Bad behavior

[RICOH]

Ok as you can see im new to all this and everything to do with rabbits is also new so forgive me if i ask dumb questions!

we have recently (aprox 2 weekss ago)purchased a what we think is a large lopp eared male rabbit he is approx 4mnths old weiging in @3.5kg for the last 3 days he has done nothing but lay in the doorway inbetween our conservatory (his room where his house/cage is) and the kitchen/dinner (our room where we tend to sit alot) he sits or lays there pretty much all day other than when he’s having a wander eating or in the garden for exercise. the problem being is as soon as someone tries to walk from one rom to the other he lashes out at there feet, he has also stopped using his litter tray for his poo’s he does this in the door way aswell and sleeps in his litter tray..

so where do i start to 1. stop him lashing out

2. pooing where he should poo, Ive tried putting another litter tray where he poo’s but he does all he can to move it, by tipping and nudging it over. that spot has become his witch is fine providing it doesnt stop people walking from room to room

[RachelB]

I would start him off in a smaller area 4X4 or so that he can claim as “his”. Confine him to this area for a week or so (letting him out for a few hours each day to explore and get exercise). Put his food, water and litter box in that space and try not to enter it unless he is out and about exploring. He will then associate that area as his special space and should stop lashing out at you. When I first got Samson he was very protective of his cage and would run at me grunting if I reached in or entered his cage space. Now he is a bit better but I am also careful to not really disrespect “his” space and go in there when he is sleeping or lounging around— only if he has left and is elsewhere. This shoud also help with his litterbox habits!!

Overtime you then can slowly give him more freedom to your house bit by bit.  Sometimes bunnies are overwhelmed with all the space and freedom all at once and can be quite naughty!!

[RICOH]

already on the case.. playpen to the rescue here!! grunting? yes im sure he grunts while attacking everyone but the wife (i was thinking she had been training him)
thanks very much hopefully he’ll be back inline in no time

[Furface]

Sounds to me like he has hit puberty, the humping & spraying will likely start soon.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Ditto that! He’s being defensive of his area, and pooping to let you know where his area is.

Neuter needs to be soon! That will improve his mood, and litter habits (as well as his health).

He may not be attacking your wives feet, because-he’s in love with them My friends rabbit is in love with my feet, and he attacks everyone elses feet when I’m over-quite literally scaring six foot tall men and defending my socked footsies

[Author]

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