Socialising

Question
Just over 2 months ago I adopted a pair of rabbits from a rescue home, they were very nervous but have come quite far since then.  The female is now very confident and I can pick her up quite quickly and easily, however the male is a lot more difficult.  I am often outside in the shed for about half an hour or longer trying to pick him up but I am not always successful, he just runs up and down the ladder of the hutch when I try to get him.  When I do hold him though he is very calm and doesn't try to get a way.  I find it much easier to pick him up out of the run or another room as he can't run up and down the ladder and so in these situations I pick him up very quickly.  This morning they were both in the run but at the moment only she is as I can't get him out of thier hutch, I hate to seperate them, I have only ever had them apart before if I take one of them inside to hold, but not like this! I strongly need some advice to get his confidence up ASAP
Thanks


Answer
Dear Dani,

Every rabbit has a different personality, and it's possible that the male may never be as confident as the female.  But to win his trust, here are some tips that I hope you'll find helpful:

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

And you're right:  try not to separate them ever, unless it's absolutely necessary.  Bonded rabbits really suffer when they're apart.

Good luck!

Dana