Desexed bunny start to bite/nip reason?

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This topic has 2sd replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 8 years, 11 months ago by Tessie.

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- 05/07/2015 at 7:25 PM
  omegakyo
  Participant
  1 posts
  hello, my bunny is a 8 month mini lop that was desex almost two months ago.
  Recently he bites more than usual, all nips but occasionally a hard bite and draw blood once or twice . Today morning all I did was put my hands in his cage and he lunge and nipped me, doesn’t hurt but I’m just worried about the change in behavior .
  
  If I put my hand around his back area, he would run around and nip or nudge me but when I move my hand in a circular motion he would run around in circle and bite me.
  
  Just wondering why is he started doing this and what I can do on my end
- 05/08/2015 at 2:23 AM
  Bam
  Moderator
  16872 posts
  For some bunnies it may take longer than 2 months for the bunny to settle after having been desexed. He is also young, and young animals will go through some form of “teens” even if desexed. The most important thing is to rule out pain, pain can make bunnies (and other animals as well as people) morose and aggressive. Is he eating, drinking, peeing, pooping like he should? Many bunnies get sensitive/grumpy during molting (heavy shedding).
  
  If you can avoid putting your hands into his territory, it may help. Some bunnies are territorial and doesn’t like it when you mess with their private space. I’m assuming he doesn’t sit in a cage at all times. Clean his cage when he’s out on playtime. Use gloves if you have to, but never “reward” aggressive biting by withdrawing. That reinforces the behavior.
  
  Be patient, and kind. Punishment is not of much use with a bunny. Reward him when he’s behaving well.
- 05/08/2015 at 2:57 AM
  Tessie
  Participant
  1231 posts
  If you stick your hand in the cage, (his territory) he may think he’s being attacked,
  If he can see something behind him but isn’t sure what it is he may think he’s being attacked,
  If you wave your hand around in circles around him you may confuse him and he may think he’s being attacked.
  
  Bunnies are prey animals, and if something comes at them from above or behind they are likely to be defensive.
  Try to avoid ‘surprising’ your bunny with your hands, approach him from the front, (not above or behind) slowly and gently
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