Netherland Dwarf Behavior

Question
Hi
We just got our son a male Netherlands dwarf rabbit. When we got him home he seemed quite nice. We had him in a small cage until we built a hutch for him. Now when we go to replace food or water he seems to attack. He bit my husband the other night when he went to give him more water and went charging at me when I went to give him food today. Is this normal behavior for this type of rabbit?? And if it is how do we get him not to be so aggressive? My son will be very upset if we have to get rid of him but I don't want anyone to get hurt.

Answer
Hi Lisa

Almost all rabbits are cage protective but dwarfs have a tendency to have major attitudes.  There are several things you can do that might help.  When you are feeding him you have to remember that the cage is his home.  He feels like you are invading his space.  The best thing you can do is let him out to play, providing you have a safe pen for him to play in.  While he is out playing then you can fill his food and water.  Another good thing about letting him out to play is that it will give your son time to bond with him.  Tell your son to get down on the floor and let the bunny come to him.  Teach him that the bunny might not want to be held or picked up but if he lets the bunny come to him he will probably be able to pet him.  If the rabbit is a baby (under 6 months) he really can't have treats yet but when he turns about 6 months your son can start to feed him a raisin out of his hand.  This will help the bunny realize that hands aren't so bad and when they reach into the cage it means he is getting food.

Rabbits are really a lot smarter than we sometimes give them credit for.  You also want to consider the rabbits age.  If he is a baby or a teenager (6 mo to a year) he is not going to respond as well as an adult rabbit.  This is the best time to work with him though.  Teach him now to get rid of those bad habits.  Try a nice firm NO when he does something wrong.  He will learn what no means.  It will just take time and patience.  Another thing you can do is to get him neutered.  Rabbits that are neutered have the most passive personalities.  They can still be cage protective but playing with them and picking them up is so much more pleasant.

If you can't let him out to play when you feed him then distract him with one hand while you put the food and water in with another.  Sometimes if it has to be done this way it is a 2 person job.  I promise you that it will get easier and with more practice  you will learn the best way to deal with him.

Goodluck

Pam