whys my rabbit biting

[kathizzy]

Hi there, i have recently rehomed quite a big bunny called butterscotch, ive had him about 2 months now, he is now in a double hutch, in a shed, with access to the shed and quite a big run. He was fine when he first came, he seems lovely and calm, but now he's started ramming and biting us, and it always seems to be when we take is food out to him, is there anything i can do do stop him doing this, as it really hurts, and im afraid to let the kids near him, and he was supposed to be for my daughter, but now she wont go into him

 

[ZRabbits]

Bunnies have a period of settling in. When they first come to us, I've found, they are shy and reserve, but then they start finding their bearings. Sounds like yours has and is now being territorial and definitely food aggressive. It happens.

My suggestion to you is when he tries to ram you, say "NO" firmly then put your hand on his head and push it to the ground. This is basically bunny language stating you are the boss. I don't blame your daughter being scared, but you really need to interact with him to tell him who's boss so that your daughter doesn't get scared or hurt.

Once you make your bunny realize you are ALPHA, then start introducing your daughter to her bunny. It's nothing abnormal going on here. Just a bunny finding his way and making it "his" home. You need to be consistent and show no fear. They do like to intimidate being prey animals it's how they defend themselves. They can sense fear. It's upsetting sometimes and him being a bigger bunny, I'd be a bit nervous. I was nervous myself when my 2 lber started but he is well aware, as all my bunnies, who the boss is.

It takes time to bond and let them know who's boss, but don't give up. You need to help bring your daughter and her bunny together.

Hope this helps. Let us know how it goes. And hopefully other helpful members can give you tips on helping you and your bunny adjust to your new life together.

K

 

[candykittten]

Hi and welcome to the fourm! Is your bunny neutered? Sounds like he is becoming hormonal :/ Also aggression can sometimes indicate that the bunny is not feeling well or is in pain

 

[kathizzy]

hi guys, no he is not neuted, and how do i bond with him? We bonded with our last bunny by feeding him treats, but this is when he is biting, he tried to bite me earlier, but i nudged him away with my foot, im not scared of him, but his bites are nasty, how do i let him no who's boss, if he was a puppy id smack his nose, but not hard, i dont want to hurt him at all, but id like to nip this in the bud sooner rather than later

 

[LakeCondo]

It often helps to sit next to him when you're doing something else or resting between tasks. Say a couple of words to him now & then. But you may not be able to bond until he's neutered.

 

[MikeScone]

kathizzy wrote:

... but his bites are nasty, how do i let him no who's boss, if he was a puppy id smack his nose, but not hard, i dont want to hurt him at all, but id like to nip this in the bud sooner rather than later

Don't hit him, even lightly - rabbits simply don't understand physical punishment. It's not in their makeup, like it is for dogs. The alpha wolf in the pack will bite their subordinates or bring them into line physically - but rabbit warrens don't work that way. Rabbits interpret it as an attack and threat, and you just lose whatever trust you've built up.

Rabbits will try to communicate by nipping, but they really don't want to hurt, they just want their way.

Both Scone and Natasha nipped early in our relationships. What I've found to be effective is to screech "EEEEEK!", really loud and sharp, as soon as the bunny bites. If he's anything like mine were, he'll jump back, startled. He may come forward and nip again, slightly less hard. "EEEEK!" Repeat until he just nudges or even licks. After a few repetitions, he'll get the message.

 

[ZRabbits]

LakeCondo wrote:

It often helps to sit next to him when you're doing something else or resting between tasks. Say a couple of words to him now & then. But you may not be able to bond until he's neutered.

I have to say I thought that too, that you couldn't bond until neutering. I have Willard who is intacted, and it just took me a bit longer to bond with him.

Sitting with him is good, talking to him or even have your daughter read to him. Voice recognition works. I know it did for my Willard. But definitely give a stern "No" when he tries to ram or bite when serving his food. My husband bopped Kreacher on the nose once for a charge and nip. He's never bit or charged him again. Wasn't hard, but got the point across.

K