Bunny bites?

[Elena Niznik]

I’ve noticed when ever im on the floor with Boo he snuggles up sometimes then when he gets up he has a little bite at my arm or whever is closest. His ears aren’t back when he does this and I dnt think im spooking him or anything. I read that bunnies sometimes give small nips as a sign of affection is this what he is doing? If he is then its ok but those little nips hurt!

[BinkyBunny]

So it’s just when he gets up?  Not when you move?  Or do you move when he’s getting up?   And it’s just a nip that hurts, no blood drawn.

If that is the case that it sounds like it could be that he’s finished with the affection session,  and nips at you to move out of the way.  Or he could be nipping as a way to say more.

In this situation you should let out a high pitched screech.  This is telling him that nipping is too hard.  And if you REALLY want to tell him in “bunny body language” that you didn’t like that, you can sit up and face your back to him, but keep looking over your shoulder to just turn slightly to let him know it’s okay to approach.  He may approach or walk away. 

This what bunnies actually do to each other and to us, when they’ve are offended by something.

Be prepared for stranged looks from the people around you, and them thinking you’ve gone completely bonkers.   Just hold your head up high with dignity and tell them you are having a serious chat with your bunny at the moment! (it just happens to be in body language only) 

You have to do this everytime he nips.   Hopefully he will soon his nips will become much ligher, or he’ll just nudge you with his nose instead.

Keep us updated.

[Elena Niznik]

It’s only when he is getting up. I tend not to move until i know where he is going so that I dnt stand on him. The nips dnt draw blood but they do hurt.He just nips me then moves off and goes to play somewhere else.  Ppl alreay think im bonkers having a house rabbit they are surprised that they can be indoor animals and when they see him poop in his litter box they cant believe it. I’ll try the body language thing i spent a few hours pretending to groom myself after i scared him when i dropped all those pans and that seemed to work a bit.

[BinkyBunny]

Tallullu – OMG, the whole grooming yourself cracked me up. I don’t feel so kooky anymore because I do that too!!   Where’d you learn to do that? (just common sense by learning rabbit behavior or ???)   That’s just what bunnies do when they are getting to know each other and want to let the other know that they mean no harm.  You’re one smart humanbunny! 

When I am meeting a new shy bunny at the shelter, or when I am pet sitting, to help them get used to me, I do that too because that is how bunnies communicate to each other.

We are bonkers!  But smart bonkers. Big difference.

When he nips, also try and do the high pitched screech.

 

[Elena Niznik]

Hahaha im so glad you do that too. I do feel silly doing it but it works and whenever i do, do it Boo always resciprocates by grooming himself. I worked alot with horses and they groom each other when bonding so i thought it was worth a try. Also im glad to say that Boo is back to himself after his fright. yay!!

[Author]

Messages