Lionhead bunny?

Question
Hi, thank you so much for providing this service, its been so helpful for me to read previous questions/answers. Ok Ive had my bunny, Jake for almost 1 month now. I THINK he likes me, I really hope so. The thing is, he doesnt show much interest in me when hes out of the cage, he is very busy exporing, which is fine. And then when hes in the cage he curls up into a ball when i pet him (which makes me think he doesnt like it) but then he licks me constantly (which could mean that hes trying to get salt/or its affection)I'm hoping its the second one. Could you tell me which you think it is.He also squirms out of my arms whenever I hold him. Is there a way to make him calm down more when hes out of the cage, when im holding him? And also, I was told he was a netherland dwarf, but I think he might be an angora or a lionhead. Hes very tiny,not even 1 pound has longish hair (about 1 inch) all over, but he has longer hair between his ears on his head. Oh and he has blue eyes. Hes only 4 months old so its possible he will get bigger right? What is he? Is it possible for me to mail you a picture and you can see what you think? Thank you so much!

Ashley

Answer
The best way to get him more used to being handled is to handle him often and provide him with attention and his favourite treats while you do. Some rabbits never do like being picked up, but even with these ones, you can play games with them and have them come up to be pet. Licking is how they groom each other, and generally it means they like you very much. You can "return the favour" by scratchimg him gently between the ears, on the forehead, and around the cheeks and jaws. This is where rabbits love to be pet the most. Avoid petting the rear if possible, as rabbits will nip each other in the rear to show they are angry, do not like each other, or to start a fight.

Many netherland dwarfs do have a tuft of longer fur right between the ears. This is usually a sign that they carry a gene called the max factor gene. If a rabbit has two of these genes, it results in deformed babies, but just one gene often makes the fur slightly thicker, longer, and softer; and it creates that tuft of fur between the ears. Netherland dwarfs do have a bit longer fur than normal rabbits anyway, so 1 inch would not be uncommon at all for one. Since he is four months old and only 1 pound still, it is quite likely that he is, indeed, a netherland dwarf. Netherland dwarfs also tend to be a bit slower growers, so they often to not reach full weight until around 1 year when they bulk up considerably. Their head will fill out, getting rounder and larger, and their body will also fill out, getting wider.