How do I know if my bunny needs a friend?

[Guest]

Hello. So we got a bunny from a breeder she was used as a breeder and never really held. We have had her 4 months and hold her daily for a few hours. Lately she’s been trying to attack us if we open her cage and I’m worried. Does she need a friend? I’m open to getting her another bunny pal but I feel bad she’s not wanting to be loved on. What can I do?

She won’t free roam she wants to be in her cage and it’s so sad.

Please help!

[Chloe]

Forcing bun to be held against their will isn't actually the right way to go about it.

It actually makes them retreat, buns do best doing it on their own pace. She has territorial behavior.

She needs to be spayed.

[Jackie]

Instead of an x-pen, our set up is a bit safer, as we also have a large dog. Check it out, if it’s something you like I’m happy to find the link.

We got it on Amazon:

[Shauna]

Stop picking her up.

She doesn't like it. She is trying to tell you. Let her come to you. These are not pets that like to be held. Yes, there are exception to every rule but rabbits like to be on the ground.

[Jennie]

She's afraid y'all going to carry her again. Just leave her cage open and let her learn to trust you and her new home.

[Maddie]

Not on topic of the post but wow her eye is huge! what a cutie.

[Chelsi]

First and foremost she needs to be fixed, 8 weeks post op you'll be able to see her personality under all the territorial behaviour. Second of all when you say you're holding her does that mean off the ground? Are you forcing her to be there?

Bunnies are prey animals and do not like to have their feet off the ground, they rarely enjoy being held and she needs to be able to come to you at her own pace.

The best thing you can do for bonding is to lay on the ground at her level and allow her to approach you when she is ready.

[Carol]

You probably need to just build her trust slowly. We took a bun off the streets, and for weeks I would just sit on the floor with treats, reading a book. slowly he came closer and closer for the treats and eventually got into my lap.

Having said that, he's still not a cuddle bug, he now does like head pats and kisses and will kiss back....just not while being held high off the ground.

if she's never known this kind of love, she's not used to it.

[Emma]

Spaying will help.

Also try bonding with her by just laying on the floor near her and offering some food, don’t try to touch her just let her come to you on her own terms, let her know that you’re not a threat and you’re not gonna pick her up

[August]

You prob were handling her way too soon after adopting her. She needs time to acclimate and bond. Just sit on the floor with her and talk to her etc and let her decide when to come to you.

And most rabbits do not like being picked up. That’s normal. The only time I pick up my rabbit is to trim nails and give him a quick check over.

Otherwise, I don’t pick him up and he’s very sweet and friendly. He didn’t take long to bond to me but most do take a while.

Sometimes even up to a yr.