Aggressive, territorial bun

[Bun&Belle]

Hello,

I’ve seen a few posts similar to the situation before but I just thought I’d post my own to see if anyone can help me out. I’ve had my rabbit Oscar for almost 4 years and he’s always been a sweet and cuddly bun . I’ve got him neutered and he remained a sweet and cuddly bun. I got Belle 3 years ago and had her spayed and she is the sweetest little thing. Oscar was still very sweet, didn’t care for me quite as much anymore but that’s to be expected I think. He started getting aggressive when I moved last year, back to the place Oscar lived by himself for a year. He is especially aggressive when it comes to food time, or when I clean up their living area. He lunges and bites me and Belle in his crazy state, he also makes a little growl everytime I try to pet him now ?I’ve definitely made the situation worse by pleasing him by not trying to touch him for a few months, only to clip his nails really, so now he just sees me as the evil hands that pick him up. He never used to be like this and I just want my cute cuddly bunny back.. Not just a hostile bun that attacks me or runs away everytime he sees me when all I do is love him ? Any advice is appreciated!!!

[Serenity]

Hello, Bun&Belle!
Did you say you moved back into the home Oscar was alone in for a while? If so, that is likely related to his new territorial attitude. If he is being mean to Belle I suggest separating them for a little bit and then going through the bonding process again, or she may get hurt. Try approaching him with bits of treats in your hand when you’re near and be by him as much as possible? Oscar will likely start warming up to you again. If he shies away from your hand, try holding it away from him (not too close to his face, because bunnies have bad close-distance vision) and letting him approach your hand rather than vice versa. If he has no reaction, slowly get closer and if he’s aggressive, do NOT try punishing him with any kind of pain, (which may be something you already knew, but I’m not sure). A squirt with a spray bottle may work, but it never did for Ginny. I repeat, DO NOT HURT HIM. No tap on the nose, so flicking, nothing. He will only meet violence with violence.
Hope this helped!

[Serenity]

Hello, Bun&Belle!
Did you say you moved back into the home Oscar was alone in for a while? If so, that is likely related to his new territorial attitude. If he is being mean to Belle I suggest separating them for a little bit and then going through the bonding process again, or she may get hurt. Try approaching him with bits of treats in your hand when you’re near and be by him as much as possible? Oscar will likely start warming up to you again. If he shies away from your hand, try holding it away from him (not too close to his face, because bunnies have bad close-distance vision) and letting him approach your hand rather than vice versa. If he has no reaction, slowly get closer and if he’s aggressive, do NOT try punishing him with any kind of pain, (which may be something you already knew, but I’m not sure). A squirt with a spray bottle may work, but it never did for Ginny. I repeat, DO NOT HURT HIM. No tap on the nose, so flicking, nothing. He will only meet violence with violence.
Hope this helped!

[Bun&Belle]

Hi Serenity,

I really appreciate your advice. Yes, I moved back to where he was by himself for awhile, I did figure that was the issue but I’m just trying to get him over it. He is never really aggressive to Belle, I think it’s more of a “stay away from her” kind of thing, and that’s only when I put their food dish down. He does let me pet him and it’s nice for about 10 minutes before he starts getting annoyed and trying to bite me. I also let them roam free in my room without a cage but they have their own specific corner with their little house and litter/food etc, so I’m thinking that he’s kind of adapted to the idea that the whole room is now “his”.. I’m not sure. I will try the treat idea, I do try that often but maybe I give up too easily. Again, it’s always nice for a few minutes and then he snaps back into attack mode. I also know ever to hurt him! I try not to react when he lunges but it’s definitely hard not to flinch when you have a raging bunny coming at you.

Thanks again! I know it is all about patience, it is just hard because I know what he used to be like so when I try to pet him the same way and he tries to bite me it just breaks my heart!

[Serenity]

Hey again.
I understand. It sounds like you’re doing really well, and you’re absolutely right.
I’m a naturally defensive person, so when Ginny bites me it’s EXTREMELY hard to resist snapping at her because of my short temper. Despite common beliefs, raging bunnies ARE scary.
Maybe try giving Oscar his distance and if you think it could be that he believes your room is his personal “territory” maybe try gating him off in his corner of the room for a few weeks until he’s less territorial. Can you tell when he’s gonna snap, or is it different every time? Is it usually a few minutes or no? Try petting him for only little bit and backing off before he starts getting annoyed. Give him a treat, a few strokes and then walk away. You could slowly start adding more affection and cuddle time over the next few days when he learns that you’re not gonna hurt him but just want to pet him.

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