Attack

Question
Hey Patricia I really need your help.
I raised my Rabbit ever since he was a baby. He is a lionhead mixed Rabbit. As he grew bigger i keep him on our porch he stays there and never run away. He now he 4 months and he has attacked my sister twice. He grabs her both legs and scratch them. I don't know if any bitting was involved? But this really breaks my heart because my sister is really scared and i am too now i can't keep him anymore. I don't now what to do. I really need your help. Why would such a small animal hurt such a big person? please reply to my email. Thank you so much.  ~ Jusstice

Answer
Hi Jusstice. I am sorry to hear of the problems you are having with your bunny. It is sad but true that rabbits are not always good pets. When they start to grow up they can become territorial about their living area and can become very nasty. I once had a bunny bite the end of my thumb clear to the bone. It is not something to take lightly. Rabbits have long memories and if you sister did anything to upset him in the past he may have an attitude problem with her now. There can be lots of other reasons also. I can tell you that having a rabbit neutered sometimes helps but not always. Taking your bunny away from his familiar surroundings will help if this is a territorial thing. However there is no sure way to know if the behavior will return when he begins to feel "at home" again. Be very careful with him right now. I would hate to see either one of you hurt further. I have had many rabbits. About one in twenty will show signs of aggression at one time or another. I do not breed these animals because I feel this is a genetic thing and the young have a good chance of becomming aggressive also. As much as you love this bunny it may be best if you find another home for him and get another one for youself. Get another young male and have him neutered very early. Go to a rabbit show and talk to the kids there about their rabbits. I am sure one of them can help you find a nice gently bunny. I have Jersey Woolies and for the most part they are very sweet natured. Go to the American Rabbit Breeders web site and look at the different breeds. Check with some of the breeders of those breeds and see what they say about the disposition of their rabbits. Another very sweet natured but very large bunny is the Flemish Giant. I would avoid most of the dwarf breeds as they do tend to be somewhat more agressive. I hope I have helped. I will be thinking about you. Let me know what you decide to do.    Pat