We got a rabbit 2 weeks ago and have been working to tame him since then. For example, we'd try to pet him when feeding him, but back off if he ran away. We had some friends over 1 week ago that have a rabbit, they were holding him and he was ok, he didn't seem to love it. All of a sudden this week he is ultra 'in your face', for example when you feed him he comes right up to you, but he he trys to scratch, bite, and jump on you. I think he's even growled at us a couple of times! And if you try and pet him he bites. We don't know much about rabbits, any ideas? We really want a fun family pet, not a terror!
2007-03-01 12:53:20 · 7 answers · asked by sir'slady 4 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
NEVER HIT your rabbit!!!!!!!!!!! They do not respond as you would expect. This will only make them fear you. If your rabbit is young just have patience and give him time. Don't try to be pushy with your rabbit. Some rabbits tolerate being held better than others. If you have a male rabbit you may want to try have him neutered. although this may stop some aggressiveness but not all. If he claws or tries to bite when you feed him he is being territorial. Try giving feeding him while he is out of the cage to avoid being bitten. Sometimes you can lure them out with a treat.
If this aggression does not stop but only gets worse speak to your vet on what would be best. I actually had a rabbit that acted the same way so I decided to have him neutered. Come to find out he was neither male nor female but both. He....it was an amorphydite. But any way you vet may be able to help.
2007-03-01 13:12:36 · answer #1 · answered by libsmacker 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
is he neutered? You may consider it since it's "season" is fast approaching. Positive reinforcement works with them real good don't give him any food in his cage, hand feed him his meals and if he bites or gets aggressive take and put him back in his cage for a little while then try again. Do not let him have his way of running loose when he bites make sure you tell him a stern "no" and scruff him if he doesn't seem to respond to that. Not much different from a dog except they take alot more time to train and alot of consistancy. I had some rabbits that would go into a trance if you laid them on their back on your lap that's how I got their nails clipped most of the time. GL
2007-03-01 21:06:48 · answer #2 · answered by Shawna 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some rabbits are very nervous and can take a while to trust people. Try sitting on the floor and letting bunny approach you instead of reaching for him. Offer treats (ie dried papaya, pineapple, or banana). It sounds like his aggression could be caused by fear, but it also could be hormonal. If he is not neutered you should get him neutered and this generally eliminates hormonal/territorial biting, growling, etc.
2007-03-01 21:29:06 · answer #3 · answered by learning_to_live_616 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i was watching this show and this person had the very same problem and she had three that were just attacking each other. it turned out that the rabbits were bored and had nothing better to do really. so she hid treats in odd little places and changed their home around every couple of days and then they were just fine. so i guess just give that a try maybe he'll be nicer=]
Good Luck!
2007-03-01 21:30:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you should pet him when he's sleeping, but by all mean do NOT pick him up. They hate when they are suddenly awakend. When he's eating don't get close to him that much or he'll think you are trying to steal his food and eat it. When he isn't eating or sleeping, play with toys and pet him and kiss him on the head so he knows you love and care for him. Love and attention, but not too much is all he wants probaly.
2007-03-01 21:12:06 · answer #5 · answered by Sunny Summer 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
throw in the towel. Make a meal out of the furball. Rabbit is very lean meat and quite tasty - kinda like chicken.
2007-03-01 21:01:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Ah, Springtime. I think your rabbit is thinking of love,the non-platonic kind.
2007-03-01 20:59:24 · answer #7 · answered by PeeTee 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋