Shy New Rabbit...Help!

[Beans157]

Hi,
So my old rabbit recently passed away at 4 months old, so I got another because the old one blew my mind. I had no idea I could fall in love with rabbits in such a short time! (I actually was a cat person.)
My problem is, this new rabbit (around 10ish weeks old) is pretty skidish. It’s getting better with humans, but I still find myself becoming impatient at times since I’m starting from square one all over again. So I was just wondering if anyone knew what I should do to make my rabbit more sociable?
Thanks in advance!

 

[Nanako-usagi]

I don’t have much to offer in terms of help, but I know what you’re going through.
I lost my two bonded rabbits that I had for a long time, 2 years ago. I recently got an 11 week old rabbit and she’s incredibly skittish and doesn’t seem that she likes me very much (I’ve even cried about it). I forgot how much work and patience it takes for them to get used to you, I was looking for an easy going lovable bunny right away, but I’m in for some hard work. I’m also looking for some suggestions please!

 

[Blue eyes]

I'm afraid you would have had an easier time with an older, already fixed rabbit (older, as in 6 months of age & up). They train more easily.

With such a young rabbit, you'll just have to be super patient. Don't force yourself on him and don't handle him too much. Either of those can have the opposite affect and make him more stand-off-ish. Sit with him in an enclosed area (suggest you bring a book/tablet) and just sit with him. If he approaches you -- great! -- ignore him. That's right. Don't try petting him... not yet. Let him get time to get comfortable with you. Just be near him and let him approach you. In time, you can try petting him.

You can read more detail about this process (and some more tips) here.

The difficulty is that your rabbits (Beans & Nanako) are both approaching hormones. When those kick in, then training can go out the window. They can become aggressive and unpredictable. This is why it is easier to begin with an already fixed and/or older rabbit. (Their personalities are also more evident then.)

Once fixed, things will go more easily and smoothly. In the meantime, click on that link for tips to try (and what to avoid).

 

[Nanako-usagi]

Thank you! I will keep all of that in mind. Hopefully after I get her spayed she’ll be much better. Thank you for the attached link, it was very helpful.

 

[Beans157]

Thank you both so much for your advice!
I am beginning to see my little bunny progress in small steps each day, so there is hope!
I had thought of getting an older rabbit actually, however, I felt a certain pull towards the one I ended up with and am happy with the results.
Although he/she tries my patience at times, there are also the good times where I am able to see its personality shine through.
Either way I am happy with the bunny I have, and although it may take more time with this one, I am willing to push through.
Thanks again!
-L

 

[Nancy McClelland]

Time, patience and I use cilantro as an attractant.

 

[BonbonandJujubee]

I have a wire fox terrier at home but we have to be so careful when it comes to bunnies because she will kill them. It's annoying but we have a system set up so that our buns are safe.

 

[Spoonbill]

Hi,I’ve just been reading your post and thought I’d reply.Our rabbit was and sometimes is very anxious/nervous.The easiest way is to think how one would deal with a child like this,as the behaviour is much the same...you might want to try the following:
Always respect the fact that their hutch is their space and do not encroach into that space,only for essential maintenance (whilst cleaning place them in another area). Reward good/desired behaviour.Have a neutral ground where they can come to you when they desire.Don’t be tempted to stroke whilst they are stretching out examining the area,as they’re vulnerable and feel threatened.Once they have gained your trust,try stroking their head with a front to back motion, mimicking how rabbits posture to one another.Never raise your voice,always speak in calm,quiet voice.If you can,have/bond a pair...there’s nothing quite the same as seeking comfort in another rabbit.
I hope this helps.

 

[BonbonandJujubee]

What works for me is not exactly petting and holding them but just sitting in an enclosure with them for a little bit and leaving, I think it helps them feel you're not a threat. I also hold my hand out for them to approach and smell, my buns push their head under my hand when they want to be pet. It is really slow but I hope this helps!

 

[MIKEP]

When I first got my bunny, I don't have an enclosure yet so he was free to roam around for the first week. He would hop right to me every morning when I came out from my room and every evening when I came home from work.

But after with enclosure set up and I have to handle him for nail clipping and bathing, he seemed distanced from me.

I watched and read a lot online to study about bunnies and their behaviour and surely one way to bond with the rabbits is simply feeding them with treats. I do find raisins is his favourite so everytime I shake the raisins box, he would just come right to me to beg for treats. Try that and I believe it would work.

 

[TreasuredFriend]

Bunnies with hormones are challenging. Always easier when your buns are spayed and neutered. Time and patience is a good plan. Limiting space is a good idea so you can walk into their x-pen or enclosure, sit on the floor, and then proceed to properly pick up your bunny.

Our fifth bun, a foster/fail taken out of the shelter, readily became more friendly after being out of the noisy, busy environment with numerous predator smells and strange hands from unsavvy workers reaching in to grab him out of his cubicle. He was surrendered b/c the roommate deserted him, and he lived in a home with a dog. Who knew how much affection or attention he received? He was very territorial of his protective space in his cubicle at the shelter!! Any hand approaching into his cubby would get attacked. Which is why I took him out. I look at the scar on my hand, and gently realize I saved his life from an impending euthanization call at the shelter. The shelter routinely euth'd unadoptable pets. Within a few weeks, living in our quiet home, he began licking my hand. He completely turned around behavior wise. The shelter had already neutered him. People there just didn't understand the triggers that caused him to be defensive, plus lunge & bite - i.e. be scared for his life.

Patience is key. Rabbits are hesitant for logical reasons.

 

[TreasuredFriend]

Beans157, to the right kind of nurturing person, the accomplishment of seeing a shy, skittish, lunging, onery rabbit transition into a gentle and trusting creature, will leave an indelible impression on your heart. Many people would easily discard or surrender any type of "you don't like me" pet - or defensiveless, misunderstood lagomorph.

We've seen transitions many times in our home doing fosters, rescues, for nearly 17 years - and working with numerous intact males/females, and seeing how they transform after they are sp/eutered. Volunteering at the shelter was an eye-opener to the behavior and personalities of these quiet pets.

 

[Beans157]

Thank you all! Excited to try all of these lovely suggestions! Thanks again for your help!