Nipping bunny

M

milly100

Alpha Buck

• Jul 15, 2008

• #1

Hi,
Ever since I put my rescue bunny outside to live he has started nipping me and my oh. Its not really a bite just a nip. I dont think he means to do it. He only does it when we open the hutch door and then tap the floor to get him to come, then he charges up and nips your hand then lies down to be stroked. Im starting to wonder if its just excitment. Any ideas??

 

AnnaDelie

Mama Doe

• Jul 15, 2008

• #2

Possibly just a bit territoral/scared I would give him time really, but I would put some kinda nibble down (e.g. pellet/bit of apple/carrot - whatever he takes a liking to) and gradually try to get him to take food from your hand.

It will take time but he will learn to trust you and that you "mean well"

Has he been neutered? This should help a lot if not x

 

March Hare

Warren Veteran

• Jul 16, 2008

• #3

Is he Dutch by any chance?!?!? :roll: :lol:

 

C

CazScho

Mama Doe

• Jul 16, 2008

• #4

March Hare said:

Is he Dutch by any chance?!?!? :roll: :lol:

Click to expand...

Odd you should say that, out of my four bunnies, the Dutch is the only one who has an exploratory nip every now and again!!! :lol::lol::lol:

 

M

milly100

Alpha Buck

• Jul 16, 2008

• #5

Yes hes been neutered and hes not a dutch. Hes a lionhead. He was never like this when he was in the house. Its not a bite as such and he loves being stroked afterwards. And when we go to his hutch he always comes running up to see us.

 

BB Mommy

Warren Veteran

• Jul 16, 2008

• #6

It sounds like a territorial thing.
I probably wouldn't tap the floor, as it sounds like he perceives that as some type of threat.
When I'm socialising rabbits I tend to open their door and offer food. When they've got the food and are in a "happy thought" that's when I stroke them so they associate the stroke with something nice.
Sounds easily fixable to me!