My rabbit has gotten mean?

Question

I have a pet rabbit. She was very sweet and gentle when we first got her, but she has gotten very aggressive and mean. I put my hand in her cage the other day and she started jumping all over the place and she bit me really hard and I had to shake her off me. She broke the skin and everything. Has anyone had this happen to them? Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Is is spayed yet? Unspayed female rabbits tend to be much more aggressive.

Get her spayed, she will calm down considerably. Plus there is an 80% rate of uterine cancer in unspayed female rabbits - it is VERY important to get her in to be spayed. She will be much happier, healthier and live longer.

Also - is there anyone being aggressive with her? Sweet rabbits don't often start attacking for no reason - they are often scared and don't trust the people around them. Remember we are much bigger than they are, so need to keep that in mind dealing with them

Answer 2

My hunch is that she is going through her cycle. Oh the joys of womanhood. On a serious note if she was a good little pet before, something is going on. I would have her altered and see if that helps if not....then she might just need to take a long nap. There is enough aggression in this world without you trying to tame a mean rabbit....sorry...but true. I had always heard that male rabbits are better for pets. Good Luck!

Answer 3

She probably got mean when she sexually matured. Are you sure "she" is a "she"? Males can be even meaner. Some ideas:

Get the rabbit a "friend" to keep it company and feel less stressed. A female guinea pig is a good choice, especially if you aren't sure of the sex of your rabbit.

Take your rabbit to the vet. It could have an injury or illness making it uncomfortable and aggressive.

Have your rabbit neutered. Especially if it is a male- neutering will help calm it and remove sexual aggression and territoriality.

Answer 4

Your rabbit is probably just wanting to be alone. When you put your hand into its cage he probably thinks your invading his territory. Try to limit your time with him, but don't stay away from him for a long. After a while the rabbit will not care if you hold it or something because he knows you.

Answer 5

How often do you take her out and play with her? They like any other pet need lots of attention. They forget when you do not touch them alot and then they become frightened. They are timid animals to begin with. Start putting your hand int he cage every time you see the cage and talk nice to her. Then buy a few special treats for her or surprise her with fresh grass or clovers. Each time you open the cage door try to stroke her if she runs away that's OK but keep trying. Eventually she will get back to her normal friendly self.

Answer 6

Wow...my rabbit used to be like that! He was nice at first, but then got mean. I would recommend just petting her (without putting your hand in the cage if possible) and then go from there...after I did this, my rabbit didn't have a problem with me! Now, he's the sweetest bunny ever! Aren't rabbits cute?!

Answer 7

I depends on how much irriation your rabbit is getting. If there are kids running all over the place trying to manhandle the rabbit or are just near it that is enough for you rabbit to be defensive. Also it could be just that you don't hold and groom your rabbit enough and it isn't use to that.

Answer 8

Female rabbits don't make good pets, when they go into heat they become very aggressive. Unless you spay her, she might get this way from time to time. Take care when you put your hands near her and keep your face away from her.

Answer 9

I have had the same thing happen to me. Your rabbit has gone into heat and needs to be bred or spade. Consult your vet on what to do.

Answer 10

are u letting her out of the cage daily? rabbits arent meant to be caged all the time though people do it anyway. if u r & she realizes it she's miserable.