Pet Information > ASK Experts > Exotic Pets > Rabbits > Question about my rabbits behavior

Question about my rabbits behavior

22 10:17:01

Question

Chubby
I am the owner of 3 rabbits. My question is about my rabbit Chubby. I adopted him from an animal control facility almost 2 years ago. Information on him was limited, but I do know that he was taken from a home where he was neglected and may have even been abused. The first few weeks I had him, he wouldn't let me very close to him and he had aggressive tendancies. He eventually warmed up, but he still is not as loving as my other two rabbits. When I take him out to play, he gets as far away from me as possible. Also, when I open the top of his hutch, he thumps and gets very angry. He also bites from time to time. I know that he has the capability of being a friendly bunny because when he is in his hutch and I put my fingers through the cage, he licks them and chins them. My question is do you think there is hope that his behavior can change? Or is it too late to try? Is there anything extra I can do to get him to warm up to me? Also, I am curious about his breed. I thought he was the same breed as my other rabbits, but his ears are different. I have attached a picture, do you have any idea what kind of bunny chubby is?

Answer
Hi,

well as far as breed goes, he looks part lop (lop-eared), part lionhead.  Tan.

Abused and stressed out rabbits take a longer time to get over trauma as they never forget it.  It's a trust thing.  Takes longer to build it up.  

I am assuming he is neutered because of where you adopted him from.  But if not, I'd consider doing it - but only with a good rabbit vet.  

All rabbits also have unique personalities as well, so him acting different about things can sometimes just be his way fo doing things or reacting to things.

If he does not like the top door opening, do you have a cage that has a side door instead?  Could that be used?  He probably, like most rabbits doesn't like getting picked up ,and if you are picking him up through the top, I'd get a cage with both the top and side doors on it.  Side doors also allow bunny to go in and out on his own.  This may help with him trusting you more, he may associate some negative things with either being picked up, picked up in the cage, or hands reaching into the cage to hurt him.

Just be patient with him.  You've already seen things change for the better with him.  It jsut takes longer because his 'starting point' is back further than your other 2 bunnies, and because of the abuse will not move forward (trust, etc) with you as fast as the others.  It is okay, it is even more rewarding to see bunnies like this gain confidence and trust in you.