New rabbit keeps nipping my pants…

[khushi2020]

Hi

I recently got a bunny from a shelter. I was told that his previous owners did neglect him a lot, and it took a lot of work from the shelter staff to get him used to people. He wasn’t neutered when we got him, so he was very grunty and thumped a lot when we entered his space. After his neutering, his grunting and thumping have reduced drastically, however he started doing a new thing… when we sit with him he nips at our legs… we do have another bunny that he hasn’t bonded with yet. Is he nipping us because he smells our other bunny on us?

[LBJ10]

Does he do this when you’re in his space? Or just any time he is near you?

[Wick & Fable]

Nipping is a way of communicating various messages (a shame we can’t understand rabbit language, haha), so nipping isn’t inherently bad. It is unfortunate if your rabbit’s nip is a bit harder, though generally rabbits need some time to learn what a “light” nip is on humans. My rabbits nip me to move, pet them, or give them food.

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.

[Bam]

Nipping often means “Move, you are in my way” or “Pet me”. It is about communication. Some buns will nip if you stop petting them sooner than they find acceptable. Since bunny nipping has evolved among rabbits, they are more painful to us hooms than they would be if the nipped individual were a bun with a thick layer of protective fur.

In order to understand if this is aggressive biting or a demand for food or attention, you need to weigh in how he looks when he nips and where the nipping takes place. If its in his area, as LBJ mentions, it could be about territory (get out of my home, horrible hooman). If he feels cornered with nowhere to run, it could be about fighting when flight isn’t possible. If he comes up to you and nips “out of the blue”, I think its more about attracting your attention to his need of food, pets or treats.

Avgression in rabbits often involve  raised tail, growling (like a dog, albeit tiny) and boxing, as well as biting.

 

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[LBJ10]

Sorry, it was late when I initially replied. The others saw what I was getting at though. If you’re in his space when it happens, then this could be interpreted as territorial behavior. However, if he approaches you outside of his enclosure and nips you, then it’s probably more attention seeking. Or, as Bam said, it can mean “move”.

When doing this, bunnies tend to nip lightly. If he’s biting hard, then he probably doesn’t realize he’s hurting you. Some people have had luck with letting out a high-pitched squeal when their bunny nips. They generally understand and adjust how much pressure they are using.

[Author]

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