new mini rex

Question
I just got a mini rex for my daughter (16).  It was really mellow in the store and  
we were told she loved to be held.  I did hold and pet her for some time before
I bought her.  Now that she is home she scratches to get away and doesnt
seem as social.  Did I get a lemon or will it take time and training to adjust the
personality?  I dont want to end up with a skidish pet.

Answer
Hi Lisa,

rabbits behave a little differently when in a strange environment like a pet store or a shelter than a home.  Further, most rabbits do not like being held, it is a rather normal trait for them.  Rabbits generally are not holding animals or lap-animals.  that doesn't mean you can't enjoy them or get close to them.

Rabbits are prey animals.  They take a longer time than predators (dogs, cats) to build up trust in their environment and new people.  They depend heavily on trust as it is what keeps them alive.  

She needs to get used to her new living space, she needs to get used to the smells of the house, and all the new people.  It is pretty traumatic on rabbits to have complete changes of their environment, feeding schedules, all the people interacting changes, the whole world changes.  It is a big deal to these little guys.

They are as smart as cats and dogs.  It's a myth they are dumb because they're a prey species.  People mistakenly think they are dumb because sometimes they might misjudge a turn or where something is, but because their eyes are positioned on eac side of their head, they have a small blind spot right in front of them, and they rely heavily on memory as they will map out a room and where everything is.  They are very, very smart and possess unique personalities.

It will take a little time, she will get used to you and the house.  I would not try to pick her up so often, otherwise she will start avoiding you because she will learn all you will do is try to pick her up.  Spend time on the floor at her level with her.  Sit on the floor in her area and read a book or magazine.  Let her come to you.  Don't always reach for her when she does this.  Let her know that you will not always be grabbing for her.

I suggest picking up the House Rabbit Handbook, and spending time on the House Rabbit Society web site (www.rabbit.org).

I will also mention that if she has not been spayed, you will need to get herspayed by a good rabbit vet.  Use the HRS web site to find a good rabbit vet in your area - not all vets aregood rabbit vets.

Finally, all the gal mini-rexes I know are little princesses.

Lee