chickenlickin Posted April 8, 2008 Share Posted April 8, 2008 Can anyone advise me at what age baby rabbits become adults and if their skittish behaviour calms down, so they become more friendly and happy to be stroked/cuddled. I have a 12 week mini lionhead whom we love but my children get fet up of not being able to stoke her for more than one stroke before she's off somewhere else. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pelicano Posted April 8, 2008 Share Posted April 8, 2008 I've not had baby bunnies, but I thought it was the opposite - that they got less friendly as they got older (ie when the hormones kick in). Rabbits never normally really like to be stroked and cuddled. They normally tolerate being stroked on the ground for a while, but as prey animals they usually hate being picked up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
victoriabunny Posted April 8, 2008 Share Posted April 8, 2008 That's bunny nature, I'm afraid - some like being stroked, but many are like yours and more interested in exploring. Hardly any like being picked up for cuddles. It's why contrary to popular belief they don't make great kids' pets. If you want something your children can cuddle on their knees for hours on end, guinea-pigs are much better and friendlier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FruitandNutCake Posted April 9, 2008 Share Posted April 9, 2008 I agree that rabbits do not usually like to be held and cuddled. My 11 months old Bugsy was handled from a baby and is hapy to let me pick him up for a short while. They need to get used to being picked up for routine vet trips and having their bums checked daily. My 7 month old Stefi was a rescue bunny. She is still very skittish and hates being picked up full stop. I now have to wear gloves to stop my wrists being shredded by her claws. It is better to get down to their level and approach from above. They also don't usually like having your hand go up o their noses (though mine don't mind). Just stoke them whilst they are on the ground, or sit next to them and wait for them to climb on you! Steffi will let me stroke her head for a few minutes if she is on the ground - but she is going to take a lot of work to get her tame - and I've had her 4 months. Also both mine are neutered - this usually helps calm them down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
