Repetitive Fear

[Zaiya]

My new Zealand white, Zaeo, has a 'fear problem'. Here is how it works: I build up trust with him to the point where he almost looks forward to my visits to his cage. Then, I decide to do some handling. I started with something simple, sexing. I carefully did, then as I was 'uprighting' him, he started to freak out and started to struggle. I flipped him upright, then gently but firmly held him down to keep him from hurting himself from freaking out. I calmed him, then gently let go.

This completely made him fear me again, and I have had to rebuild the trust. This has happened several times, and I have tried different things, like just letting him go when he started freaking out, but that sends him into a fit of bouncing off the walls as fast as he can run! This has become a routine, now. I don't like it. I need to handle him for 4-H, but he isn't letting me build trust with him for long. What do you suggest I do?

 

[Blue eyes]

Could you give a little more explanation? What is it you do exactly when you say you "build up trust with him"? What makes him look forward to having you visit? Is he getting any exercise?

I wouldn't consider sexing him to be "simple" from his perspective. Being flipped over is a very vulnerable position for him - one that would take time to learn to tolerate.

 

[Zaiya]

Well, I pet him (he is kind of afraid of being petted, he 'jumps' whenever I touch him), until he isn't as afraid anymore, and I give him treats. That's pretty much all I can do.

What do you think I should do? What sort of handling can I do? He is sort of OK with being picked up and held. Maybe I should start with that.

I've had him since 8 wks, and he has always been like this. I've been trying, since then, to handle him and get him used to me, but, well, I already explained it.

 

[Nancy McClelland]

The only thing you can do is be persistent, and, eventually get him used to being handled--it can take a lot of time and effort with some, but most will accept it--not like it, but accept.

 

[OakRidgeRabbits]

Sometimes New Zealands and Californians can have less than ideal temperaments. They're usually bred and used as commercial rabbits, so they're only raised until about 6-12 weeks of age unless they go back into the production herd.

Some are very calm and friendly, but it does seem our local 4-Hers here often struggle with handling them too.

It's great that you've started handling him as early as 8 weeks old. Even though he is afraid, it's best to handle him (actually pick him up and carry him) as often as possible. Daily would be best, if you can.

4-H rabbits need to be used to being handled. I know NZs are big rabbits, but you'll need to continue working on turning him over to check his teeth, straightness of legs, gender, etc., just like you would do in a showmanship class. When you turn him, make sure to be gentle but confident. Don't let him freak out when he returns to a sitting position- turn him, and keep your hands secure as he is turned back over. Once in a sitting position, keep your supportive hand on his hindquarter and other hand around his ears/head until he is calm. Then carry him around again for a few minutes to reinforce that he isn't permitted to run crazy after you're done working with him.

It takes patience and persistence. Some rabbits are never happy about handling. The important thing is that they tolerate it and don't cause a scene, which means less risk of injury for them and easier care for you.

 

[Zaiya]

Ya, since he's a purebred, I was wanting to use him for showmanship, but Moss might be easier. Moss is better at being handled, and slightly smaller, but he's POOFY!!!! It's kind of hard to, for example, sex Moss because of his poofiness.