Two weeks ago, I got a lion mane bunny from a pet store. He had been previously owned, but the lady said that it was rare to find a bunny as nice as him. When I brought him home, he wouldn’t let me get him out of his cage without struggling, and when I let him out of his cage, he would hide in places where I couldn’t get him. Is this characteristic of the breed? What can I do to make him understand that I just want to hold him and pet him, and that I won’t hurt him? My mom says he’s probably just getting used to everything, but I’m still frustrated. He’s very sweet, and when he’s in his cage he lets you pet him but not hold him.
Anyone have any advice?
Thanks!
Ash
Tags: bunny health problem, Rabbit, VetLocator.com
Hi Ash! Most rabbit do not like being held or pet. This is something you should have come across in your research. I have a rabbit that is considered pretty friendly and she only tolerates being held. As soon as she hits the floor she is off and running. It takes me a good 10 minutes to get her back in the cage.
Rabbits are not great pets for everyone, they do not like to be played with, pet or held. You need to respect your pet for the kind of animal he is and not try and force him to conform to your needs.