What Do You Think My Bunny is Doing.....?

[agnesthelion]

Agnes is nearing 4 months old. Recently she has started something new. When she is on my lap....OR...when she is behind me (when I'm sitting on the floor with her) she will bite my clothes. Sometimes getting the skin underneath. It is only on my lap or back. She has never bitten or nibbled my fingers or socks or any other part. Nothing else about her personality has changed. She isn't being aggressive. My gutmsays she isnt being mean and this isnt fear based or anger based at all. And I'm not "holding" her there on my lap. It is when she hops up on her own.

In addition i have noticed she chewing things more. Like furniture and her toys. Also, she just seems to be "in my business" a bit more than usual. Which I'm not really complaining about that it's kinda cute but she is just always around me and if I get ANYthing out, ie book, magazine, iPad, papers...she literally has to be on top of them checking them out. (im on the floor with her alot) She is so nosy

So do you think she is coming into her sexual maturity and these are hormone related actions OR do you just think she is just grooming me and getting to know me more and more?

How should I handle the biting through the clothes?

 

[I_heart_Fraggles]

I think the biting is her trying to get your attention. Fraggles digs at me when she wants something. The rest is hormones

 

[ZRabbits]

Sounds like your bunny really loves you. I would say Agnes is grooming you or trying to get your attention when she's nipping your clothes in your lap or back. She sounds like she loves to be with you and wants to know what you are doing. Regarding the hormones, 4 months is when the start rearing their ugly head so maybe the "rough" grooming could be part of that.

Just tell her "No" sternly when she nips your clothes. She needs to know to be gentle. You don't want to stop her grooming or being around you, so reward the nudges and kissesbut a firm "No" and removing her from your lap will help.

Those female lion heads, they are a piece of work. My Luna turned 4 months old today and she's had an attitude for the last 2 weeks. She's sweet but she has to show respect.

K

 

[MiniLopHop]

I think we have to teach young buns that nipping the nude bun (aka human) is not acceptable, since that is how they communicate with each other. I yelp, which sort of naturally comes out, then say no firmly. It doesn't take long for them to understand. Also, if you are grooming when she nips don't let her down for a good 30 seconds to a minute. Otherwise she will think that biting will get you to stop.

I also have come to the understanding with the buns that if they dig at my arm it means they have to pee. I ignored it to my wet peril with Houdini once, then the rest have picked it up. It has come in very handy when Becky and Gary are out on therapy visits since they can tell me when they have to go.

 

[melbaby80]

She is just playing with you. My domino does that and my storm likes to scratch my arm. They never bite me. Domino will nibble on my pants or shirt. It never hurts.

 

[agnesthelion]

Thanks everyone! Yes, my gut says that she is either playing or grooming. Maybe it's an attention thing?? I was hoping it wasn't hormones. But either way, I will gently say no or maybe do the yelp thing to get her to understand she can't groom us hairless beings with her teeth!

Yes Karen female lions are a riot. Agnes seriously cracks me up everyday. The girl is SO nosy too, haha, I can't do anything on the floor without her basically demanding to be a part of it too. I feel like I do need to work on the respect thing though. She is so comfortable around me, and so darn spoiled, I feel like she is believing she rules the roost.

And people think bunnies are dumb cage animals....if only they knew!!!!

 

[MiniLopHop]

The cool thing about rabbits is that as long as they feel they are the big boss when it comes to grooming, then they are perfectly happy letting you be the little boss in everything else. Luckily our priorities are totally different! So give a good nose rub and they are happy yet will still listen to you when you say it's bed time, at least if they feel like it.

 

[BabyRue]

Your Agnes must be havin chats with my Rue. I swear everywhere I go Rue is right there. If I sit on the floor she is instantly on my lap or digging at my clothes or chewing on them.

I felt so bad the other day I tripped over her because she came out of nowhere and was under my feet. She didn't seem to care though she just kept on hoppin around.

 

[agnesthelion]

That's funny Sarah. I haven't tripped over Agnes yet but it's bound to happen! She always just "there"

But of course, I wouldn't have it any other way......