Random bunny attacks

[Mrnibbles]

Hi all,

I’m a new owner of a pet rabbit (2.5mths). He’s almost 5mths old and a dwarf lop. Quite possibly the most adorable little thing in the world, but he has an unpredictable ‘dark side’ which has raised some concerns. When he was first brought home he was quite shy, but very affectionate and playful. I live with my parents in a family of 6, so there was a lot of social interaction. All was well for the first few weeks until we noticed a personality change. The first time he bit my little brother (I’m talking latched on, hanging from his hand) was because he had put his hand into his cage to give him food. My dad pushed the bunny off to release his grip, but didn’t do it hard. After a month, my mum wanted us to move his play area outside because he was starting to spray on the rug, couch etc. (even though he was basically litter trained) I think once we moved him outside his behaviour worsened. He would go a week or so being an angel, then a week of attacking at random moments. Sometimes I’ll pat him and he’ll lay down and relax, then all of a sudden he’ll turn his head to try and nip me. Other times my dad has been outside and simply walked past him (not in a threatening way) and he will take a massive run up and lunge at his ankles/calves trying to take chunks out. I’m really at a loss, I’m not sure what on earth to do. I’ve been very patient with him and tried all the positive reassurement techniques to show him we aren’t threatening, but he still acts out. My biggest concern is that my dad is not quite as understanding and will not let me keep him if he continues attacking family members
He is booked in for desexing in a few weeks time – but I’m worried this may not fix his behaviour. He’s such a spoilt bun, he gets free roam outside and lots of play time with us indoors at night (because I don’t want him sleeping outside) – I just don’t know what I’m doing wrong. I love him to bits and will do anything to keep him. Any help or advice would be much appreciated. Thanks for reading

[BB & Tiny]

I have no experience with this mine was neutered when I picked him up from the shelter, my second one spayed. I hope someone can offer some insight into this behavior as I can tell you have a great love for your bunny !

[LittlePuffyTail]

Getting him fixed will probably help. Start there, anyways. It takes several weeks for bunny hormones to calm down after a neuter so he may even get worse for a couple of weeks after wards. Hoping his neuter helps and that he can come back inside.

[Chelle]

I think it is hormones…. they can get territorial and aggressive when they start to become sexually mature which happens young in rabbits. I would also spend time with him where you place your hand over his ears to hold them down- this is a dominant act and you are showing him you are boss- it doesn’t hurt them and it is how they communicate. Have the other members of your family do this to. I am going to try and take a photo of what I mean. Hope it helps and yes please get him neutered!!! This will eventually take away all of the hormones that are making him a little devil!

[Mrnibbles]

Thank you for the feedback everyone
Yes, I do adore the little guy, so I’m trying my best to curb his bad behaviour. One thing I forgot to mention is he tends to circle people before he attacks…however, I think he is somewhat ‘in love’ with me and very protective. He circles me like a psyho and then flops at my feet and won’t let me leave. I find If I’m patting him and he’s laying down on my feet, if my dog or brothers comes near us he’ll chase them off, almost like herding sheep! For something so small, he sure is intimidating haha. Also, today he has begun mounting.. Well I think? He kind of hops his front paws up on my back if I’m sitting down with him. Either that, or he’s asserting dominance over me, which is not good.
I shall try the hands over the ears trick

[Bam]

He’s in love with you, circling is bunny courtship =) You are his chosen partner and noone is going to snatch you away on his watch. It’s not dominance, it’s a bunny in loooove. Neutering him will help. Trying to train him not to is in my experience useless, a bunny in love is a bunny possessed by a power greater than him.

You do describe an infatuated rabbit very well =)

[Author]

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