I bought a bunny last weekend and she was fine for the first few days, we let her run around the apartment when we are around, but no she hardly leaves her cage, and she didn'tused to mind me petting her, now she sniffs my hand and doesn't want me to. I'm not sure what to do about my bunny, is this normal behavior?
2006-09-14 09:07:32 · 9 answers · asked by Samantha S 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Bunnies have personalities like humans once you remove the instinct factor. You have to be a little bit more patient with her... maybe she is shy, its likely she is scared. I agree with some of the posts above, let her have reign of the apartment, let her get comfortable with her new home, and hang around -- think of trying to make friends, can't really 'force' that no matter how many cheerio's or bribes you offer (although it does help!) and observe how she reacts. B/C rabbits are prey animals, fear is #1 on their list and i wouldn't take it too personally if they scamper away. I have 3 bunnies, 1 who is very social, 1 who is on its way there and 1 who is totally scared out of her mind. My tip of advice to you is to get on the ground, maybe lay down, read a mag or something so they are on your level and you appear smaller, and easier to approach. Allow you to sniff their hand first, and then once they seem ok with that, go for the petting. My bunnies really love it when you stroke their head especially, they are known to go into somewhat of a trance! Just be gentle and remember that they need to get to know you. Hope this helps! Good luck with your new family member!
2006-09-14 15:47:28 · answer #1 · answered by Virginia W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would normally say that yes, this is normal, but given the fact that she was fine for the first few days with you touching her and would come out of her cage without problem, I'd be worried about her either being pregnant or being sick. The best thing you can do is take her to a rabbit-savy vet for a checkup. Even if the vet finds nothing wrong with her, at least that way you will know for certain that she is healthy. If you take her to the vet and he/she finds nothing wrong, just take things slow. Hold your hand up to the side of the cage so that she can get used to your smell. Talk to her in a calm soothing voice constantly to reassure her. Once she seems more curious than frightened, open the cage door and let her come out in her own time again. It can also help to have a tasty treat in your hand to entice her to come out of her cage. If on the other hand, the vet does find something wrong, follow his/her instructions exactly for her care. If she ends up being pregnant, feel free to e-mail me directly at: kbviolin_98@yahoo.com for more help...not all vets know exactly what expect for pregnant rabbits, and I've had quite a bit of experience in that department!
2006-09-14 09:42:38 · answer #2 · answered by Kellye B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes...it takes time for your bunny to bond with you. I have found that sometimes they want to be left alone and than they get this urge that all they want is for you to pet them and play with them. When they don't want to be bothered they'll sometimes turn thrir back. This is normal behavior and once your bunny gets accustomed to you and his or her surroundings you'll have a totally unconditional love from he or him. Just be a little patient and you'll see. They're really an intelligent animal and I hope you have many years with your new companion. Best of luck. Also The house rabbit society has many helpful tips. Also search on the web for rabbit behavior. I love my rabbit Emily, who is three years now, and I wouldn't trade her for the world. She has free reign of the house which is bunny proofed.
2006-09-14 09:32:36 · answer #3 · answered by rss6540 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
His definlty scared His probbaly scare of his huth and dosent wanna circulate back in there circulate the hutch so its on grass and interior the mild so he can see and have interaction Bunnies are very sociall and lobe to be held and united statesobvioulsy is scared or is working from something its senn hopeuflly ur bunmny gets greater valuable =-]
2016-10-15 00:13:38 · answer #4 · answered by chowning 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cheerios are magic when it comes to creating bunny Love. Most of the rescues I get I win them over by feeding them cherios out of my hand. Depending on the age of the rabbit she could be getting territorial, does that are not spayed can become quite aggressive. Normallly they start to exhibit different behavior when they are about six months of age. Try cherios, feeding her out of your hand or getting her altered.
2006-09-14 12:17:24 · answer #5 · answered by HamSandwich 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
take your bunny to the vet and he should have all the answers to your questions if no one on here knows or sure.
2006-09-14 09:12:09 · answer #6 · answered by Lauren D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is she eating and drinking? She could be sick. Have you taken her to the vet for a check up to make sure that she is healthy? Is she spayed?
2006-09-15 01:21:23 · answer #7 · answered by sugarcarat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
why don't you try feeding the bunny yourself...that way your bunny might recognize you as the one feeding them and they will be more at eased with you...
2006-09-14 09:13:00 · answer #8 · answered by DJL 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think she's scared of you.
maybe you should try playing with her more, and giving her more treats.
2006-09-14 09:12:25 · answer #9 · answered by Ash~ley 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋