So Much Aggression!

[TeddyBun]

Hello all. New to the group and new to bunny motherhood. Here’s my dilemma-

We brought a bunny home about a month ago and for the first 2.5 weeks it was smooth sailing. Then, what seemed like overnight, his personality changed. He was lying on my lap on the couch and out of nowhere, bit me. Like really bit me. He latched on and wouldn’t release for like 20 seconds drawing blood. He was fine for a day or so but then the feet nipping started. My husband and I cannot walk anywhere in our house without the bunny circling, lunging at and biting our feet/shoes/pant legs/etc. Sometimes even latching on to my jeans leg and refusing to release for 20 or so seconds. This behavior is every single time he is out. He will actively seek me out in the house and attack. He has drawn blood from biting me on 3 different occasions. If I am in the kitchen (which he won’t come in to because he doesn’t like the linoleum), he will sit at the edge of the carpet and stare, lunge, and if I come too close, nip at me. I don’t understand. I am the one who feeds him, cleans his cage and loves on him. Our goal is to have a free-roam bunny, but all this aggression has me actually afraid of our 3lb fur ball and I’ve kept him inside a pen for the last 2 days because I’m terrified to let him out and be attacked again. He has an appointment to get neutered on Monday and I have already called ahead and let the vet know he is being a stinker. They noted it but didn’t seem too alarmed.

My first question, will he go back to being a sweet boy once he is neutered? Everything I read on the internet says yes, but I also haven’t found any other stories that detail the level of aggression that my little guy is showing.

My second question, am I causing him distress or mental harm by leaving him penned up until after his surgery (again, that’s 3 days away)? I don’t want him resenting me because I won’t let him out, although I also don’t want to end up bloody and have my pants torn to shreds because I do let him out.

Please help!

[Louiethebunny]

 

He is most likely going through bunny puberty, and after the surgery his hormones should be calmed down, and while he may not go back to exactly who he was before, his behavior will definitely change for the better. Keeping him in a pen for a few days should be fine as long as he has room.

[TeddyBun]

Thank you! Yes, he has a large area to himself (4’x7’) but I still feel so bad when he sits there with his adorable little face and stares out at me! 😭

[Hazel]

As Loui said, it’s probably bunny puberty. How old is he? Before young rabbits hit puberty, they’re often quite easy going and cuddly. Adults on the other hand are more opinionated, not into cuddling or being picked up. So while the hormone induced aggression you’re seeing will subside after the neuter, he will not go back to acting like a chill baby bunny, either.

[TeddyBun]

Thank you. He turned 4 months on Tuesday. I will miss the baby bunny snuggles for sure but as long as the neuter curbs his biting I’m okay with it! I was hoping it was just hormonal and not a bad habit or personality trait he had.

[DanaNM]

Agree with others about puberty, that seems likely give his age. One other thought, could there have been any new or different smells on you or in your home? Such as other animals (like a neighbor’s dog), new cleaning products, new perfume, etc? Bunnies are very smell oriented so if he smelled something different he might have gotten scared and not recognized you.

. . . 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.  

[jerseygirl]

It’s good his neuter will be soon. It does sound as if his little body is brimming with testosterone.

It might remain that way for a week or 2 after the op but then hopefully you’ll start to see him calm down. Try not to feel bad about his being in the pen more. Some owners have to do that when their “teen” buns litter habits go awol. It’s only temporary. Try to look at it as being calming for him. He doesn’t have to be out defending territory all day 😉

Does he have any stuffed toys? You could try give him one as a “hump buddy”. It might help him deal with some of the effects of hormones. Keep a watch he doesn’t rip a toy to pieces though.

I read a book years ago called Why does my rabbit…? By Ann McBride. I remember her relating a story about a bitey bun and her wearing layers of socks & rubber boots when he was out & about so she wouldn’t react when he tried to bite. That way the rabbit could learn it was an ineffective behaviour. If his biting habit does continue after neuter, you might have to try some training approach but I really think the neuter will make a difference.

 

[LBJ10]

I agree with the others. Neutering him will most likely solve the problem He won’t go back to being a cuddly baby, but he will definitely calm down. Just keep in mind that it won’t be overnight. It takes time post-neuter for the hormones to leave their system.

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