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Dwarf changing behavior

22 10:34:59

Question
We adopted a Dwarf rabbit from the York Fair in September for my 4yr old's b-day.  He was in a large cage outside, but when it got pretty cold, we brought the cage in.  Then I read that our bunny can be litter trained.  We let him run around and until recently he has been very gentle.  However, yesterday, he got upstairs, I found him under my bed and when I tried to catch him, he bit me.  He also bit my daughter when she picked him up out of the cage.  Can I do anything about this?  I don't want my girls getting hurt.  Thanks.

Answer
Dear Kristin,

Your bunny is starting to reach sexual maturity, and now is "standing up for himself" and acting defensive when he doesn't want to be handled.  Most rabbits don't bite, but it tends to be the smarter, more interactive ones who do.

There is a simple solution:  spay/neuter.  This will tremendously reduce aggressive tendencies.  Please read:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/spay.html

However, the children must also learn not to disturb the bunny when he wants peace and quiet and to be left alone.  To get him out of a spot like under the bed, coax and use treats--don't reach under and try to drag him out.  He'll see the latter as a threat and defend himself as a prey species will do!

For more information on how to learn to interact with your bunny so that everyone will be happy, please read:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/shybun.html

and for hints on dealing with aggression, please see:

http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/aggression.html

But it's of utmost importance that bun by spayed/neutered as soon as possible, as everything else (litterbox training included) will be much easier then.  You can find a good vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

I hope this helps.

Dana