Thanks, Chris!
The bunnies are a bit unhappy with mama right now.
We practiced handling again tonight. I was able to successfully hold both of them for a few minutes each(!) and reward both of them with a treat, but I got a bit scratched up and they both gave me the ol' leg flick after I put them down. Felix made some high-pitched noises, sort of like wheezing I guess, which concerned me, but he's stopped now. He was only doing it while I was holding him so maybe it was a scared noise. They were both a bit off their greens tonight, but ate some up and ate some carrot too, so I'm not overly concerned. I did feed them right after holding them both, so perhaps they're just a bit overwhelmed/upset from that still.
It's tough - I hate intentionally scaring and upsetting them, but I can't clip their nails, couldn't syringe feed if I had to, etc. - and sometimes I just want to cuddle my babies. It's a terrible feeling chasing them and having them so scared of me, but I keep telling myself it's for the best, because it's best if I can easily handle them whenever necessary. It's a step to get them more comfortable but argh! I can't help feeling guilty, and worrying that I'm hurting them, etc.
for example when Felix was making the wheezing noises, and after I first almost picked him up and he jumped away, and then sat still the second time, I was really worried I'd grabbed him too hard and hurt his poor little insides. I just need to remind myself that they're delicate, but not TOO delicate. They can look after themselves.
