Bunny approaches me to dig on me and nip at me.

[Cristal]

Hello everyone. Every day I am more convinced my rabbit Onyx hates me. She is a 3 month old Netherland dwarf. She will sometimes tolerate me petting her (very rarely) and will sometimes allow me to pick her up. But now she comes up to me get on my lap to dig on me (it doesn’t matter what I am wearing because it’s happen with a bunch of different clothing) and she nips me. I try to pet her cause I’ve read maybe she wants attentions but every time I do she digs on me even more. I’ve had her for a month. It makes me sad tbh because I see people starting to form bonds with their rabbits in 2 weeks I know every rabbit is different but I am positive she hates me. (She is a free roam rabbit, and I work from home so she is not left alone, has a shiton of toys, always has food, gets treats) I honestly do not know what I am doing wrong. I heard (too late unfortunately) that Netherland dwarfs are not the friendliest breed but I saw some success stories I am still hopeful but confused by her behavior. Is this something that can change after I get her spayed in 3 months? Any advice is welcome please and thank you!

[LBJ10]

Her behavior sounds very normal for a teenage, unspayed bunny. Bunnies naturally like to dig… but insisting on digging ON you is more of a hormonal thing. Her “unfriendliness” is also driven by hormones. She isn’t interested in being petted, she is interested in establishing her territory and hopefully finding a mate. These behaviors will likely get worse before they get better (i.e. when you get her spayed).

[DanaNM]

I agree, she’s being a moody teenager! She also sounds like a feisty Nethie, which is why we love em!

What is your daily routine with her like? Most rabbits don’t enjoy being picked up, so if you are picking her up every day that could start to make her upset.

With many rabbits, it works really well to play “hard to get”. Spend time with her, but ignore her. Laying on the floor while reading or watching a movie works great. Eventually she will start to relax near you, and at that point she might start to enjoy petting. I like to “ask” my bunnies if they want to be petted, by making my hand into a relaxed fist (so it looks like a bunny head) and placing it on the ground near their nose (this is how bunnies ask each other for grooms). If the bun puts its head down, they would like some nose rubs. If not, then don’t force the issue and try again later.

A lot of active bunnies also really enjoy clicker training, so that could be a fun way to bond with her while she’s in her active and moody phase.

. . . 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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