Once Bitten... Twice Bitten...

Day 5

Fayfay is still biting. She actually broke the skin this morning although I don't think it was intentional. It takes a long time to develop a bond with your bunny and we're only on day 5. I'm still learning what Fay does and doesn't like. How she does and doesn't play. 

She didn't bite me tonight when I was filling her bowl, or when I was giving her veggies so progress is being made. 

Building a bond with your bun can be a very long process, and it can be difficult. Here's a few things I do to help them trust me a little bit more.

1. Sit or lay on the floor. Rabbits are ground dwellers... Let them stay there. Everyone loves a bunny they can pick up, carry around and snuggle but most rabbits do not like that. I also tend to lean towards big rabbits and if they don't want to be picked up, you're going to know about it. 

2. Start with petting the top of their head. This is the sweet spot for, I don't know... 99% of rabbits. They almost all love being pet on the top of their head.

3. Try to be observant. What does your rabbit like to play with? Provide them with toys they enjoy.

4. Spend time on their level. This goes with number 1. If you're just sitting around watching tv, watch it from the floor. Let them take an interest in you and see that you're not going to hurt them... Keep your movements small and slow.

5. Be patient. Rabbits are smarter than they're given credit for... but they're not a dog. While some may respond to their name, or be trained for commands... most are not like that. That sort of a bond takes a lot of trust and a lot of time. My Magnolia recognized when I was talking to her, and would play interactively with me. It also took 4 years to get to that point. I wish we had gotten there sooner. I lost her way too soon and I wish she was still with me, but now it's Faylene's turn to feel loved. Patience is so important. 

Forgive me for not writing novels. I'm not an expert in rabbits, or rabbit behavior. I'm just a bunny mama sharing some of the tips that have worked for me in the past. With that, I hope this small tidbit helps someone with a brat bunny. Take your time. Give your bun time to chill out and get used to you. Let them have some time to realize they're not going back to a shelter. 
​