strange behaviour!

Question
Hi, I have just bought an 8 month old lop eared buck rabbit. We have had him for 2 days and the first day he was very quiet then yesterday he bit my son when he had him on his lap. He also chases us all around the kitchen and tries to climb up our legs, particularly my daughter (especially when she has her pink slippers on!). He has bitten my son again today in the same situation and he also stinks to high heaven!! Does he just need to be neutered? Hope you can help? Many thanks, Andrea

Answer
Hi Andrea,

Oh dear.. your poor kids.  You have a typical hormonal teenage stinker on your hands, rabbits go through a terrible phase when they are younger.  You really do need to get him neutered.  He probably stinks because he is spraying.  He is most likely attacking your legs because he is trying to mark you as his property.  They also love to circle legs.  This is also a sign that he owns you.  

The rabbit might very well calm down.  It has only been 2 days.  However if you bought him from a pet store or another person this might be why he was "for sale" in the first place.  I am attaching a site that gives you some clues as to what your rabbit might be saying.  If you have time read through it.  You will be amazed at how well you can learn to communicate with your new friend.  

I really hope your children aren't to traumatized by this.  I am so sorry but I can't stop laughing.  I can just envision this little fellow chasing your daughter around in pink slippers.  I assure you that if you get him neutered he is going to make a much more loveable and friendly house pet.  He may still try his antics for a while after the surgery.  He will just have to have a little bit of re-training.  This is where the web-site will come in handy.

One more thing you can do.  When he bites any of you.  The person he is biting should make a high pitched screeching noise.  He will know that it hurts and he should let go.  You can also start using a firm NO.  He will understand after a bit just exactly what no means.

If you need any help locating a veterinarian or anything else please let me know.


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

Thank you

Pam