Nipping habit needs to be broken

[ChocoClover]

My bunny, Shirley, has nipped me (gently, she wasn't really biting, just a little nip) two times when I took her out of my cage. I'm a little worried its becoming a habit. When she gets out, she is as sweet as anything and loves to cuddle. Is there anything I can do to prevent it from actually becoming a habit?

She does chew a lot. She chews EVERYTHING, including my thumbnail. (It was an accident, though. She was trying to chew some hay). I wonder if this could be part of the problem, so I put tons of cardboard in her cage.

 

[pani]

Nips are probably just her way of communicating with you. Even just to say "hi", "I like you", "pet me more!", etc.

Felix nipped as a method of communication when I first brought him home (primarily to tell me to move out of his way~! ). Whenever he nipped, I would make a high-pitched squeal noise (involuntarily, mostly! His nips hurt!) and hold his head down firmly for a few seconds, which imitates their mother's way of telling them what's not appropriate. He learned in just a few days that nipping wasn't a good tool for me, and switched to nudging me with his nose instead. He hasn't nipped since then, unless there's a good reason to do so... "put me down NOW!".

 

[ChocoClover]

Thanks. That helps a lot.

 

[pani]

Good luck! :carrot