Half blind bunny?

Sandra · Feb 25, 2008

Hi, I posted on the forum a while ago about an aggressive baby that we took home from a pet shop. She is now 8 weeks old. I have never seen such an aggressive bunny and I must admit that she is not fun to take care of...

She attacks, lunges and growls etc. She has bitten my boyfriend, deep cuts etc. Impossible to feed her without risking your fingers etc.

The other day we took her out of the cage and let her run on the floor. We noticed that it seems like she only notices movement from the right side. If you move your hand towards her on her right side she attacks you but if you do the same on her left side it is like she can't see the hand... I cannot see any shadow etc. in her eye. Could she be blind on the left eye? Could this be a reason for her being aggressive?

Will of course take her to a vet but the vets are not specialized on rabbits here in Iceland...

Thanks:wave:

Indiechic · Feb 25, 2008

im no expert, and a vets trip is possibly needed, but i would think if she is blind in one eye, its possible she is scared of you.

if not its possibly pre spay agression which should be sorted once spayed. although at 8 weeks old, she is awfully young and shouldn't really be away from her mother x

lucy pepsi · Feb 25, 2008

I had a blind bunny once who was much the same. He was a rew with very bad teeth problems which meant that he also has very runny eyes etc. He used to escape into the garden and you could just walk up to him and pick him up as he had no idea you coming. But one you touched him him would instantly growl and lunge etc.

I would take bun to the vet and let them assess the situation - good luck!

vick · Feb 25, 2008

I have a rabbit who is blind in one eye from cataracts and the other is going the same way. He is a fairly placid character most of the time but if you approach him on his blind side or take him by surprise he will growl and lunge!

foxyfaerie · Feb 25, 2008

Lucifer has a cataract in one eye & even now (she's been spayed for 4/5 months) she's still kinda bite-y & scratchy.

It helps a little to talk as you are going to; although not always! :lol:

parsnipbun · Feb 25, 2008

even the nicest part-blind rabbit gets het up if it suddenly sees close movement (having failed to detect you on his blind side) so it could be that.

Teepee · Feb 25, 2008

If she is indeed blind in one eye it may very well contribute to her aggression. I would think that an animal such as a rabbit (with many predators to look out for!) are programmed to react if they feel threatened by something larger...in this case you!

I too recommend vets and agree with foxyfaerie that it may be wise to talk quietly and calmly as you approach her so that you are not a "surprise" when she finally does spot you. Hopefully, if you continue to talk kindly and quietly each time you approach her you will gain her trust and she will associate your voice with food and loves rather than a "potential threat" if you see what I mean?:?

I'm not of course suggesting that you ARE a threat to her I hasten to add - just that, if she can't see you coming she may assume you to be one. In her furry head your something big that "pops from nowhere" and that may cause her to react in the manner you describe.

I do hope that you get to the bottom of her aggression and wish you the best with the vet visit. If she's only now 8 weeks she was taken from her Mum very young bless her - I wonder if this too could have a baring on her behaviour?

TP

Sandra · Feb 25, 2008

Thanks everyone:wave:

I was also thinking about the fact that she was taken from her mother so early, that that might be a reason. We got her last week and they then said in the store that she was 7 weeks old. And I guess that she had been in the store at least a week before we took her...:shock: So she was probably taken from her mum at an age of 5-6 weeks... They were going to put her to sleep since there was no way of selling her so we just took her home to see if we could do anything for her...

elve · Feb 25, 2008

awwww poor little bunny

hope she calms down once she realises you're not going to eat her for dinner - well done for rescuing her and giving her a chance!

Half blind bunny?

Sandra

Warren Scout

Indiechic

Wise Old Thumper

lucy pepsi

Warren Scout

vick

Alpha Buck

foxyfaerie

Mama Doe

parsnipbun

Wise Old Thumper

Teepee

Mama Doe

Sandra

Warren Scout

elve

Banned

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