8 week old min rex

Question
I have never had a rabbit as a pet.I have had many different kinds of pets thoe.I enjoy watching him.But when ever he comes up to me or anyone else in the family.He tends to bite on our clothing.I'm scarred he might bite one of us.I dont think he wants to bite us just our clothing.Is there anything I can do to stop it or make it safe for my children.Also he does not seem to like to be held.I let him out of his cage alot.He likes to be lose.But is hard to catch.How do I bond with him?Can I get him to want us and to be held.Please help.

Answer
Hi Jennifer

He probably came from a breeder who doesn't handle their babies.  Sadly these babies are harder to bond with but with time and patience you will learn his little quirks and what he likes and what he doesn't.  He is still young enough that you can change certain things.  Hold him in your lap while you are watching TV.  Pet him gently and let him know he is safe.  Make sure you put an old thick blanket in your lap because he will go potty in your lap.  Sometimes when I have a baby that doesn't like to be held I will hold it while I am at the computer.  I have found that if I get them when they are 10 weeks or younger that they are still trainable.  

About catching him the best thing to do is to keep him in one area such as a kitchen or a hallway or a bathroom where it is easier to catch him.  Sit on the floor and let him come to you.  Let him investigate you and realize that you are not going to hurt him.  He is a baby and he is curious and he will want to play with you if you spend a lot of time with him.  It will take a lot of time and you really have to make sure you devote a lot of time to him or he sadly may grow up to be one of those stubborn little bunnies that just doesn't want to mind.  Some bunnies never like to be held but honestly mini rex are usually a pretty passive breed so I think if you start working with him now he could be ok.

As for the chewing on your clothes, they all do it.  He isn't trying to bite you, they just like to chew.  Try giving him all sorts of toys to chew on.  Any rabbit safe chew toys.  Untreated wood blocks, toilet paper rolls, hard plastic baby toys, seagrass balls, old phone books, card board boxes etc.  There are so many things you can give him to chew on.  

I hope your little guy comes around.

Good luck

Pam