Did you just have something edible in your hand before he sniffed it? Maybe he smells something nummy and wants to know where you’re hiding it?

Mimzy does this to me alot. I’ll have just eaten something, haven’t washed my hands and he gets all sniffy and investigative trying to find what he can still smell on my hand.
Otherwise, when he gets nippy it’s usually because some part of me is in his way and he wants me to move it.

My buns have all nipped me before to the point of breaking skin. It’s not pleasant, but as long as they don’t hang off your arm (like poor TARM experienced) then it’s something you can get over quickly. Do let Sully know that biting is not allowed, without yelling or swatting, which they don’t understand. A firm “No!” is usually sufficient.

I can’t help myself, I yelp if I get bitten. My bunnies immediately know they’ve done something wrong, but for some reason, Pip has usually been the one to repeat the offense despite my protests.

I would guess if you’ve been hand feeding him, he probably thinks your hands always have a treat hiding there. Pretty understandable.

Moose nibbles at my hubby’s fingers alot. Not a bite, but a gentle nibble, like he’s grooming him.

I think of that as setting their teeth – it’s another way they communicate. They are not trying to bite you, but want to get your attention more. Also, they do that if they are getting a bit excited.

He is kissing you, grooming you, and asking you to do the same. Or he is saying “show me the noms, I know they are in there” because they usually are.
Just teach him a command (I say “no biting” firmly) and remove my hand. Spockie learned it, would immediately stop using his teeth, look sorry, and come back with licking again. Then I would praise him for kisses. Give Sully head pets for licking and praise in a nice voice, and change your tone when he switches to nips.

Your rabbit is just showing you he loves you. They groom other rabbits to show they respect them, and they do the same with humans. If he lowers his head to the ground after, he wants you to pet his head.

I think he’s trying to groom you! They often nibble as a part of grooming.

Since he started by licking, I’m 90% sure he was just grooming you 😛 Maybe a bit more rough than we humans like it though.

I bet he was grooming you and then asking for you to groom him in return. Normally a bunny will push his head toward your hand, but some bunnies can be nippy for attention instead. I think to avoid setting a habit of him becoming nippy, pet him after he licks you (before he gets nippy) and if he nips, don’t pet him (as that would reinforce that behavior). If it were just a light nip, I wouldn’t mind that, and I would look at it as communication, but if he then nipped hard, I would let out a high-pitched yelp (which is what they do understand) and then not pet him. Only rewarding him for licking you or just a light nip (if you’re fine with that)