Angry Bunny...HELP!

[BearGrylls]

I recently inherited a rabbit from a friend because they had to move house and could no longer keep it. I don't mind because I love rabbits

Since getting him a week ago I have noticed he is quite agressive! He runs around grunting when I try to refil his food and water. I can pat him when he isnt moving and he doesnt seem to mind and I have fed him out of my hand.

He bit me very hard on my hand about 3 days ago (hurt so much i cried)when I put grass in his enclosue for him to eat and he also bit me today but not as hard (I didnt cry, LOL). At first I pulled my hand out but today when I was bitten I just left my hand there and then patted him afterwards.

I found out that from a yound age, if he ever bit then his previous owner would hit him!! I think this is so cruel and probably why he is so agressive now when I try to give him food or pat him.

What are some things I can do to bond with him and gain his trust??

(He is about 1.3 yrs old, not desexed)

 

[DebsBuns]

Hello and welcome. Neuter him. I think that will help a lot.

 

[Pipp]

Can you post a photo of his enclosure set up?

Does he only bite when he's in there and you put your and in? He's probably establishing his territory and this is 'cage aggression'.

Check out this article:

Bonding with your bunny




sas :bunnydance:

 

[kirbyultra]

Neutering may help with the cage aggression, but then again it's not a guarantee if it's a psychological thing. Having had negative training of being hit whenever he acted out (which he probably has no control over) definitely does not help Thank goodness you are more understanding.

Does he have any place to hide in his cage for privacy? How big is his space right now?

 

[BearGrylls]

Yes he has a large 2 storey rabbit hutch with enclose attached to run around in during the day. He hasn't bit me since and I have put my hand in plenty of times. He seems to be scared easily.
I have been getting in his enclosure to pat him. Sometimes he come over and let's me pat him and othertimes (like today) he hid in the corner and stomped his feet. So I immediately got out and gave him his own space I think I am starting to understand.... Kinda lol