Is this just hormones?

[Frapptastic]

I’ve recently limited Frappe’s free time play area. Originally, he was allowed to roam the majority of the living room and all of the kitchen This arrangement worked for the first month or so. However, I had to change things around because he was constantly lunging after our feet (sometimes biting). I am assuming that is his hormones kicking in. I have since blocked him off with an xpen to the opposite side of the living room. He has a good amount of space, but nowhere near what he had to begin with. Now, he is constantly biting on the bars of the xpen trying to get out. He’s biting it to the point that some of the paint is starting to come off. Also, when I try to step over the xpen to interact with him he lunges at me and won’t stop circling my feet. He also bit my son today, HARD,when he was just petting him. Is he mad that his space has been limited or are his hormones just out of control? (Will be neutering as soon as vet will do it-5 to 6 months of age)

[CinnabunMom]

How old is he? The circling and the protection of territory thing sounds exactly like hormones. It could be a combo of both. Some bunnies are not happy when things get moved around and change.

[Frapptastic]

He is 4 1/2 months old. I am hoping it’s the hormones. Eventually, I want to give him back the space he had. But I don’t think that will be until after he has been neutered and has started to calm down a bit.

[RabbitPam]

Considering his age and behavior, I would get him an appointment with the vet as soon as the vet is comfortable doing the procedure. Make the appointment now for whenever that is. (An experienced vet may decide he’s ready.)

It is definitely hormones. Keep your son from “invading his habitat” as a child is seen more like a large animal and is more threatening. Let him sit by the xpen and have Frappe approach for pets. Be ready to pull back from nipping. He will be this way for one month after the surgery, but then he will calm down.

Is there a room he can run in for a while each day? Can you take him into a bathroom or bunny-proofed den for some play and exercise time? (Or just a hallway he can run up and down with doors to rooms closed?) Also, give him some toys he can tear up, like a willow ball or a phone book to shred. Hang in there, because it IS hormones and it will be over before you know it. Just get that appointment!

[Frapptastic]

I know this is old, but just wanted to update. Frappe is going to be neutered this morning! I’m nervous for him, but know it will be for the best. Wish him luck! Thanks!

[Sarita]

Keep us updated. It can still take some time for him to calm down after the neuter. Usually the behavior decreases due to age and to neutering.

[Elrohwen]

Yep, sounds pretty hormonal. Hopefully a month or so after the neuter he’ll be a much happier little guy.

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