New bunny lunging?

[Emmy]

Hello there! I just very recently got a new male bunny. He’s roughly 10 months old according to his old owner. He seems pretty settled in, running around and playing with his toys. If I walk near the pen, he runs up to the side and try’s shoving his nose through the bars. However, it seems that when I actually crouch down and slowly let my fingers near him, it seems like he’s lunging at me. I’ve tried reacting calmly but still flinch. It’s to the point where I’m afraid to reach in and refill his food.

I don’t know if it’s because he’s still nervous/scared of being in a new place, or if I have an aggressive rabbit.

[DanaNM]

He might be lunging out of friendliness. My two boys do this, and it did startle me at first, but they want to be petted. 🙂

Are his ears forward or back? You can make your hand into a small fist, so it looks like a small rabbit head. Place it on the ground off to the side of his head (not right in front of him, as they have a blind spot). If he puts his head down (bunny language for “groom me!”), he wants you to pet him.

I’ve also noticed some bunnies that aren’t sure about you will do this, and it’s half aggressive. But the petting thing works all the same! Then they learn to be aggressively friendly, if that makes sense?

If he’s lunging at you while you are messing around in his cage, that is usually cage aggression, and is common in rabbits that have been caged too much. In that case, try not to mess with his cage while he’s in it. So let him come out while you do any cleaning etc.

. . . 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.  

[Emmy]

Thanks for the reply!

Hmm, I haven’t noticed if his ears were back or forward.

I will admit he hasn’t bitten or nipped me yet, but it’s probably because I flinch back (it startles me lol).

Also, since I just got him the other day, I’ve yet to handle him. I sit outside his pen and let him come to me, but like I’ve mentioned, every time I bring my hand close to him he lunges for it. I will definitely try the fist thing though!

[DanaNM]

Ah yes, he is for sure still settling in, but give the fist thing a try!

. . . 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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