aggressive male mini rex

Question
HI, i have a chocolate mini rex, Silly D, who has been neutered, about 8 months ago. he is almost 2 years old now. he lives with me in my apt and is never caged in completely, free to run in and out 24/7. he uses 2 corners in his cage for going to the bathroom,-thanx to neutering-.  he has always been distant and doesn't like to be held, nor petted. but he usually likes to be around people. recently we went to my mother's house for a month and Silly D came with me. when we returned to my apt. he began hiding all day long under the beds or under the sofa, and not even coming out when people are around.  He used to eat at least 2 1/4 cup servings of food plus veggies everyday, but recently too he hasnt' been eating that much maybe 1 carrot and 1/4 cup of food.  additionally he has developed this aggressive behavior where he lunges for you and growls when you put your hand in his cage while he's in there. also he's been growling when I try to get him out from under the sofa. I am confused. Am i doing somthing wrong? or does he have some developing behavioral problems? - Thanks, Emily and Silly D

Answer
The fact that he hasn't been eating very much and has changed behaviorally would suggest to me a vet visit to rule out any health issues.  If he is in pain, he won't eat as much, and he may become aggressive.  So I would do that before I would do anything else.

If any health issues are ruled out, then I would see if something has changed in the environment.  Is there a cleaner or perfume or something that he doesn't like that you are using or wearing?  

It doesn't sound like you are doing anything wrong, just something has changed and you need to determine what it is.  I would have the vet check him out first, though, since he isn't eating a whole lot.

Kim