vicious rabbit

Question
Hi,

I adopted a rabbit from a girl at work...from the very beginning she has been vicious...she actually snorts at me when I go near her and will attack my hand...she doesn't bite very much though...

I have tried to give her all of the love that she needs and never hurt her even when she is being "not so nice" which is all of the time...

How can I make her like me?

Thanks!

Answer
Dear Jessica,

You don't mention the exact circumstances under which your bunny attacks.  Is it when you reach into her cage?  When she feels cornered?  Or is it any time?

Does she actually come after you, or act defensive only when you approach her?

The first step, of course, is to have her spayed. This will remove the hormones causing her to fluctuate in false pregnancy cycles, which will make her grouchy and irritable.  Once she's spayed, it will take a few weeks for her to calm down.  But in the meantime, you can win her friendship.

Please read:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/shybun.html

Your bunny, from the sound of it, is not aggressive or vicious, but *defensive*, which is quite different.  The article above will explain how to win her trust.  

I hope this helps get you started.  Please write back if you have any other questions.

Dana