Too shy for her own good.

[jenissi]

Hello everyone,



I am a fairly new bunny owner; even so,I have read so much in books, forums, and on web sites that I considermyself fairly expert in the subject. What I lack is some ofthe real life experience that many long time breeders and owners have,so I’m hoping you can add to me in that way. I got my first,a female, from a pet store about 8 months ago. She was about6 or 8 weeks old then, and I had her spayed in January. Ipicked her up a companion in early February, a male about her same agefrom an animal shelter who was neutered about the same time as her.As of now they reside in separate cages positioned next toeach other and take turns running free while going through theintroduction process. I’m hoping they will take to each othersoon, but actually that’s not what my question is.



When I went looking for my female, Idid a lot of searching, because I wanted a Rex in particular.No other fur compares in my mind, but I could only find onefemale Rex within 50 miles of my house. She was beautiful,but even then she was very skittish and shy, and I knew better than tobuy her. Nevertheless, I did, and fell in loveanyway. The thing is, I know rabbits are very territorial,and don’t like you putting your hands in their cages, and pulling themout and such, but with Trisha’s shyness, if I sat outside her cage allday wooing her, she would stay right there. She’s not temptedby treats, or soft talking, or gentle rubbing on her head.She will sit (rarely, rarely, rarely lay) inside her littleChube and stare at me all day. When I leave, she will ventureout and eat whatever I was trying to tempt her with. Becauseof this, it was quite impossible for me to not stick my hands in hercage and grab her. She’d never come to me on herown. Sure she thumps her foot to say she doesn’t like it, butwhat can I do. Any one else have such a withdrawnbunny? Is there something I’m missing? I hoped thatan outgoing partner might “bring her out”, and really he already has insome ways. When Peter arrived, she began running around onher turn out, rather than just hiding under the shelves, although onlywhen I’m not around. Peter on the other hand has only beenwith me a couple weeks and walks right up when I come in. Doyou think this new situation will eventually make her more comfortable,or am I likely to be looking for her under the furniture for the nextnine years? Sorry for the novel, but thanks for yourinsight!


…Charles

 

[Flopsy]

Where did you get her, sounds like she wasabused to me or is like my rabbit.:dunno I say just spend asmuch time in the room she is in. Thats how I am with Fluffy.I've had him inside since April and he's just now starting to trust me.

 

[AngelnSnuffy]

Have you tried sitting away from the cage abit? You could try that for a bit, also if that works and shestarts coming out, you could temp her w/ some treats too!Some rabbits just need more time to trust you, as they are preyanimals. Hopefully she wasn't abused! Mine reallydon't come out either if I sit right in front of the cage so she mightbe more comfortable if you're a few feet away.

 

[ec]

This article by Dana Krempels, tittled "WinningOver a Shy Bunny," should be very helpful to you:http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/shybun.html

The big thing is understanding that it takes time and patience to win abunny's trust - and this is true of buns that aren't necessarily "shy,"too.

Hang in there - and you might try talking to your bun, talking on thephone while you're around the bun, or even (as I sometimes did) readingaloud to the bunny. Give him/her time to get used to you, withoutputting any expectations on them. (Keeping a few small treats at handdoes help!)

 

[jenissi]

Snuffles,

First of all, she looks exactly like the pic in your profile, exceptfor a little less white on the face, I'd say it was her. Ithink she was a bit young when I got her to have been abused, she camefrom a Petland store, and I would assume she was part of a litter froma breeder, but she was the cutest and shyest of the bunch. Iam planning to move my office downstairs where they are soon, so maybejust my presence for long periods of time without messing with themwill help.

...CC

 

[ec]

Very few pet stores know much of anything aboutbunnies, to be honest - she could have been mishandled by potentialcustomers (kids especially) and more. I wouldn't assume that everythingis fine based on her having been in a store.... (Not meaning to bediscouraging, just truthful.)

 

[gwhoosh]

I don't have much experience for this situation,but what kind of treats are you using? My bunny won't do anything forsome treats, but she'd jump off a bridge for a craisin. :jumpforjoy: