PippaC
New Kit
Hello,
I really hope someone can help as I'm in a bit of a pickle. I've recently got a new lionhead doe to bond with my existing lionlop buck. The doe is about 10 months old and seemed very friendly and sweet when I went to see her.
As soon as I've brought her home, however, she's been really aggressive- growling and lunging at me and won't even let me stroke her, let alone pick her up. Occasionally, if she's distracted, I can stroke her ears, but after about 3 strokes, she starts growling and runs off.
She hasn't been spayed, but has had litters in the past. I would get her spayed if it was a fail-safe way of stopping the aggression, but I'm unsure as to whether at this point, it would make any real difference to her behaviour?
I've tried spending lots of time with her just sitting on the floor and letting her come to me, but over the last two weeks I've seen no improvement. If anything- the growling is getting worse! The buck I wanted to bond her to is really chilled out and docile- loves nose rubs and cuddles, and even hops up onto the sofa to lounge with us. The complete opposite of the new bunny.
I'm just not sure what to do. I don't want to give up on her because she can be so sweet, but at the same time - I bought her as a companion and it's looking less and less likely that she'll be suitable :-( I also want to be able to actually handle her so I can do the basics- get her into her carrier/trim nails etc and at the moment I have to wear gloves to pick her up and it clearly stresses her out.
Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated!
P
x
I really hope someone can help as I'm in a bit of a pickle. I've recently got a new lionhead doe to bond with my existing lionlop buck. The doe is about 10 months old and seemed very friendly and sweet when I went to see her.
As soon as I've brought her home, however, she's been really aggressive- growling and lunging at me and won't even let me stroke her, let alone pick her up. Occasionally, if she's distracted, I can stroke her ears, but after about 3 strokes, she starts growling and runs off.
She hasn't been spayed, but has had litters in the past. I would get her spayed if it was a fail-safe way of stopping the aggression, but I'm unsure as to whether at this point, it would make any real difference to her behaviour?
I've tried spending lots of time with her just sitting on the floor and letting her come to me, but over the last two weeks I've seen no improvement. If anything- the growling is getting worse! The buck I wanted to bond her to is really chilled out and docile- loves nose rubs and cuddles, and even hops up onto the sofa to lounge with us. The complete opposite of the new bunny.
I'm just not sure what to do. I don't want to give up on her because she can be so sweet, but at the same time - I bought her as a companion and it's looking less and less likely that she'll be suitable :-( I also want to be able to actually handle her so I can do the basics- get her into her carrier/trim nails etc and at the moment I have to wear gloves to pick her up and it clearly stresses her out.
Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated!
P
x