The Bunny Basics

Mariah · Joined: 27 May 2008 Posts: 2

We found our bunny in our backyard. After a few days with us she warmed up to us and has been very cuddly. The only problem is that when we are done holding her and put her down she will bite us if we don't get out of the enclosure. We are very gentle with her and I supervise my 6 year old when she is petting the bunny. It almost seems like the rabbit is biting us out of happiness. She will either do it while we are hoding her, or she will start running around us, stand up against our sides and bite. It really hurts and my poor 6 year old has been bitten 3 times. Any ideas why she does this and how we can stop her?

Chuck Poepke · Joined: 15 Apr 2008 Posts: 8

you may want to see about getting her spayed or neutered. It could be a hormonal thing

TheBunnyBasics · Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 4:46 pm Post subject:

The circling of your feet can be sexual in nature, meaning it is definitely time for a spay/neuter. A lot of aggressive behavior goes away when the rabbit is spayed/neutered. They are much happier and better behaved.

If a rabbit bites when you are holding her it generally means they have had enough and want to be put down. She always may be cage protective, meaning that is her territory and she is letting you know that. Many times giving her more space like a puppy type pen really helps with cage protective bunnies.

Also she was a stray. It will take time for her to fully trust you and your family. It is hard to say what she has been through. Patience and listening to her behavior will really benefit both you and your bunny. Spending time on the floor with her and letting her come to you is a great trust building exercise. You can even sit on the floor with little treats or veggies, like sprigs of parsely and give her a little each time she comes to you and pet her as you give it to her. This really helps her to associate you with good things. Most rabbits really don't like to be held for long periods of time. A nip means you are doing something she doesn't like to wants you to stop doing what you are doing.

A really good site about bunny language is http://language.rabbitspeak.com/rabbittalk.html.

king43 · Joined: 06 Jun 2008 Posts: 17 Location: Phoenix, AZ

Mariah, how is your bunny doing now? I would love to hear an update!