Biteing

Question
Hi, I have my Lion Head Rabbit for about 6 months
he is usually very friendly, when I pick him up he licks and gives kisses.  The other day I was holding him like I usually do and he jumped up and bit me hard on my face and marked my skin. Now I'm kind od afraid of him, I never expected him to do that. Can you give me any suggestions. And can you tell me what other vegetables I could include in his diet? I give him pellets, hay, carrots and some treats. Thank You  

Answer
I would need more info from you to answer more accurately.

But going on what you did and didn't say, I would guess he is not been neutered.  I would make a generalized guess that he may 'like' you, maybe a pheromone smell you are giving off.  Either that or perhaps something you did (or didn't do) he got upset about and let you know it - although normally my guys have nipped my shoulder or shoulder blade area instead of the face.  Just to make a point.

If he isn't neutered, get him neutered.  It cuts down on hormonally-induced behavior like agressiveness, sexual appetite, excessive marking, etc.  Most likely he will once again become the sweet bunny you knew before sexual maturity.

Veggies.... lots of green ones.  Lettuce - romaine, green leaf, endive.  Never iceberg.  Italian flat parsley.  I avoid cilantro and kale as they give them gas and that can turn into a very bad problem.  I'd watch how much carrots and treats you give him because they are high in calories and sugar - this can throw their gut off and cause obesity.

Always give your rabbit only one new veggie at a time, and start out with small amounts, and work your way up over two weeks, watching how he handles it and allow his gut to get used to dealing with it.  Sometimes they do not do well with a certain veggie.  Don't intro more than one new thing every two weeks.  

Visit www.rabbit.org for more nutrition info/articles.  

Lee