Untamable Ruby Rabbit!

[PepnFluff]

I seriously cant tame this demon/rabbit! haha I've bunny buritoed for hours a day tried offering treats, laying on the ground with them, sitting with them. I love the girl shes adorable and gets so excited when she sees you yet she wont go anywhere near you... I spent 10mins this evening hearding her in the sunset, talk about a wild rabbit chase lol. I've read through the threads on bonding etc but nothing works ! I'm nearly at the point in bathing myself in carrot juice lol. I think shes quite a unique rabbit so may need quite unique taming techniques hehe, fire away!

 

[Flashy]

I would suggest allowing her to be in control. Bunny Burritoing will be something that she hates and it will make her dislike you.

I had a guy that came to me wild (as in had lived with wild buns, and was petrified of people). Through a lot of patience and time he came round (quicker than I thought he would actually), he now comes over for food, he will climb on me, but he is VERY hand shy (unless there is something yummy in it).

I wrote an article on Bonding with your Bunny which you can find in the library, it might be worth a read.

The main this is though, to be patient, be consistent, and let them learn to trust you.

 

[PepnFluff]

thanks very much Flashy:biggrin2: when you say be quiet do you mean speaking in gentle tones or not talking at all????
When you said I had a guy, I thought it was a human sorta like the wolve man haha.

 

[Flashy]

I quite like the idea of taming my own personal Wolfman. I wonder if someone might get me one for Christmas

I can't remember in what context I said be quiet in, but I would talk in gentle calming tones. I started working out a routine with Roger (my 'wolfman' ) and I just talked him through everything I was doing as I did it (even when I was no where near him but in the general vicinity, just so he would be able to hear my voice, and get used to me comin and going). When I was with him, sometimes I would be silent, other times I would talk quietly and calmly to him, sometimes I would sing quietly too. So I think you can do either. Maybe just see which one she responds to the best. If it's silence then start with that but with time get her used to your voice, but if she is ok with your voice, then just keep talking.

 

[Maureen Las]

Flashy wrote:

I quite like the idea of taming my own personal Wolfman. I wonder if someone might get me one for Christmas

I can't remember in what context I said be quiet in, but I would talk in gentle calming tones. I started working out a routine with Roger (my 'wolfman' ) and I just talked him through everything I was doing as I did it (even when I was no where near him but in the general vicinity, just so he would be able to hear my voice, and get used to me comin and going). When I was with him, sometimes I would be silent, other times I would talk quietly and calmly to him, sometimes I would sing quietly too. So I think you can do either. Maybe just see which one she responds to the best. If it's silence then start with that but with time get her used to your voice, but if she is ok with your voice, then just keep talking.

These are great ideas. rabbits do get used to your presence in a room and the sounds of your voice.
you don't necessarily have to be talking just to her but you could just sing to your self...

Italk baby talk to the rabbits and sing songs to them etc and if it was taped people would really get a good laugh at what goes on in here.
rabbits are most interested in you when you are not focusing on them.

for ex ..go in her room and sit down with a magazine and /or a book and she will most likely get interested and come over.

if she doesn't.... just keep it up and eventually she may trust you. handling her to much or forcing her in any way will only scare her away.I will find some links for you



http://www.rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=12051&forum_id=17
http://www.rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=33995&forum_id=17

Actually I think that Flashy put the 'bonding with your bunny" together which is excellent material

 

[PepnFluff]

These are great! thanks guys:biggrin2: I don't think i'll sing, that will scare them more I shall go and try sitting in with them soon.

 

[ec]

I read aloud to my bun when I 1st got her - she seemed to enjoy it, and was free to hang out near me (or not) as she chose. (I sat on the floor.)

I don't think it's actually possible to "tame" a bun - what we have to do is earn their trust, and that takes time, patience and love. (As has been pointed out already.) Remember that rabbits are a prey species, hard-wired to flee. and we (as they well know!) are a predatory species. You have to respect that... It's at the heart of what Flashy has written about bonding with a bun.

 

[juliew19673]

ec wrote:

I read aloud to my bun when I 1st got her - she seemed to enjoy it, and was free to hang out near me (or not) as she chose. (I sat on the floor.)

I don't think it's actually possible to "tame" a bun - what we have to do is earn their trust, and that takes time, patience and love. (As has been pointed out already.) Remember that rabbits are a prey species, hard-wired to flee. and we (as they well know!) are a predatory species. You have to respect that... It's at the heart of what Flashy has written about bonding with a bun.

Its SO true - I found with my bun when I got him (and had never had a bun before so had NO idea what I was doing) that I would just sit with him when I gave him breakfast or dinner and would just "run down my day I had to due" with him out loud and after about 3 weeks he came over to me one night and gave me "bunny kisses".. Rocked my world but it took alot of patience on my part to give him "space" and to not force him to "cuddle" and/or come up to me for pets (he'd "drive by" for a quick pet - but would never stand still long enough for a full on pet).

Once he decided he "might" trust me, we started building from there and 9 months later were still building butnow we can have full on cuddles for 20 mintues and I can pick him up and hold him - stilll waiting for his "full on trust" can't clip his back nails - but just give it time - alot and treats (hand fed) could help.. Good luck!

 

[PepnFluff]

I didn't end up sitting with them cause I started making their new condo but if it stops raining I shall go sit with her. It sounds like readings the thing to do so thank you all:biggrin2:

 

[kherrmann3]

Here are some good articles from the house rabbit society.

http://rabbit.org/faq/sections/aggression.html

http://rabbit.org/journal/2-2/mean-rabbit.html

Also, having a treat in your hand while reading can convince her that you're the good guy. Don't let her pull the treat (lettuce, etc.) away, make her stay near you to eat the treat. Eventually, you may even be able to give her a few nose rubs

 

[Bo B Bunny]

I always suggest reading a book that you don't mind being "decorated" because my bunnies LOVE LOVE LOVE the taste of a good book!

We had an evil, demon gerbil once.

 

[PepnFluff]

I recieved a mail order catalouge yesterday which looks rubbishy I shall put it to good use.:biggrin2: Thanks everyone for those links

 

[Bo B Bunny]

You'll have her in no time! She's gonna love that catalog! LOL!