New rabbit lunging

[Vivy]

Hello everyone!

I’m a new rabbit owner. Long story short I just want to seek some answers for some questions I have. I received my netherland dwarf rabbit 3 days ago from a reputable breeder. He’s about 7-8 weeks old and he’s settling in to our home well (he is more relaxed). One thing I’ve noticed is his aggressive behavior when I am reaching into his cage to fill his food and replace his water as he’d lunge and scratch my hand. I have been spending a lot of time on his level getting to know him and he seemed comfortable enough to hop onto my lap but i have yet to touch or pet him because i want him to feel very safe around mr before i do so. He’s still very young so I don’t think I can blame it on hormones, so is it a case of aggressiveness or fear (he’s only been here for 3 days)
How can I make him feel more at home and bond with him? What are some methods of positive socialization? The methods I’ve read online mostly involve feeding or enticing the rabbit with treats but he’s too young for fresh vegetables or fruit. I’m not going to reach into his cage again until he’s out of it, that’s for certain.

He’s an absolute gem and incredibly adorable so I really hope I can develop a close bond with him.
Thanks!

[Mikey]

I think you should keep doing what you are doing. My nethie had a lot of aggression problems before and after puberty. He has a lot of trust issues and his first thought is to attack. Were working on trust with him everyday and hes so much better than he used to be! Anyway, while hes relaxed on you, put your hand near him. Let him smell it, nudge it, sit on it, ect. After he gets comfortable around one hand, add in both hands. When hes comfortable with both hands around him, pet him. If he runs, dont try to pet him the next few times so he can get comfortable again. It might take a while but im sure he will learn to trust you. He may also just be territorial of his cage, in which you would want to take him out of his cage before putting your hands in there. If you can, get a towel or small fabric toy and sleep with it for a week or two, then put it in his cage. Itll get him used to your smell being in his territory

[Niamian]

Rabbit language is a language of patience.
Mikey has a good advices there. You also might want to just sit nwxt to him. Do whatever you do and don’t pay attention on him, when he feels comfortable enough he will start checking you out. And from there on you can build.
From my experience it’s always good to leave them one spot at least where you won’t be mending so to say. No hends there when hi is in, or geting him out of there if he doesn’t want it (unless in a case of emergency of course)
They need to feel safe and at home. My Bianca was very scared when she came and it took her a while before she got relaxed but now she runs after me around the house just like Redford and even cuddle too.
As I said just patience, time and love. You are on a good way already!

[Vivy]

Thank you for the detailed replies! !
While he was out of his cage last night playing, I managed to pet him very very lightly, any firmer and he would have probably flinched! He hasn’t scratched me either while I was cleaning his cage this morning. I think the problem before might have been him thinking I was invading his personal space/corner so I made sure to let him stay in his preferred corner whIle I cleaned.

Taking both your advices, I moved his food bowl somewhere else so he could feel safe in his personal space that I won’t try to reach for until he’s out of his cage. It’s only been 4 days but he seems to feel much more comfortable now because I see him lounging around and relaxing. While he was out of his cage, he even did little zoomies! It was adorable. Thanks again for the great advice, I know it might take a while before he begins to trust me but the journey there will be rewarding!

[Mikey]

Thats awesome! Glad you both are feeling much more comfortable with the few changes made. Sometimes thats all it takes

[Author]

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