Awww, that’s a bummer, but don’t get too discouraged. Keep in mind he just had a big life change, and he is near another rabbit that he is not bonded with. Rabbits will have what’s called “referred aggression”, where they are actually feeling aggressive towards another rabbit, and then they lash out at whoever is closest (be it a human or their bonded mate).
I would first not worry so much about cleaning and organizing his pen if you can. Be OK with a bit more mess for now just to help him get his space sorted out and feel safe. Like I would do boxes every 2 or 3 days, and sweep out the pen once a week (while he isn’t in it). My buns pens are pretty bare bones honestly, but with chew toys they can toss and matts they can destroy. I have tile on the bottom level as well. I will never understand those buns that can have perfectly cute organized spaces because mine love to redecorate on their own… i’m pretty sure those pics are taken just after cleaning LOL.
He was neutered less than 2 weeks ago (by my memory), and is still near another newly neutered bun, so I think referred aggression and hormone fluctuations are at play here. Is he also still on cage rest? that would also probably make him extra antsy.
For hand feeding, stick with longer foods for now (like a leaf of lettuce, kale, etc.). I’ve been nipped before when hand feeding buns that just get too excited. Buns don’t have great vision, so they just see the food and go for it.
The other thing is next time he nips you, make a squeal noise that sounds like a bunny scream (you can look it up on youtube if you’ve never heard it, it’s very sad to hear though 🙁 ). Bunnies nip each other through thick fur, so they don’t always know they hurt us with their nipping. If you make that noise, that tells Pinky that he hurt you.
With really aggressive rabbits, it can also help to wear leather gloves when you need to reach into the cage, and with that the idea is not to pull you hand away when you get bit, you just hold still. But I don’t really think you are at that point yet. To me this reads as a bun that had a pretty stressful time (that is sad about the petting zoo 🙁 ) that is still just getting settled and is having hormone fluctuations.
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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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