new bunny

jewelumwine

Hi, I am new here, and I have a question regarding how to get my new bunny to stop attacking me everytime I go near her. I have had a rabbit before, and she never acted like this. My new bunny is named Chocolate. I know that most rabbits don't like to be held, so I expected Chocolate to claw and bite when I picked her up, but yesterday when I went to get her out of her house so she could go run around in her play area she clawed me very badly. I am at a lost and if anyone has some ideas what I can do to help her feel more secure I would love to hear from you.
If it was only me, I won't worry so much at her attack, but I have a 10 yr old, and I am worried that she is going to attack him. So please if anyone has any ideas Please let me know.
Thank you,
Mandy

lawsonslionheads

Mandy

Rabbits are territorial and need to feel secure in their enclosure. You should avoid reaching into the pen/ cage to pick Chocolate up but try herding her out or waiting for her to come out of her own accord.

Once she is out play with her lots to strengthen your bond and allow her to get used to you and your scent whilst still having a 'safe haven' in her enclosure.

Hope this helps, it may take a little time. Also worth mentioning, if you have to reach into the pen, put a hand on Chocolate's head or back to keep her still while you do what you need to do thus avoiding any lunging or bad behaviour.

sambo

Some good advice there off lawsonslionheads i myself have owned rabbits in the past but have never had any behavior problems with them i know the more you play with them and fuss them the calmer they get and maybe a few hand fed treats would help sorry i cant be of much help i hope he calms down for you.

Keep us posted Wink

Btw hello there lawsonslionheads and welcome to patchat Smile

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scraggles

Great advice from the others. I would also try cuddling and playing with bunny at there level as they are eaten by bigger animals they sometimes think that we are going to hurt them to its there natural instinct to either attack or lay down flat to the ground. When you go to pick bunny up try getting down and picking him/her up. One of my old bunnies was like yours but after getting her fixed and doing the above she was alot better. If she hasn't been fixed I would get that done it really calms them down.

pollaton

another thing to do is rub your hands in his sawdust so your hands smell of his surroundings and rather than grabbing at him let him come over too you, there eyesight isn't fantastic and they automatically think youare a predator. so gentle strokes and lots of patience until he gets used to you.good luck.
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boing

I definitely agree with Scraggles. Get her neutered and that will help a great deal. Female rabbits can be quite aggressive and territorial. However, the more interaction you have with your bunny, the more the bunny will learn to trust you.

Bring the bunny inside the house for some "getting to know you time". A rabbit allowed to come and meet you and smell you in a safe and quiet environment will always remember you as a friend. If the bunny's only interaction with you & your child is to be picked up out of her hutch, then she's going to be terrified & will kick, scratch & bite in fear.

jewelumwine

Hi,
Thanks to all of you for the advise. She is still aggessive but she seems to be alittle better. We are going to have her fixed when the vet says she is old enough. It turns out she was taken to soon from her mother and that is adding to the trust problems.
BTW: She lives in the house, I have a fenced in yard that now that it is getting warmer again outside she runs out side (she chases the dog LOL). I am still worried about her hurting our son but she seems to like him. She normanly doesn't attack him other when he grabs one of her toys, and that is normal for all living beings.
Again thank you for the help.
Mandy