[Chloe_Olivia16]

I have had my two little Netherland Dwarf bunnies for over a year, and they still don't trust me! If i sit still in the cage, they will come up and sniff me or take things from my hand, but as soon as i approach them they run a mile stomping their back feet. I did everything i was told when they were babies, keeping them inside, holding them as often as possible. But now because my mum and dad say i can't do anything wit them they want to send them to a bunny sanctuary!! I dont want my bunnies to go! I went on the website for the place they want to send them and if they're not rehomed in 6 months, they are euthanased!! Please help me!

 

[Nibbler]

Most rabbits don't like being held and need plenty of out of the cage time

 

[Chloe_Olivia16]

They're in a really big run, as my parents won't let me keep them inside. I've been looking on the internet and all the info blogs and that say that their bunnies play with them, and run up to them :S

 

[Sasami]

Instead of picking them up, try letting them come out of the cage on their own . Most rabbits hate being picked up. They're prey animals so being grabbed usually means they're lunch! If you let them come to you on their own terms they'll trust you more. Tasty treats help, too .

Edit: I just saw your new post and it sounds like they have to live outside. Can you sit with them and offer treats? Don't approach them or hold them, maybe go out there and read a book as they get used to you.

 

[Chloe_Olivia16]

Thankyou, I've been making an effort to do that even more. I think they're bored of apples and carrot, do you know of any other treats they may enjoy?

 

[Sasami]

If you feed them salads, maybe start offering them by hand? And if not, start offering salads . Leafy greens like romaine lettuce, kale, and escarole are big hits with rabbits. My rabbit also loves herbs (parsley, mint, basil, oregano, etc.) and flowers (especially rose petals and dandelions).

 

[Chloe_Olivia16]

awesome thankyou!! I also noticed they love thistles Thankyou very much. Just reallyy dont want them to be taken away.

 

[Purple-Hops]

Have they been spayed-neutered? That may help in calming them down and eliminating hormones so they'll be a little more social. But as mentioned, bunnies are prey animals and building a bond can take time and patience. I've had my Acacia for 5 years now and sometimes I still cannot get her up, she runs and thumps!
Sitting and offering them treats at their level may help them to trust you, if you think about it, in the wild (and domestic bunnies are therefore predisposed as well) predators come from above!! So if you are trying to grab them by bending over them and coming down on them you are making little progress.
Try convincing your parents that bunnies are NOT like cats or dogs as many people believe and hope. They do not belong in a "sanctuary" that euthanizes them!!
Above all, have patience. Pet owning is a learning world, make the changes and see what they have the potential to become!
Good luck! We're here if you have questions

 

[Chloe_Olivia16]

They have been, and it has definitely helped. Now when you can get hold of them they dont squirm and bite! Once you have them they seem to enjoy being petted and loved, its just a matter of getting them there. We were going to get them desexed later because we were told they couldn't have babies until a certain age, when one day we went out there and found two babies! The babies are very friendly and soak up attention, but not the two older bunnies :/ But thankyou!!

 

[Purple-Hops]

That's good to know! Unfortunately a lot of what people assume about rabbits is simply untrue. As staple prey food, they have sexual maturation at only a few weeks old! My neighbor once told me all about "cabbits" because I had rabbits and cats living together -_-"

I take everything with a grain of salt around these parts!!

It will take time to gather the trust. Every day just go out and sit with them, read a book (as suggested) and simply spend time with them! Nothing breeds friendship like familiarity

 

[wishbone]

Feeding in your hand definitely making them more comfortable with you, it can develop.