Advice for a shy bunny?

Question

I just got a bunny four days ago.

She is 6 months old,

she is really shy and hates to picked up,

but I have to pick her up to take her out of her cage to play because her cage is elevated.

And when ever I have her loose in my room she stays away from me.

What can I do to get her to trust me more?

Answer 1

Hi Shelby, I'm Bunnie. I own a dutch bun, who's 6 weeks old, but I've been in the same problem as you!

What you need is for the bunny to earn your trust! It's a long road, but you'll make it! If you do it correctly, you two will bond, and become very close, here's what I recommend.

If I were you I would leave her alone for a few days, as in no handling, no petting, no touching, nothing. However you can talk to her, and get her used to your voice.

Stress is the number 1 killer in rabbits, and she's probably quite stressed right now! To tell when a rabbit is stressed, their lower eyelids will turn a shade of pink, or even red, I believe the darker the color, the more stressed they are.

After 3 days, you should put your hand in her cage, but let her come to you, don't just pick her up, let her come to you! This is one of the things, that I just can't stress enough with new owners, bunnies, need to know their not trapped in, they can get away anytime they want, this will let her trust you more. When you pick her up support her but with your hand, but don't put a hand over her back, unless she's squirming, and when she squirms, hold her until she stops squirming, then place her back in her cage, this way she knows, she's free to go, but it was your choice to put her down, not hers.

I don't suggest holding her for four days, or until she c an come to you.

During this time period, she's testing whether or not she can trust you, so only hold her for 2-3 minutes at a time, and never pick her up when she's not willing to be held, this will lose trust.

Also be sure your Very gentle with her, it sounds like she didn't have a good life before, and is wary of humans.

Again:Let her coem to you first!

Answer 2

try bribing with food suck as carets or grass and try buying a leash to take her out to play and eat the grass

Answer 3

Time is the best thing.  I too have a bunny.  It took him about 2 weeks to trust me.  I would speak gently and made sure he saw that I was bringing him food every day.  He eventually realized that I wasn't going to hurt him and started coming to the door when I would get close to his cage.   Hang in there, she will start trusting you shortly.  For now, open the door and just talk to him (don't try to pet him yet).  Food bribing is a good thing too! Reward him with parsley or apples when he gets closer to you.  HANG IN THERE!

Answer 4

don't give her veggies

It could ruin her digestion system... and cause bad things..

Well, i say just play with her 1 on 1

Go to a small bathroom

and yeah, just kinda of play with her

First, just stay still not doing anything

She will come up to you and start sniffing and being curious...

Yeah..

Be paittient and calm!!

Answer 5

Your rabbit is in a new environment. Who knows what she's been through? Just be patient with her and eventually she will come around and get used to you. She will begin to trust you when she realizes she is safe. Some treats I give my rabbits every once in a while include cheerios, fruit loops, banana slices, carrots, oatmeal, sunflower seeds. Don't worry, after a few weeks what else can the rabbit do she has to realize that you are her new home. Give her time and she should come around.