What have I done wrong?!

[Deleted User]

 My older Mini Lop named Martin nhas changed. Sure, I just got a new rabbit, but they are both getting equal amount of love, but this started months ago. I got him when he was eight weeks old and he was my baby, he got love and attention and the run of the house. He’s never been found of being held, but he enjoys getting petted and groomed when he wants it (like a little priss lol). He is altered, but as of recently, he’s been nipping. I thought I raised him better then that and it’s making me sad, I think I must have done something wrong. 

Is this normal for rabbits born and raised in such a loving household? 

 

[NewBunnyOwner123]

You have done nothing wrong. Are you planning on getting him bonded with the other rabbit? Is the new comer fixed? How old? is he/she in close proximity to Martin?

I’m sure once he gets used to the new buns scent and bonded, he will settle down. Until then, wash your hands between visits.

[Deleted User]

 No she is fr too young. She is going to be shown at my local fair and she’s only seven weeks. They will be bonded but not until she is at least ha,f his size so he doesn’t accidentally hurt her, and I am familiar with bonding rabbits 

[kcomstoc]

Not to take any attention away from your situation maurice but my bunny has suddenly started nipping as well. He is 9 months old has been altered for at least 3 months and nothing has changed. He’s only started doing it last week. the first time he was on the couch with me and I was petting him on and off and on one of the off pets (I had stopped petting him) he came over to me and nipped me quite hard (no blood or anything but it def hurt and left a mark). I figured it was him trying to get my attention back. But then a day or so later I picked him up from his cage (I know he hates it but I was going to take him downstairs to get exercise) and first he dug on my chest with his front paws and then nipped me twice in the chest again no blood but there were two black and blue marks. He hasn’t done so again since but it seems like he has gotten very nippy lately.

[NewBunnyOwner123]

Well Maurice I think you know what has happened for Martin to start nipping. How long have you had the new addition? I’m sure once he at least gets new to the newbies scent he will calm down a little more. It’s actually pretty common for buns to get a little… grumpy when a new comer comes along :p

[NewBunnyOwner123]

And I’m sure you already know to wait until after she is spayed before trying to bond them…

[Deleted User]

Thanks for your input. Yes I al well aware, and I’ve had her three weeks. But his nipping started well over a month ago. I just thought he was having a day or two but its progressed. Is it maybe just he’s a…Grumpy bunny?

[NewBunnyOwner123]

Oh, I see. from the text I thought it started AFTER you got your new bunny lol! How old is he now? Harley has nipped me twice the entire time I’ve had him when I was petting him. He hasn’t done it for a very long time though. He never broke the skin or anything and I think it was just his way of telling me he had enough petting for now.

Is there something that you are doing in particular when you notice that he nips you? Petting him? Feeding time? ect?

[Stickerbunny]

What are you doing when he nips? Bunnies use nipping as a way to communicate. To let him know you don’t like it you can squeal, that lets him know it hurt. They can do it to say “move” or “pet me” or “hey over here” etc. Powder nips me at times, last time he slept in the bed with me my foot was where he wanted to hop and he nipped my foot to say move it, leaving a large bruise. Lol

[Bam]

Don’t let him gain advantages by nipping, if it’s aggressive (and not a signal of pain or other health-related discomfort). I e, if his behaviour is sucsessful (big person lets me alone when I nip her) he will keep it up. Any behaviour that is sucsessful from the animal’s (or person’s, for that matter) point of view will be reinforced.

How old is your bunny? If he’s a mature adult and suddenly changes from docile to aggressive I’d suspect it’s sth to do with his health, a subtle belly-ache or sth else that hasn’t yet been detected by you. If he’s youngish chances are he’s just trying out various methods of enforcing his will, using a normal rabbit’s repertoire. Then you must make it clear to him that biting is NOT going to give him what he wants.

[LittlePuffyTail]

How long ago was he neutered?

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