on your knee. Try not to pick him up as if he doesn'tlike it will only set you back. Soon Rocky will become much friendlier,he will never be very friendly, as my buns aren't, but with lots oftime then they can still be great pets and friendly in their own littleways. I've never had bunny kisses or had my bun lie next to me but iknow that they love me when they hop up to me or jump on my knee.

 

[lyndsy]

All three of my bunns are like that! They don't like to picked up, but a good head rub is ALWAYS welcome!!!!

:monkey:'s

 

[nose_twitch]

Yeah, I think a big problem is that rabbits arejust so cute that people always want to pick them up and cuddlethem. But most rabbits just don't like it.

 

[bluebird]

I have several rabbits that do like to be pickedup but i think the key is they are handled daily from the time theywere born.i keep my rabbitry small so i have time to do this.im afraidmost buns just dont like picked up.bluebird