Dominance

[CathySchlim]

We have a darling 4 mo old Netherland dwarf. Pebbles is not our first rabbit. In the last few weeks Pebbles bites me several times each day; these are blood drawing bites, not nips. I am very frustrated because this is only towards me and not my husband. Could Pebbles have put my husband in a higher position in his higherarchy and Pebbles is biting me to exhibit dominance? We will be having him neutered as soon as our vet says is safe! I am frustrated with the biting and sore hands.

[kurottabun]

Did you do anything to him recently? Like picking him up etc. Or have you been using a different kind of hand lotion etc. that has a different smell?

If it’s not something that you did, then it could be hormones kicking in. 4 months sounds about right and most rabbits who hit sexual maturity will start to display aggressive behaviour like biting, humping, spraying etc. If that’s the case, neutering would most likely solve the issue. It can take some time for hormones to die down after a neuter though, so the behaviour may not end until after a few weeks or months post-neuter.

It’s not possible that he wants to assert dominance – rabbits don’t view humans as part of their group so to them, you’re just a very large species instead of a fellow bunny.

[Author]

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