Off to a rocky start

[Veronica]

I purchased my New Zealand buck and two does at a small animal swap meet. I had a small rabbit cage for them until I could get something better arranged. One is very friendly but the other two are not. I have not been able to spend a lot of time with them.
Other than the obvious, what are some good ways to get them tamed? They are now in a long hutch situation with ladders on each side to get up into the protective house area and this is outside. They are SO much happier. But this also makes it harder to catch them to pet and groom them.

Thank you.

 

[RabbitsOfTheCreek]

Give them a treat when you see them and handle them regularly

 

[Veronica]

Give them a treat when you see them and handle them regularly

I know new foods are to be introduced slowly. What are some good treats?

 

[ladysown]

start with a dandelion leaf.... just one per rabbit.

 

[Scooter1A]

apple peels

 

[Scooter1A]

I purchased my New Zealand buck and two does at a small animal swap meet. I had a small rabbit cage for them until I could get something better arranged. One is very friendly but the other two are not. I have not been able to spend a lot of time with them.
Other than the obvious, what are some good ways to get them tamed? They are now in a long hutch situation with ladders on each side to get up into the protective house area and this is outside. They are SO much happier. But this also makes it harder to catch them to pet and groom them.

Thank you.

I like NZ rabbits. wear leather gloves in case you have a biter but ya if they like it take 'em out one by one and spend quality time. the older they get the more they will want you around. Always fun but careful of the biters if any. They are so quick.

 

[Veronica]

apple peels

But make sure the apples do not have Bill Gate's APEEL on them!!

 

[eco2pia]

Do heed the glove suggestion at first. If you get bit you will move differently and the rabbits will take it as you are sneaking up on them and they will get even more frantic. Anything that makes you confident is good. I am ready to lay money that the buck is the sweety and the does are skittish. Many does have a rough patch at puberty where they get a bit nasty and territorial. Be alert and stay calm but firm if it happens.

 

[Veronica]

Actually, the buck is the worst of the 3. There is a black doe that is so brave! She is a sweetie. The other two, eh....not so much! I'll get some gloves and make sure to wear long sleeves as well. I appreciate the advice.

 

[Scooter1A]

Actually, the buck is the worst of the 3. There is a black doe that is so brave! She is a sweetie. The other two, eh....not so much! I'll get some gloves and make sure to wear long sleeves as well. I appreciate the advice.

I've only been nipped and both mine are sweeties. He gets all manly when she is pregnant, and she just takes a cheap shot once in a while when I am putting her back in the cage. Like here take that! Smarties.

 

[Bunnies4me]

Try bringing the worse natured ones into the house while you are there, such as over the weekends, just for more handling and exposure to people. It's amazing how just the presence of people can influence a rabbit, and give them frequent green treats while they are inside - start with feeding them lavender or mint, just 1 piece each, as they both help with mood boosting and lavender is calming. Give them one on one time, and then at the end of the weekend put them back home.
As soon as they are old enough, breed them - this often helps the bucks to mature and settle down as well.