If he was only neutered a week ago, he might still be recovering from the procedure. Also I know that you kind of have to start over with bonding once they are fixed. Lots of floor time, hand-feeding, and some treats would be my recommendation. I am sure he will come around, but he will be different now than he was before.

If you are the one who took him to the vet, he may also be still holding a grudge. Don’t worry! Once his hormones settle down, and with your persistence of sitting and hand-feeding treats (I use Bumpy’s daily rationing of pellets for treats), he’ll forgive you!

After I got Skipper spayed she held a grudge for a good three months. So it’s normal for buns to hold a grudge after the procedure. Spending a bunch of floor time and starting from human/bunny bonding square one helps.

I’ve had Henry for well over a year now and he was supposed to be MY bunny! MY gift! NOPE! So I am re-gifting him – seeing he loves my hubby so much, guess what my hubby is getting for his birthday???  A used bunny!  LOL!

Nothing says “I love you” like a used bunny!

Thank you JR!

I’ll take used bunnies any day! I get them from a place called a rescue!

So my hubby can ‘re-gift’ him to you LEL? (Expect Henry anytime after July 22!), ha ha ha ha ha…….

I think his hormones are upset after the neuter. That will change. Newly neutered bunnies can be aggressive and territorial and exhibit sexual behavior, but it only lasts for a few weeks, the most I’ve read about is 8 weeks but most often it takes more like 3 weeks.

I’m sure he’ll be affectionate again, if you keep showing him love. But generally, baby bunnies are more naturally affectionate than adult bunnies. My bunnies are adult and affectionate but it didn’t happen over night. It’s been a process. And a very rewarding one at that.

Honestly I don’t think rabbits or any animals hold grudges – that’s a human emotion. I think they can be fearful, but taking him to the vet isn’t going to make him fearful.

Most likely your rabbit is just growing up – once they reach puberty they just aren’t as cuddly and also if he was recently neutered there is that change in his body as well.

In any event, he’ll come around soon and be more affectionate I’m sure. Is that him in your avatar? He’s awfully cute.

Posted By Sarita on 6/22/2014 2:23 PM

Honestly I don’t think rabbits or any animals hold grudges – that’s a human emotion. I think they can be fearful, but taking him to the vet isn’t going to make him fearful.

Most likely your rabbit is just growing up – once they reach puberty they just aren’t as cuddly and also if he was recently neutered there is that change in his body as well.

In any event, he’ll come around soon and be more affectionate I’m sure. Is that him in your avatar? He’s awfully cute.

Scientists studied animal behavior and found cows are capable of grudges and they are a part of their natural social structure. So, some animals do hold grudges. 

But, rabbits go through various changes as they grow. I’m sure your rabbit doesn’t dislike you, OP. If he has recently been neutered, hormones will be out of balance and it causes some wild behavior swings. And sometims they can get grumpy if you have upset them, but they get over it. 

That’s interesting Sticker! That surprises me about cows – don’t know much about them but that does surprise me.

Mine never loved me! LOL

I agree with the others, it’s likely hormones settling and he could still be upset about the horrible thing YOU did to him.

Crows hold grudges. And they can recognize human faces and will attack a human who was mean to them if they see them again.

I heard that too LBJ – but magpie’s!

Posted By AndHenry on 6/22/2014 2:37 AM
I’ve had Henry for well over a year now and he was supposed to be MY bunny! MY gift! NOPE! So I am re-gifting him – seeing he loves my hubby so much, guess what my hubby is getting for his birthday???  A used bunny!  LOL!

Andhenry I literally laughed out loud when I read that made my day……. I do find it kind crazy how so many people have stories about different personalities of their buns…… Trigger was never super social when I first got him but I spent a lot of floor time with him also. The older he got and the hormones kicked in he did quite a bit of territorial pooping but never any spraying. He did start doing a little humping but very rarely did is get so bad I’d have to put him in his cage so he would calm down. He’s been free roam in the house now for about two months with only two pee accidents on the couch. He does seek me out when I’m making noise in a different part of the house, or if I’ve been out of the same room as him for a long period of time. I’ve come home many times and he’s laying on the rug by the door waiting for me to come home. I do want to get another bun but I will have to have the little guy fixed and I’m worried his personality might change and he’s great the way he is.

As many bbers have said, its a mix of things, post-op recovery, hormones, a grudge, et . Give him some.time. To be honest, with the not leaving the cage thing hes probably thinking (and sorry to be crude!!) “Last time i left my nest i ended up losing something! Dang humans!”
Rabbits are a serious species for disaproval. Merlin does the same thing, hel get my attention JUST to show me hes ignoring me! Time, strokes, and the occasional bit pf bananna and he’l lbe back on form.