Harpmom,
You are to be congratulated for rescuing that poor bunny. I am involved with bunny rescue and agree that with time, patience and a lot of love your bunny will turn the corner and discover that humans can be their friends. The main thing to remember is that bunnies have been prey animals for thousands of years and are instinctively afraid of anything bigger and louder...for fear of being eaten.

There are two things I would encourage you to do: 1: talk to him all the time in a soft voice, being sure to use his name in almost every sentence.... and 2) is to get down on the floor with the bunny as often as possible. That way you are down at his level and not so threatening. Watch Tv, read a book or newspaper or even balance your checkbook! He may not come over right away but bunnies are very curious animals and eventually he will come over to check you out. Again speak to him softly, and try to pet him...it may take many attempts doing both of these things or he may decide you are ok very quickly....there's no way to tell and each bunny has a diff. personality.

As far as the food thing goes, can you feed him outside of his cage? This behavior sounds to me like he's protecting his sacred territory (his cage). Never try to remove a bunny from his cage by force (picking him up IS force), just open the door and let him come out in his own good time....same goes for getting him back in his cage....although a treat, like a carrot usually helps buns be encouraged to go back in on their own. Good lucjk and please keep us informed for his progress.