Strange Behavior

[MountainBuns]

So earlier I got up and Caroline came over to me. Me and her just relaxed for a while. She has been doing great by the way. But after I finished hand feeding her I needed to use the bathroom. I stood up and she was in between my legs. She grunted when I walked to the door and then I walked to the dresser to grab my laptop then she just full on started grunting and running toward me FULL SPEED. Then I was so scared and tried to dodge her. She caught up to my leg and I think she tried to attack it. My next instinct was to jump on my bed so I did and she was grunting through this entire thing. She went to the edge of my bed and then we spent about 2 minutes of silence I was very scared and was breathing hard. She was also breathing hard as well. Neither of us were hurt but we were just annoyed. I had to distract her by putting pellets on the ground and then ran out of my room. What do you think caused this behavior and how can I stop it from happening?  

[Wick & Fable]

She may have been taken off guard by the sudden movements or perceived you were doing something offensive-based. If it’s a one time occurrence, I’d say just let it be. Rabbits can interpret signs and sounds we don’t notice a lot differently.

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.

[ThorBunny]

Ah yes. Thor does this too! I think it’s a feisty female rabbit thing.

I’ve figured out that for Thor, she does the charging thing right after a good pet (when she is loafed up) or when she is generally happy and resting. When I move away too fast, and especially when I am right in front of her, it really spooks her. Since they have a blind spot right in front of their faces, I think it’s a reaction to being really chill and relaxed, then all of a sudden seeing something scary up ahead (maybe like in a horror film when everything seems fine then you get a jump scare?). I’ve learned to back away from her more slowly and it’s reduced this issue hopefully that works for you!

[MountainBuns]

She tried to do the same thing this morning except this time I stayed still. It really hurt me because one leg was on top of the cabinet and through the door while one was outside on the floor. I was in so much pain that I screamed for my brother to try and help me. He cam and helped me open the pellet drawer but while we were doing it Caroline started itching herself and I was like “Here is my chance!” So I moved my leg away swiftly. She saw the movement and ran away. My brother helped me into my room and Caroline was just eating pellets. I figured it was not because she was afraid because she always does it when she can see the leg and I do not know why she would be offended after I just gave her a treat.

[Wick & Fable]

She may not associate your legs as being a part of you. More laying down bonding time may help?

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.

[Luna]

So both times it happened when you were by the door? It almost sounds like she is redirecting some sort of frustration. For instance, if she perceives you are leaving the room and she doesn’t want you to leave, she might be trying “guard” you to stop you from leaving. Or if she wants access out of the room but is not allowed out, she might be showing you (the “gatekeeper”) that she is frustrated that she cannot leave.

[MountainBuns]

Wick that seems like what it may be. She does have a thing for hands, It seems that she thinks all good things come from hands. She always has an eye on them. Maybe it is because I usually sit with my legs hidden on the ground so I should try to expose them more.

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