will it ever love me?

Question
2 1/2 month holland lop doe...

I've read a lot on bunny language and behaviour.. but a
lot doesn't inculde lopped ears. I can't understand her completely.  She'll let me "groom/pet" her only in the cage, outside she just runs away??? She'll often nudge me/hand but assuming wants to be petted, i reach out my hand and she runs away??  She never hops to see me? Often I'll notice her in her cage in a sitting position, quite nuetral kinda like a stuffed teddy and look at me?? what does this all mean???? plus when do they sleep, i've never seen her with her eyes closed??

Thanks!!

Answer
Dear Raeanne,

Every rabbit has a different personality, and yours seems to be an independent little bunny who likes you (that's why she is nudging you!), but is too "busy" exploring and finding out about her surroundings to be petted.  She will calm down as she gets used to her home and gets older.  But the fact that she comes and nudges you means that she does love you.

One thing that's common to all rabbits:  they do NOT fawn over humans the way a dog, and sometimes even a cat does.  A rabbit considers you his equal, not his master.  And that means that he won't always come over to adore you.  Your job, as the subordinate human, is to worship the rabbit.  :)

She may be associating you with being put back in her cage, so be sure you spend lots of time at ground level with her, just being together, and not forcing anything.  Have little treats available (a tiny bit of apple or banana or a raisin) so she'll come to trust you and associate you with nice things.  You can find more tips here:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/shybun.html

And yes, they do sleep.  But rabbits often sleep with their eyes partly open!  It's kind of creepy when they start to dream with their eyes open, going into full R.E.M. and sort of lolling over, as if they're little fuzzy zombies!  :)  But if your bunny sleeps in your presence, you know she's accepted you as her family.

You just need to patiently win her trust, and it will happen.  That's what's so rewarding about a bunny!

Hope that helps.

Dana