Griff
Young Bun
Just after a bit of advice and reassurance.
I’ve had my first ever experience of a rabbit lunging and going at my leg (small bite) today. Despite her being an absolute softie normally and having had bunnies (6) a long time it’s never happened to me before. I’m quite upset.
I am pretty certain it’s referred aggression.
Situation: we have had Summer for 5 months. We got her to bond to Elwood who lost his partner early this year. She is 2.5 years old and a real softie (head rubs all the time). Took a while to bond them mainly because neither were really bothered about taking charge. He ended up being the dominant one (as I expected as he was before). They have been together in the same space for 3 weeks now. All gone well. Plenty of grooming, eat together all the time etc. no signs of a problem.
Today I stepped in their run (he was upstairs, she was in run but at the other side) to clean them out. She does get quite excited and she’s very attached to me (comes up, wants attention and head rubs, been known to nibble my shoes).
Well she came at me when I got in. She lunged at me and started to bite at my trouser leg. She really hung on and wouldn’t let go (I have a small bite near ankle but nothing major).
After I managed to get out the run, she was then running up and down the perimeter a lot as if guarding the run. My husband came out and he got in to try (she lunged once but didn’t bite and then just sat near his feet. Think she sees him as boss whereas as I am her main carer!).
She really didn’t calm down for ages which isn’t like her. Usually as soon as I stroke her she loafs and just loves being stroked.
So we have another bonded pair. She’s been near them for 5 months and clearly knows and smells them. But the hutch she is in now is slightly nearer and more in direct sight.
So I’ve now blocked off the side of the run which she can see them. As I’m convinced it is like a jealousy or territory thing. She does seem to have a thing about me as if others getting attention makes her jealous.
Hoping this helps. And I will not get in there for a few days and hope she calms down!
PS all my bunnies are spayed / neutered
I’ve had my first ever experience of a rabbit lunging and going at my leg (small bite) today. Despite her being an absolute softie normally and having had bunnies (6) a long time it’s never happened to me before. I’m quite upset.
I am pretty certain it’s referred aggression.
Situation: we have had Summer for 5 months. We got her to bond to Elwood who lost his partner early this year. She is 2.5 years old and a real softie (head rubs all the time). Took a while to bond them mainly because neither were really bothered about taking charge. He ended up being the dominant one (as I expected as he was before). They have been together in the same space for 3 weeks now. All gone well. Plenty of grooming, eat together all the time etc. no signs of a problem.
Today I stepped in their run (he was upstairs, she was in run but at the other side) to clean them out. She does get quite excited and she’s very attached to me (comes up, wants attention and head rubs, been known to nibble my shoes).
Well she came at me when I got in. She lunged at me and started to bite at my trouser leg. She really hung on and wouldn’t let go (I have a small bite near ankle but nothing major).
After I managed to get out the run, she was then running up and down the perimeter a lot as if guarding the run. My husband came out and he got in to try (she lunged once but didn’t bite and then just sat near his feet. Think she sees him as boss whereas as I am her main carer!).
She really didn’t calm down for ages which isn’t like her. Usually as soon as I stroke her she loafs and just loves being stroked.
So we have another bonded pair. She’s been near them for 5 months and clearly knows and smells them. But the hutch she is in now is slightly nearer and more in direct sight.
So I’ve now blocked off the side of the run which she can see them. As I’m convinced it is like a jealousy or territory thing. She does seem to have a thing about me as if others getting attention makes her jealous.
Hoping this helps. And I will not get in there for a few days and hope she calms down!
PS all my bunnies are spayed / neutered
