biting… bunny-human power struggle

[lemmie]

One of my bunnies, Vinyl, bites me intentionally whenever I do something she doesn’t like. It could be me in her way, if I’m not doling out treats fast enough, or if I’m holding her. I’m 99% sure its not due to her being afraid or uncomfortable, its her being the boss. I’m worried because she’s becoming increasingly malicious about it and yelping only seems to pique her bloodlust. I’m not sure how to stop being a bunny pushover. For example, when I’m holding her and she’s going to town on my arm, should I just wear protection and not let go? She gets increasingly violent the longer she doesn’t get her way. How do I win this power struggle without it turning into negative reinforcement?

Some background info just in case its relevant:

Vinyl is a spayed, black, long-haired, dwarf rescue bunny that I adopted over 5 weeks ago and is generally very calm, but incredibly pushy and stubborn. She’s a little handicapped with a non-bendable right back leg (unknown origin from before her rescue). In the beginning, she was very passive and let me pick her up and pet her. Now, as she’s gotten comfortable and come out of her shell, I’ve realized she is a bully. She doesn’t let me touch her unless I’m giving out treats. Her antisocial behavior has rubbed off on my first bunny, Bucky, who used to ask for pets all the time. Now, they both treat me like a treat dispenser with leprosy. Fortunately, Bucky is still a gentle soul and has never bitten or nipped me. I have seen him nip at Vinyl, however. Bucky is the dominant one. And since Vinyl bullies me, it means I’m at the bottom of the totem pole .  They have a pen, but are free roaming in half the house 24/7.

Don’t be tricked by her cute facade, she’s the devil rabbit on the left:

[LBJ10]

If yelping/shrieking doesn’t deter her, then I would say to not do what she wants. She will think she can get her way whenever she bites. Say you’re getting ready to give her a treat and she bites your foot or something while you’re digging in the treat bag. Turn your back to her and do not give her the treat. If she persists, then walk away. You can always come back later.
As for when you’re holding her, I would advise you not to hold her unless it is necessary. Biting could be her way to saying “put me down”, but she may also be scared when she’s saying that.

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’m assuming, since they are bonded, she is spayed?

5 weeks is a very short time to bond with a bunny. Do you know her background? My Olivia, who I strongly suspect was maltreated/neglected took over a year to bond with me. And she is still a bully. If I do something that ticks her off, she will pummel me with her hands, sometimes right in the face. Some bunnies take a pretty long time to learn to trust their humans.

Your buns are super cute

[Usagi1618]

They associate you with treats and nothing else because when you come around, you have a treat! I would recommend replacing this association with play time and groomies instead. You can still bond with your bunny without treats (it just takes a little longer, but is better for their digestive tract in the long run). I’ve taught my bunnies how to “kiss” and I bring my face down to their level and say, “kiss” and they bonk my nose with their nose and I reward them with groomies and not treats. It’s going to take them a while to understand that you’re just another FLR (funny looking rabbit), but constantly being with them and playing is key.

[LongEaredLions]

Welcome to BB! Thank you for rescuing, your bunnies are super cute!
I agree, 5 weeks is not a very long time. You will need to gradually build her trust by being gentle and quiet. Try to avoid picking her up, and always get down on her level when interacting with her. Bunnies don’t just maliciously bite, they bite for a reason, whether it’s hormones, instinct, or nervousness. If you can find out why she is biting, you can work with it, like you mentioned. Also remember that rabbits are prey animals. I would give it a bit more time, she may just not be comfortable yet.

[Meatloaf N Bunnito]

I would agree with not picking her up yet. She sounds like a skittish bun to me. Also if she likes to nip and chew, try using that behavior to your advantage maybe? My two buns LOVE shredding up cardboard tubes from toilet paper and paper towels. Try showing her that chewing and biting can be ok if done on a toy and not your flesh. =d
Just a thought.
Also, what type of bun is Bucky? He’s super adorable n fluffy! And your new bun is very pretty n silky looking.

[Author]

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