New young black dwarf female.

Question
I just bought a black dwarf bunny from a local pet store. I let her out for a little while today to get her out of the cage for a while. When she was roaming around, she suddenly started darting around trying to knock things over. When I tried to pick her up to put her back in the cage, she ran away from me..

Even now when I try to reach my hand into the cage to pet her, she still darts away. I have to move incredibly slowly in order to even pet her. I'm wondering if this is just something that's happening because she's still getting acclimated to her environment.

Should I be leaving her in the cage until she gets used to her new home? Or should I let her out more so she gets used to being around people?

I've heard that hers is a hyper, more aggressive breed, but I don't want to raise a rabbit that doesn't like people. I plan to have her out of the cage a lot and socializing. I've never owned a rabbit before and I would appreciate your help!

THANKS!

Answer
Hi,

I am giving you a quick and concise answer.

She does not know you or trust you yet.  You won't be able to pick her up well initially.

She needs exercise at least a few hours outside her cage every day.  In the bunny-proofed area.

You need to bunny-proof where she will be out in.  

You need to read up on rabbits, preferably before you bought one.  You need to learn very quickly.  And she needs the right foods so that gi tract issues do not arise.

You also need to find a good rabbit vet around where you are because not all vets are, or even see rabbits.  

The best thing you can do is go to the House Rabbit Society web site.   www.rabbit.org

It has searchable articles on "nutrition", behavior, etc.  Must have site.

Also you can find a vet there:  www.rabbit.org/vets/vets.html

I would recommend picking up the books I suggest, especially the House Rabbit Handbook.  Which you can buy through the House Rabbit Society, I believe.