Dwarf Rabbit Growth

Question
Hi, I have a rabbit that we got from a family that didnt want her, they say she is dwarf bred and we know shes a girl, she has a very agressive behaviour, and likes biting everything do you have any tips on how to handle this please? she growls from the back of her throat too.
Also do you know when they kind of stop growing and grow into adulthood? We dont know how old she is .Thanks :) Rosie

Answer
Hi Rosie

You have to think about why they didn't want her anymore.  It may very well have been her personality.  Dwarfs are very excitable and high strung to begin with.  If she is under a year old she is probably in that extremely hormonal stage in her life where she wants a boyfriend.  Since that is not a good idea the best thing you can do for her is to get her spayed.

Are you sure she is growling or does she sound like she has trouble breathing?  Some rabbits with upper respiratory infections will sound like they are growling.  If this is the case then she needs a vet immediately.  If she doesn't feel good it may make her aggression worse.

You need to get her to trust you.  You don't know what kind of situation she lived in.  She may have been abused or mistreated.  Sometimes it takes several years for a rabbit to trust people.  Try getting down on her level.  Sit on the floor with her and let her come to you.  Let her know that you love her and you aren't going to desert her.  Try giving her small treats from your hand.  A nice piece of cilantro from the hand goes along way.  Don't act afraid of her but don't try to be the boss either.  Let her be the boss for now but don't let her get away with murder either.  If she is bad put her in a timeout for only a few minutes.  Don't ever yell at her or your progress will be ruined.

I am attaching a site about how to interpret what your bunny is saying..

http://www.muridae.com/rabbits/rabbittalk.html

If you need help finding a vet you can try this site

http://www.rabbit.org/vets/vets.html

Rabbits are generally full grown after about 8 months however they can still grow a little bit after that.  Usually if they grow after 8 months they are either a really large breed (which you should already know) or they are eating to much.

Please get your bunny spayed.  You will be amazed at how loving they can be once they don't have all those hormones rushing through their systems.

Good luck with her and I hope she comes around for you.

Pam