PLEASE HELP!!! BITING BUNNY!

[Bubbles]

Can someone please give me some advice? I got a beautiful French Lop 2 weeks ago. He was supposed to be 3 months but is infact (according to my vet) closer to 8.

I have given him lots of gentle attention, cuddles, brushes etc but yesterday and today he bit me. Now im not sure if he did this on purpose as one was whilst he was pulling at my t-shirt (he caught my tummy – OUCH!) He seems to do it when he’s not getting his own way -like yesterday he seemed annoyed because Id brought him in from the garden.

Is this him trying to be the boss of me and if so – what can I do to get him out of the habit. A few of my books has said neutering is a good idea but I’d rather avoid this if possible.

Any advice would be most appreciated as I dont want to be filled with rabbit shaped holes.

 

Thanks

Kate xxx

[MissKris&Koji]

I’m sure everyone here is going to tell you the same thing – get him fixed. The hormones and unending sex drive of an unaltered rabbit make them crazy, cranky, and unpleasant. Not to mention he will live longer and enjoy life more, so it’s better for both of you.

Seems some rabbits even fixed will nip for certain reasons though, so I would say think about if you are doing anything that offends him, like messing with his cage while he’s in it. Maybe easier to change your behavior than his. Other than that, on another thread I saw someone was having some success with making an “ow” noise he will understand (so imitate a bunny yelp), I think that was someone being nipped while rabbit was giving kisses. And also if it’s something you must do to wear gloves so you don’t get hurt and teach him that being aggressive won’t make you go away. So, I guess how you respond depends on what the circumstance is.

I’m sure someone who has actually dealt with a biter will be able to give better advice regarding what you can do about it, but you really shouldn’t dismiss a neuter.

[Monkeybun]

Definitely agree with neuter. Is there a reason you don’t want to? It will reduce aggression, and hormonal tendencies like marking, and non-stop wanting to mate. he’d be happier if neutered.

If he keeps biting, make high pitched pain noises, most bunnies will learn to stop the nips and bites if they are hurting people that way. A yelp of pain, followed by you turning your back on him will make him feel sorry, and try to make amends.. at least with my boy it does My boy Moose is a good boy, and hates it when his people are upset at him.

[Beka27]

Welcome to Binkybunny!

I’m going to ditto the others, a neuter really is one of the best things you can do for him and you. Especially with a big boy like that, you don’t want to be dealing with behavioral issues.

[Doe of Chai]

As a last resort; you can always keep a spritz bottle near you filled with water. When he starts to dig at you, give him a shot with the water to stop.

[Free2Dream]

Ditto to everyone else… neuter him. It’s a tad expensive if finances are tight (like mine, lol… we are splitting the procedure 50/50), but it’s definitely worth it in the end. Your bunbun will be so much happier, friendlier, and healthier if his mind isn’t constantly being taken over by hormones.

The spritz bottle doesn’t always work. I tried that with Oliver to deter him from crawling under the sofa (extracting him is such a pain) only to discover that he actually enjoys water. I guess I should have already known this, since he’s been known to play in his water dish.

Anyway. Does your bunny have any toys to chew? Oliver is a huge fan of parsley rolls; Peter’s Rabbit Supply company makes them. They are like rabbit doggie bones and last a couple days at least. There are also a lot of other toys out there, like balls made of hay, wood sticks and flavored wooden blocks, that encourage chewing. Every time Oliver tries to snack on my clothing, I tell him no (which in our house is a loud, sharp “AAH!”) and offer him something more appropriate.

Also, I would love to see pictures of your bunny! I think French Lops are so interesting.

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