Aggression in Rabbits

Question
I've had my rabbit for about a month now, during which he was neutered. He can be so nice, like he'll let me hold him on his back and he likes to be petted, but when I put him back down into his cage, it seems like he gets angry- he starting making a digging motion (but it kind of looks like something else, if you catch my drift) and he bites and tears at whatever is in his way. And then he's fine when I pick him up again.


Also, when I let him have full run of the room, he'll look around and then usually go and hide underneath his cage (which used to be a baby playpen which I have built into a rabbit hutch). He doesn't seem to be afraid, however.

I'm just so confused- I want our relationship to be better than it is, I just don't understand him.

Answer
You can find more information on rabbit body language at http://www.muridae.com/rabbits/rabbittalk_intro.html  

My guess is that he doesn't like to go back in the cage and this is how he expresses his displeasure.  A lot of bunnies don't like going back in the cage, they like to stay out and get into trouble.

Hiding is normal, rabbits like to have something to hide in.  You might try providing him a box to hide in and chew on, or a phone book to tear up, or other things that overcome his aversion to coming out.

Kim