I dont know if I should try to pet my new bunny or let him come to me!

1. 50

   irishtapbeautyposted 13 years ago

   I dont know if I should try to pet my new bunny or let him come to me!
   
   I got a new rabbit 3 days ago. Hes 9 month old dwarf rabbit. When I met him with his previous owners, they held him the whole time and it seemed like they handled him a lot. The first night I had him, he was confused and let me hold him, pet him, whatever. The next day he started exploring around and having fun. Now hes kinda used to everything and he wont let me touch him! Hes interested in coming out of his cage, he goes to the door and looks at me, but I want to put him on my bed and he wont let me touch him! He doesnt seem scared but he doesnt like me touching him. Idk how to treat him!

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2. 61

   vitalesweetsposted 13 years ago

   Let him come to you. Try using a snack and letting him eat out of your hand throughout the week. The next week see if he will eat while in your lap. The more time you give the lil guy, he'll surely come around. Maybe try the time of day when he is tired, like after he has been running around, try holding him before putting him back in his cage.

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3. 60

   Pollyannalanaposted 13 years ago

   Do you have another animal that you may have the scent of on you such as a dog, cat or something that would cause fear in the rabbit? Maybe you should get your rabbit a buddy, the only dwarf I had was caged with a female angora and made her bed right on the angora's back and dug away fixing it just right, always in the opposite direction and they both loved it.

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4. 60

   ilenefunckposted 13 years ago

   First off, understand that a bunny is a prey animal and isn't going to be 100% friendly like a dog or even a cat, at least, not at first--it's nothing you did wrong, it's just nature.
   
   Good news though, you bought a MALE bunny. They are much easier to befriend than females. The only problem you may have in the long run is spraying (they can be neutered!) and if he had been used as a stud buck in the past, he may get territorial and aggressive. Counter this by giving him a stuffed animal or ball to hump when he gets the notion--it'll make him a lot happier.
   
   I suggest attention, lots of it and treats--not too many though or he could get sick. Be very gentle and he'll come around.

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5. 57

   Mr Grimwigposted 13 years ago

   Put him in a small, distraction-free room (e.g., a bathroom). After a few visits so he can get used to the room, sit down in the middle of the room with a treat with him in the room. When he comes near you, give him the treat.
   
   Repeat this several times, minimizing how far he can be away from you until you're giving him the treat. Your bunny will think you = treats.
   
   When you've done this, try stroking him on the top of his head or back. Remember that rabbits are prey animals - don't run after him and pick him up, or you'll look like a predator. Instead, let him come to you (by using treats) and gently stroke him.
   
   Bunnies aren't cuddly, and I don't recommend picking him up, especially at this stage. Instead, give him plenty of treats and gentle stroking. Best of luck!
   
   Oh, and btw: by treats, I mean a small slice of banana or carrot, not pet store treats, which are far too sugary. Banana and carrot are sugary enough (only give them in small amounts, infrequently) for your bunny to love them, but still relatively healthy.
   
   And introduce the treats before using them for training; otherwise your rabbit won't know what you're feeding him!

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