Hi everyone ! Around 5 months ago I found and took in two bunnies abandoned under a tree in over 85 degree heat (I live in FL) at my workplace. This is my first time keeping and taking care of bunnies, and I am at a loss at the moment. They have obviously come from a home that mistreated and possibly abused them; they are extremely timid and will scurry away in a panic when I come too close for their liking or make any kind of eye contact with them. Since taking them in Sasquatch (M) has opened up quite a lot; coming close, nuzzling me, and showing real personality and silliness. Yeti (F) ((pictured)) on the other hand has continued to be incredibly anxious. She is constantly breathing fast and heavy, attacking, not playing with toys or wanting to come out of their cage, eats way less than Sas, will not let me pick her up without freaking out, and will run away terrified when I enter the room, speak to her, or make any kind of eye contact. I have tried everything i have learned so far, such as laying on my tummy to match their level and waiting for her to come to me while speaking to her softly. I am extremely worried for her, and trying to figure out why Sas has become a completely different bun and she is still extremely scared of everything. it breaks my heart. I’m afraid im going to scare her to death. One thing she will let me do is scratch behind her ears, but only for a few moments. They are completely healthy, and she is showing no signs that she is in pain. It is killing me that i know nothing of where they came from, i know that would make a huge difference in my knowledge of how to help them thrive again.
i am desperately looking for new tactics of how to make her feel comfortable and safe, and was hoping you guys have any tips. perhaps she simply just needs more time, but i figured it wouldn’t hurt if i came on here to share my current experience with these babies and potentially expand my knowledge.
thank you guys for your time. much love from me, Sas, and Yeti.
by bloodorangeluvr
4 Comments
Sounds like maybe you can show you mean no harm by giving Sas some pets but time is a big part too. I got my bun in February and she has only just right now let me pick her up and hold her so just depends ok the bun they have their own personality and are always different from one another
Probably most helpful document for new owners: https://rabbitsindoors.weebly.com/uploads/2/0/6/4/20646190/the_language_of_rabbits.pdf
I have a rescue Bun that was found in the woods. I suspect the original owners lett her in the cage or she was used for breeding and she just never got used to human contact. I’ve had her about 8 mo now and she is very skidding. I let her come to me in her own terms and try to lay in the ground and get down to her level. Sometimes it just takes time and other times it’s just a combo of their personality and the way they were “brought up”. Give it time.
I just adopted a bun last week who was separated from his brother, i learned he was found in a field with his brother and that his brother was also adopted by someone before i found my bun. So he was spending a lot of time hiding in corners and sleeping, or scurrying away. I made it a point to spend hours in the same room doing my own thing sitting down to make him comfortable with my presence. I work from home though, so that helps, so I spend long periods of time just working and reading in that room. I try not to pick him up, unless for a nail trim or a groom, then it’s unavoidable, but maybe you can move her in a crate and let learn to go in herself, females are way more territorial than makes it seems, patience and positive energy, it will come!