Aggressive Female French Lop 9 mo old

Question
HI there, I adopted this rabbit last week, and have found out the hard way that this rabbit is very aggressive. What type of steps should I be taking to try and alleviate some of this aggression? I've been told to start talking to the bunny more and maybe put something in the cage that smells like me, I use gloves to keep her from biting me... so I'm not sure. Just wondering what I should do, or maybe steps I should take to start trying to fix this problem? Thanks so much!

Answer
Hi Mollie,

is she spayed, or spayed within the last 4-6 weeks?  If she is not spayed or recently spayed, it's hormonal and she's defending her private space/home (cage) from hands reaching at her.  Plus she is very stressed from her total environment changing - new people, new routines, new smells.  This is huge change for an animal that loves regular routines.

It takes months to years to develop trust with rabbits.  Talking more, trying to do work in her house when she's out exercising instead of when she's in there, spending time with her in the same room or area but not reaching for her.  

I would suggest if she is not spayed, finding a good rabbit vet near you to consider scheduling it.   Start here:

www.rabbit.org/vets/vets.html

to find a House Rabbit Society recommended vet.  Not all vets are good rabbit vets.  You want the bets when it comes to rabbits.

Spend time on the House Rabbit Society web site (www.rabbit.org).  Search through their articles on "aggression".

Bottom line, it will take time.  She needs to start feeling comfortable about where she is now, and start to get to know you better.  Try not to smell like other animals, or perfumes, or smoke.  If she was abused sometimes if you have a smell or a habit the abuser did that triggers a defense response from her.

Lee