Rabbit poor behavior and biting

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BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

This topic has 8sd replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 5 years, 7 months ago by Wick & Fable.

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- 04/03/2019 at 8:44 AM
  Rabbitreader321
  Participant
  3 posts
  I got a rabbit last year and he had a strong personality, but biting was a once every few months event. However, I’ve been bitten multiple times in the last month when I a) feed him b) try to pick up stray poops. He bruises me and it doesn’t break the skin, but it still hurts and I’ve tried laying my hand on his neck when he grunts, but he keeps grunting and lunging for me. I’m at my last straw and am considering giving him back because I am completely lost. I hope the bunny forum can help me and I can work on his bday behavior before I give up.
- 04/03/2019 at 9:19 AM
  Kiki
  Participant
  205 posts
  Is he fixed? This is classic territorial behavior which is usually driven or made worse by hormone surges.
  When Indie did this I would yelp, she got the message fast that it hurt and made me upset. Also, I try not to clean her cage or fill her bowl with her in the cage.
  If he is unaltered I would seriously consider fixing him, it would save a lot of issues and you wouldn’t have to give him up.
- 04/03/2019 at 9:24 AM
  Asriel and Bombur
  Participant
  1104 posts
  I agree with Kiki it sounds territorial and hormonal and getting him fixed would help heaps. If he is already fixed, just try not to invade his territory while he’s there. Even something like feeding and picking up stray poops can be considered invading his territory, and some buns never lose that instinct. It might be something you will need to wear gloves for. I would highly suggest not touching his neck when he grunts, as you clearly have already noted, it makes him worse. He can’t see what your hand is going for, and in a bunny anything around the neck area can make them even more jumpy, so just don’t do it.
- 04/03/2019 at 10:30 AM
  Rabbitreader321
  Participant
  3 posts
  He’s neutered, I had him fixed as soon as I got him, I don’t clean his cage if he’s in it, is there anything else I can do to stop this behavior besides just evading him?
- 04/03/2019 at 11:01 AM
  Kiki
  Participant
  205 posts
  Well you can’t punish him. You say you are picking up poops and he is biting you, but you aren’t cleaning the cage while he is in it? Can you explain that a bit more clearly so we have context? Some buns, are just territorial, if he is a good bun otherwise then yes I would probably just evade him, but what else can you tell us about how/when he is charging you etc?
- 04/03/2019 at 3:58 PM
  Rabbitreader321
  Participant
  3 posts
  I can clarify it, I apologize for the lack of details.
  
  He was neutered around 6-7 months. He currently is housed in a dog cage with two floors and in addition has 24-7 access to an adjoining gate area where he can run around. He has 2 litter boxes, one inside the dog cage and one outside (he only doe his business in the outside one) Plenty of toys and hay, water and blankets. in addition I also let him wander outside the gate when I’m home and supervising. When he’s wandering outside the gate I’ll clean the cage then. What I mean is the little stray poops that are outside the litter box I just try to pick them up and he’ll sometimes come running over and grunt at me when I’m picking up 3-4 poop pieces. It’s typically food and territory aggression, I may have to resort to locking him up before feeding him, putting the bowl outside the cage then let him out to eat so he can contain his excitement and not come in contact with me during feeding times. When I put my hand on his neck he sort of understands to calm down but still tries to push to get to the food. But he has no issue with me reaching in to fill his water bowl or grab his hay box.
  He’s always had a mischievous and troublesome personality and is definitely very smart and intelligent, so I try to give him more complex toys and things to keep busy, he may be bored so I’m planning on giving him even more intricate toys and expand his gate area even more.
- 04/04/2019 at 7:33 AM
  Asriel and Bombur
  Participant
  1104 posts
  It could just be his personality. Some buns can remain territorial even after a neuter. I know it’s way more uncommon with males, but maybe his neuter was incomplete.
- 04/04/2019 at 11:36 AM
  DanaNM
  Moderator
  9054 posts
  I think I remember a discussion on another thread, where one of the of forum leaders had some experience with this. They recommended wearing leather gloves when you have to do the cleaning, and when bun runs over to bite, just wait calmly for them to calm down (you keep your hand there, so that they aren’t “successful” in chasing you off).
  
  I’ve alerted the other moderators to hopefully get some more input from them.
  
  . . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.
- 04/04/2019 at 5:13 PM
  Wick & Fable
  Moderator
  5813 posts
  I don’t think you’re referring to me Dana, but your suggestion reminds me of a video I posted in the past regarding interacting with an aggressive rabbit.
  
  The idea was similar; gear up in boots, gloves, layered pants, etc… And don’t provide a negative reaction to the aggressive behavior.
  
  http://youtu.be/HxV0j7SwBbk
  
  Here it is! It’s an interesting take that I think makes sense. You’re essentially teaching a very scared rabbit that what precedes and follows an aggressive action isn’t what they expect.
  
  The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.
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