Ted and Heidi are doing very well. They are both special in their own way, and we have come to love them. When we first got them, we set them up in a part of our den that was enclosed with a dog gate. It included a long closet with sliding doors which we kept open. This was Heidi's favorite place because she was so shy. We gave them plenty of quiet, private time so as not to overwhelm them. When we first got them, Heidi would only eat her food if I left it in the closet, and left the room. Then, she would eat it in the closet, even if I didn't leave the room. Next, we moved up to me leaving the food outside of the closet where she would get it, but run to the closet. Finally, she started eating it outside, even with me sitting there. Now, she takes it right from my hand and eats right beside me. The other day, she even ate some cereal right out of my hand until it was all gone. I saw that as a huge step in her ability to trust me! She still prefers to be left alone but sometimes when I am petting Ted and she comes over to investigate, I gently sneak my hand on top of her head. She used to run away, but now she lets me do it. This is also a huge step. This has been a good lesson in patience for me, because I am used to having rabbits that love to be held and petted. Ted is wonderful. He lets us pet him and grinds his teeth to show us that he likes it.
The cutest thing is watching them romp together, sleep together and groom one another. It has been awhile since we had a pair, I had forgotten how cute it was! Now, they are truly spoiled! They get the run of the whole den. At first, I thought that they would still stay in their safe closet and corner but they are zipping all over the place. Heidi prefers a spot behind the couch. This morning I came downstairs to find Ted relaxing on the couch! Each morning we give them kale, spinach, broccoli, carrots, cereal and hay. At night, they split an apple. Believe it or not, shy, timid Heidi becomes a different girl when the food is served. She will finish hers and then run over to Ted's pile and try to take his food. He allows it too!
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