I Need Help With a Feisty Rabbit

[CaliBunny]

Can someone help me? My bunny Starr is verymischevious. She's always biting her cage to get out, and if you holdher then she scratches very hard, even if I'm holding her correctly.Also, if you put a harness on her, she bites her way out of it andstarts acrazy chase. Worst of all, she's veryanti-social. Does anyone have any suggestions?????????

 

[Spiced77]

what exactly do you mean by 'holding hercorrectly'?? maybe she just doesnt want to be held! most bunnies dontlike to be picked up at all.. they like their feet on theground! to me it just sounds like you need to listen to whatshe's trying to tell youand try different things.. likeinstead of holding her, why not just pet her while she's laying on theground? instead of a harness, set up a small run for her soshe doesnt have to be on it.. is she an only bunny? maybe she needsmore attention or a playmate?

 

[Buck Jones]

My, but you're a mighty precocious young lady,using words like "mischievous" and "anti-social."LOL I'm surprised the bunny is giving yousuch a difficult time.

Seems like she needs some "run around time" to burn off excessenergy. It usually pays larger dividends if you let a buncome to you on its terms rather than attempting to "force" the issue onyour terms. Rabbits, as prey species, tend to be verysuspicious of everyone and everything. Much depends, also, onhow much she was handled by humans as a kit. The more she washandled, the more apt she is to respond to human kindness.The converse holds true, as well.

Does, in general, tend to be more skittish than bucks and moremoody. When the time is appropriate, you may want toconsidered spaying Star in the interests of good health, longevity, andmaking her more tractable in behavior.

For now, I'd suggest giving hera little space to growaccustomed to you, your home and her present circumstances.Bunnies don't like change, and if you've only had her a month or two,she is still getting used to things. Try to be more patient

What grade are you in school? Your command of spelling,grammar and punctuation, as well as choice of wording certainly beliesyour relatively young age. Your typing skills appear to befirst rate as well. You are rather remarkable in thoserespects.

Buck

 

[MyBabyBunnies]

I'd suggest just spending a lot of time aroundthe bunny. Don't pick it up, don't put the harness on it, let her cometo you, let her just get used to you being around. Slowly start pettingher (if she backs off just let her be and don't try petting her again,just let her get used to you). You will bond sooner or later, just layon the floor while she's out and let her run around you or something.

Most bunnies don't like harnesses or being picked up. That'scommon.

I'd be careful thinking your bunny needs a playmate, that doesn't turnout like we always think. It's a very common misconception that rabbitsneed a friend rabbit. I thought that and instead of just getting doublethe love and fun, I got double the work, double the space they needed,double the bowls, double the feed, double the vet bills, and half thetime to spend with each. My bunnies started fighting and cannot betogether, unless your prepared for that situation, I'd advise against abuddy for her. I'm not saying that all bonding's don't work, but a fairfew don't.

 

[Stephanie]

All three of my rabbits hate to be picked up, soI've given up on it. It actually was a bit detrimental to myrelationship with one of my rabbits for a little bit, because I kepther up.

What I do now is lay on the floor and let them come to me. Now I get kisses gallor from them.

 

[SillyBunny]

Hi. Just dropping by. And if you get this, pleasedon't kill me. You know, I'll get Nighty and he'll bring you to thedoctor!!!!

 

[Buck Jones]

SillyBunny wrote:

Hi. Just dropping by. And if you get this, please don't killme. You know, I'll get Nighty and he'll bring you to the doctor!!!!

???? Your Forum "name" is aptly chosen, it would appear.

Buck

 

[rabbitgirl]

Bub-man adores me, but squrims like mad when held. He likes jumping all over me, just hates being picked up and confined.

Some do! They are all different.

good luck!

Rose

 

[CaliBunny]

Actually Buck, I've had my rabbit for sixth months. How long will it take for her to trust me?????

 

[CaliBunny]

what does "aptly" mean? I know, that sounds dumb of me

 

[rabbitgirl]

"Aptly" means appropriate.

Rabbits squirming or kicking when held is common. Try different ways of holding, as each rabbit will have specific preferences.

Oh, I just thought of something: if you are holding her on her back("trancing" position, cradled like a baby) and she kicks, it could meanher belly is sensitive. I have seen bucks and does who kick out as areflex when their bellies are touched.

If she bites her cage to get out, how is she being antisocial? Soundslike she's interacting with you. Does she lash out at you when you openthe door?

Limiting food safely can be a good way to bond with anantisocial rabbit. A hungrybunny is a friendly bunny! Rabbitswho get unlimited food will often be less social. You could figure outhow much food is appropriate for her body weight and limit her to thatand no more. I usually give them enough to maintain body weight butstill be moderately hungry in the morning.

Then I bring treats!

Rose

 

[LindseyandKen]

Incidentally, are you sure bunny isn't pregnant?Isis, our newest bunny, has been taking chunks out of my jugular forthree days now, and tonight I noticed she'd made a huge nest and linedit. Silly me assumed she wouldn't be abandoned pregnant...naive orwhat??!

You may want to check! :?

Lindsey x