Newly aggressive 6 month old Bunny

[Cshbirdy]

Hi there. My husband I recently adopted a bunny (8 weeks old in January). He has been neutered, is very sweet and we slowly got him accustomed to being a house bunny.Or so I thought.

He has free run of the living room- its hardwood so he has carpet runners all over . He has free access to his cage which has food, treat dish (to keep from dogs) water, litter boxes. He is fully litterboxed trained. We do not cage him at night, he is free out in the living room.

When we first let him out, he got into the carpeted bedroom and would be a PAIN to get back out from under the bed. We have since blocked the bed-first 5 attempts were unsuccessful I  might add- and keep him out of the bedroom for the most part. But now when he does venture in- because he cant get under the bed, he thumps, and lunges and growls at me. I usually ignore his threats, pet him, and shoo him out of the room.

When he greets me in the afternoons, from under “his” chair, he runs over for what I thought was cuddles and pets, but has started growling and lunging.

 He didn’t use to growl or lunge, he was more inquisitive but I’m noticing more aggression.

What can I do to be “top bun,” and establish correct behavior without having him “hold a grudge?”

[Wick & Fable]

Don’t think of being “top bun” — humans are not a part of a rabbit’s hierarchy. You are a huge animal, so by default, you are intimidating and trust needs to be built, not dominance.

There is a chance his neuter was recent and he’s currently experiencing the hormone spike, which is normal. This causes a ramp up in hormonal behaviors until the hormones die down. This can take 1 to 3 months from what I’ve read/experienced.

Going under the bed probably gives him a sense of security, being in a new environment. Giving him so much free roam may not be the best idea right off the bat, because now he has a lot of area to run away from you and your husband, who he will innately sense as being dangerous. I recommend limiting space a bit and taking some time to build a more strong bond with him.

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.

[mschoonover11]

How long ago was he neutered? As Wick said, it can take 1-3 months for a full recovery. If he was neutered recently, then this aggressive behavior could be hormonal.

Also, this is just a logical guess, but maybe he’s showing you that he’s not a loner bun. Maybe he needs a friend.

[Mikey]

Youre a human and he knows that. You cant be top bun because youre not a bun. Youre human and rabbit.

Are you sure hes been neutered? I misread the age and am a little confused, how old is he?

What Im reading is a bun who is reacting to being scared. What have you two done to bond with him and show him you are not a threat? How many safe hidey spots does he have where no one can/will bother him?

Dont get a second rabbit until youve established better trust with your current bun.

[Author]

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