Timid bunny

[ellebasi_]

Hi! I'm new here, and new to bunnies - I have had my two babies for about a month and a half. One of my bunnies is definitely more timid than the other - where Dora is happy to come and sniff at my hand and jump on my lap for a cuddle Daisy will be hesitant to do so. I don't know if this is because she might be sick, if it's just not in her nature to be affectionate or because she doesn't trust me yet.
If anyone could help me out with solutions or a cause behind her (probably very common) behaviour it would be much appreciated!!
Thanks,
Izzie :rabbithop

 

[JBun]

Usually the best ways to know if a rabbit is sick is by a change from normal behavior, change of eating, or changes in poop.

http://www.rabbit.org/care/sick.html

Some rabbits can just be more timid and nervous, than others. They usually just need more time and gentle handling to help them build trust. Spending time with your bun in a small space, like a bathroom or xpen, can be helpful in building this trust. Basically you just want to sit there occupied with something like a book or laptop, and kind of ignore the rabbit. In that you don't want to be reaching out to pet or anything. Just let her explore and soon she will get brave enough to come up to you, but still don't reach out. After lots of time doing this and when she seems completely at ease with you there, then when she approaches you, you can slowly try and reach your hand out to let her smell it. Once she seems comfortable with that, you can try sneaking in a forehead rub. If your rabbit doesn't have any digestive issues, limited treats can sometimes help too.

Timid rabbits can take more effort, but it's so rewarding when they come around and start trusting you

http://www.rabbitnetwork.org/articles/shy.shtml
http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/shybun.html
http://www.rabbitsonline.net/f28/bonding-your-bunny-29064/

 

[ellebasi_]

Thank you!! Very helpful I will try those tips, fingers crossed she comes out of her shell!

 

[elleecrawford]

My bunny, Ashen is very confident and curious. However, Miguel is shy and afraid to come out of his hidey house. This is normal for him and he just has a different personality. Don't worry.

 

[Tally943]

I have 2 bonded bunnies, Patrick (dutch) and dolly(mini-rex). What type of bunnies do you have? I have learned that different breeds have different types of behavior. For example, Patrick barley ever comes up to me while Dolly always does. Also Patrick likes to hop on things while Dolly likes to go through tunnels. I have a ritual every morning when I fill up food and water bowls then I give the bunnies a treat if they come up to me. Of course, Dolly is always waiting there while Patrick only comes up once or twice a week , which is better then never. I think as the years progress Patrick will get better and get more used to me, I'm sure yours will too. You might want to try the treat thing in the morning or whenever you feed them. As for your rabbit being sick , I don't really have much experience there but I think it would be much like a human( Not drinking , not eating , weird looking poops , any other strange behavior) But , I think your bunny is just like Patrick and takes longer to bond with you , I'm sure that over time she will get more friendlier!

 

[Imbrium]

I second JBun's advice

As for your rabbit being sick , I don't really have much experience there but I think it would be much like a human( Not drinking , not eating , weird looking poops , any other strange behavior)

^ Yup, you nailed it .

Not eating, drinking and/or pooping for 8-12+ hours is a medical emergency in rabbits because of the way their digestive system works - they're prone to GI stasis, which can be fatal if not treated properly. Poop is an excellent window into a rabbit's health (see http://imgur.com/a/5N4lD for more info), and of course, odd behavior shouldn't be disregarded (particularly if the bunny appears uncomfortable or lethargic) - bunnies hide sickness very well, so sometimes the tiniest sign that something is wrong is the only sign.

 

[ellebasi_]

Thank you one and all! We don't know what breed they are , probably a cross though. Yesterday we had to put Dora (the dominant one) down as she had a nasty leg break :'( so now Daisy is even more timid and freaked out by such a change. The poor love seems to be huddled up in a ball and scared by such a change. I will take your advice and give it the bet shot. I love her to bits and hate seeing her so frightened

 

[Imbrium]

ray: I'm so sorry for your loss! Yes, Daisy will take it especially hard, being the submissive one... I read your new thread about it first and gave a little bit of advice (seems I guessed right about Daisy being more submissive/timid).

Binky free, Dora! :rainbow: