Questions about Bunny Speak:

[LadyKat]

So Smudge, a 6 month old Dwarf Lionhead has taken to using his two front paws to knock things out of my hand, this can be toys or even treats. He just uses his two front paws and knocks away. If I manage to hold on the item he makes little grunting noises and tries again. What is he telling me?

Occasionally he charges at me as well. Not frequently but on occasion when he was in the cage and I was messing around in his cage or trying to feed him he has charged my hand/arm but never bites. Should I be concerned? What is he trying to tell me?

 

[Luluznewz]

My rabbits will bat things away (like the bottom of a broom) if they see it as a threat or want it out of their territory.

It seems to me that your rabbit is starting to develop some territorial tendencies about his cage. That is pretty typical. I find that I try to avoid messing with my rabbits' cage when they are inside. I'm sure someone will come around with more experience handling territorial issues. I haven't really dealt with it much myself.

 

[missyscove]

Yeah, it sounds like he wants you out of his house to me. Is he neutered yet? Sometimes neutering can really help with territorial issues.

 

[mitchellfoster]

I have had this issue with Balthazar, my 13 month harlequin. It's definitely a territorial issue. Me and my mom have been trying to work it out of him. He was neutered (along with his brother) about 3 weeks ago, so we're hoping that helps clear up the issues. But, in the mean time, I have just tried to make him feel as comfortable as possible...I only work in his cage when he's not in it, if he pounces me I push his head to the floor for a brief moment and then pet him, and I don't physically force him into his cage (I coerce him into it, instead). He's slowly coming around. We know he is very interested in people because he comes to the edge of his pen when you enter the room and he investigates us when we are in there with him, but he just doesn't like when people mess with his stuff.

There are tons of sites out there with suggestions on how to curve this type of behavior. Most of them include pressing their heads to the floor for a moment when they do this behavior or spending lots of time with them (whether that be playing games or even just talking/reading to them).