Random Attacks?

[Lucy]

So, does anyone else’s bunny just randomly attack? Maybe during petting, or just standing in the hallway? Fujoe has just gone crazy these past few days and will just go for my legs as I walk by or my hands. . . I was just petting him, he had his head down, doing everything he likes to be done to him and he attacked my hand. Actually drew blood. Anyone know what’s up?

[BinkyBunny]

EEEK! Boy Fujoe has real rabbitude!

He is a baffling bunny.    He’s been neutered so that’s not an issue.   When you’re petting him, does he seem to bite if you go to a particular part of his body?  Some bunnies don’t like it if you get too close to their chin or their rear. Both can be perceived as a dominant gesture.  And when you are walking by him, is he protecting a particular place?  Meaning does he attack you anywhere anytime you pass him, or do you notice he’s more aggressive over a particular area?

Also, some rabbits will show aggression when in pain.  How are his teeth?  Did the vet check his mouth when you saw him.   The reason I ask this is because my Rucy can become grumpy when her spurs grow back. Spurs are these little sharp edges on the very back molars that usually are caused by dental problems. Once she gets them trimmed, she gets happy again.

[Lucy]

well, i think it might have been that I went too close to his rear. He’s been shedding and I noticed when I petted him all the way down his back a lot of fur would come off. I guess he can’t reach his butt that well so I started to pull the fur out. . .That sounds odd, but little turfs of fur were coming out. So, that makes sense. But one time I was standing in the hallway making sure I had everything before I walked out and he attacked my legs. I bent down and said no, and hit the ground, and then he went after my hand…he’s an odd bunny, no?

[BinkyBunny]

He is an odd bunny. Cute and interesting though!

The part about the tuffs coming out is not odd though, that’s very normal.

He sounds like he has a very dominant personality.  How often does he bite or lunge at you?  You may need to let him know you are the dominant bunny around the place. One technique the House Rabbit Society recommends is when a bunny gets that aggravated look (ears back, lunging etc)  then gently press his head to the floor.  He will understand this as you being dominant.  Now this could may make him more mad especially if he’s is willing to fight for dominant crown.  If he lunges or bites after you do this, then you need to put him back in his pen. 

Here are some more tips regarding aggression from the House Rabbit Society http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/aggression.html#lunge

Also, how much positive interaction do you spend together.   I know he is such a rascal, you might feel like you spend more time chasing him away from things, and IF that is the case, you may need to offset it with positive interaction.  

Keep us updated!

[Lucy]

i think i spend time with fujoe. At least for 1/2 hour everyday I put him in my lap and pet him. Usally it’s for two sessions a day. I stay around him when I feed him treats so he knows it’s from me. If I walk past the room and see him I’ll pet him. I know he is a very dominate bunny. And I’m pretty sure he knows too, the odd thing is that he’ll give me bunny kisses and nudge me to pet him. I just wonder if I do something to really piss him off every once in a while. I’ll try the push his head down thing. thanks binky bunny!

[BinkyBunny]

Fujoethebunny.

Out of curiosity, how is he when you put him on your lap? Though many bunnies will tolerate it, most bunnies are not too fond of it, but every once in awhile, I come across a bunny who truly enjoys it (rare). 

I am not saying he is not one of those rarities, but if his heart is racing, or he’s not fully relaxed when you first put him on your lap,( he may be feeling “captured” which could cause fear based aggression or frustration or he could feel like you are overstepping your dominance boundaries, and his aggression might be to take back some of his freedom. 

But, obviously, I am not there, so only you know.  I was just wondering since he has been exhibiting aggression and possibly frustration (tearing up the place) if that could POSSIBLY be one of the reasons. 

 

[Lucy]

well, I do it on the floor, sitting cross legged. So, he’s on the floor, not in my lap per say. He seemed fine when I did it- no struggle, no fast heat beating, no nothing. He stopped with the random attacks-kind of, they aren’t that often. But I’ll stop doing it to see if it changes anything. So far, he’s still chewing…so I don’t know if that made a difference or not. He gets aggressive now when i tell him no to chewing, then he’ll attack me if i’m too close when i say no. He’s been growling more. I can’t help but laugh in this situation. If there is anyone in Chicago who would like to stop by and see if they can knock some sense into my disgruntaled bunny, that would be great (i’m being totally serious).

[BinkyBunny]

Posted By fujoethebunny on 08/07/2006 11:11 AM
I can’t help but laugh in this situation. If there is anyone in Chicago who would like to stop by and see if they can knock some sense into my disgruntaled bunny, that would be great (i’m being totally serious).

Well, if I lived over there, I’d come over and give him a real “talkin” to!    And then from the sounds of it, he respond with a bite on my leg. 

His attitude is really a mystery.  Dominant bunnies can be bossy, so maybe that is all it is.   Aggressiveness can also be symptom of pain.   Or it could be that he doesn’t like to be told what to do and/or be held.  It may not scare him, but it may be offensive to his dominant nature.  (but again, it is not impossible that he actually enjoys it)  You will know best on this.  

When he charges have you tried gently pressing his head to the floor, saying No and/or putting him away for a timeout when he does this?  (or a combination of all three?)

You might also have luck getting in touch with your local House Rabbit Society chapter there in Chicago.    Many rescue groups get in attitude problem bunnies and turn them around, and so they have been through all kinds.   They might be able to offer you even more options!  It doesn’t hurt to ask a ton of experts and hope one can find a solution.  Here is the link to the contact information for the chapter – http://www.hrschicago.org/address.html

IF you do decide get a hold of them, let us know what they suggest.   If it’s something different, we can all learn!

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