Bunny attacking everyone

[BonbonBunny]

My mom just got me a rabbit and for the first two days, it did fine with my other pets, but now it’s attacking my feet when I walk, my cat, and my dog. It does fine with my kitten, though, and isn’t bothered by him. How can I get them to get along?

[Bam]

My guess is the new bun doesn’t feel secure in his new home. This is normal for rabbits. A rabbit that feels threatened will either run and hide, or attack the threat. A new bun is often very cautious in a new environment so as not to draw too much attention to itself, until it gains so much confidence that it dares try to defend itself against perceived threats. Your bun is now defending himself against what he considers threats -the humans and the other pets. It is not a bad thing per se, it means he has healthy rabbit sass, but you should take great care not to “reward” his aggressive behaviour, because that will reinforce the behaviour. If you let him “chase you away” when he bites, it teaches him that biting works. Stand your ground (wear boots and gloves if needed, but do NOT punish him. This is something you can do yourself, but your dog and cat cant understand this. The risk is one of them snaps and lashes out, so you should separate the bun and the other pets at least for the time being, then later do a proper, gradual reintroduction.

Can you make an enclosure for the bun, one that only he has access to? It should have a hidey house, (an upside down cardboard house with two door holes cut out will work fine), preferably a tunnel (there are cat tunnels that aren’t pricey), his litterbox with hay in it and a water bowl or bottle depending on his preference.

If he gets a private enclosure he will feel a lot more in control of his environment and gradually get used to all the noises and scents in his new home. It will also help him form good litterbox habits. Most if not all rabbits need to be in a limited area during their first few weeks in a new place. Not a tiny area like a standard bunny cage, but an area that’s all their own.

How old is your bun?

 

[LBJ10]

Bam is correct. It sounds like this new bunny is overwhelmed with his new environment. When a new bunny is brought home, it is best to keep them in a smaller area like a room or an xpen and limit their interactions with other animals in the house. Let them get used to the sights and smells and, of course, you (the bringer of food and good things). Once they have had time to adjust, then you can start safe (controlled) introductions with the other animals. If all goes well, then the bunny can be allowed more freedom to explore.

[BonbonBunny]

I’ve named the bunny Bonbon, but my mom said she wasn’t told if it was a boy or girl. How can you tell?

It’ll be a bit hard to separate the cats and Bonbon unless I use a cage, as my parents make me keep my pets in my room most of the time. I really didn’t want to use a cage, since I read that they are too small, but if I have to to keep everyone safe, I guess I will.

Though they’re doing much better since I rearranged my room to give Bonbon more hiding spots. I put the crate that my mom brought them home with in a corner and put my laundry basket and cat tree in front of it, and that’s their favorite spot. There’s been no issues today at all except for one time when my dog got nosy and tried to invade the bunny’s space. I told him off and Bonbon chased him away, and it didn’t happen again. Bonbon also didn’t bite my dog at all today, and has completely ignored my cat. My kitten still doesn’t get any reaction except being lightly smacked with a paw if Bonbon gets annoyed with him.

[DanaNM]

You really need to keep your dog away from your bunny. Please remember dogs are predators and rabbits are prey, and often dogs “playing” can lead to a rabbit getting killed. Your bunny needs a completely safe space where the cat and dog cannot get to them. Does the cat have to stay in your room all the time? It would be best if the cat could be locked out of the room when you are not there. You can use a tall puppy exercise pen with a sheet clipped to the top to create a safe space.

. . . 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.  

[BonbonBunny]

My dog is a chihuahua. Bonbon is bigger than he is. Also he isn’t trying to play, he just was sniffing. When I’m not there, my dog is crated because he chews things up. My cat has no interest in the bunny, it’s just my kitten who’s trying to play, and again, Bonbon is bigger than he is. If anyone was a danger to another, I would say it would be Bonbon, since he’s larger than everyone else.

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