Bunny has started biting!

[DeeDee]

I got a giant lop around 5 weeks ago when he was 11 weeks old. He is a house rabbit and stays in the conservatory most of the time. Recently he has started to bit my legs and feet when I go into the room, he does not respond when I say No, or when I clap my hands. I have tried pushing him away but he just keeps coming back to nip. Ay advice please??

 

[JBun]

He's starting to get his hormones and may be becoming territorial. Neutering sometimes helps stop that kind of behavior. He may not associate your feet with being part of you. You could try sitting with him more, or you could try giving him a treat everytime you come in(don't overdo the sugar though, it can be just a tiny piece of carrot).

 

[LakeCondo]

Instead of pushing him away you should gently hold his head down for a few seconds. This is how his mother would control him.

 

[tamsin]

I would suggest neutering him to deal with the hormones and where some thick boots/leg protection. That was you can 'not react' when he attacks. That will show him the aggression doesn't get what he wants ie you to move.

 

[missyscove]

Welcome to RO!

I agree that neutering might help in this situation. When I had problems with biting in the past, I would make a high pitched sort of squeal which I found both startled him and let him know "hey, that hurts" in a way another bunny might. Pulling back or leaving what he thinks is his "territory" may reinforce the behavior so I suggest you do stand your ground, but make sure he knows it hurts.

 

[agnesthelion]

Yep, I agree it's most likely hormones and neutering sounds like a good option at this point.