Buster BIT me!

[BinkyBuster]

So Buster has recently figured out that there is a world outside of my room. I accidentally left my door open a crack one day after I came in, and he got time to explore our upstairs before I figured it out. Since then when I leave my room he tries to get out. I have those puzzle piece matts on the floor, and it ends about a foot away from my door. Last night he started to dig and chew at it. It has some of the lines that extend it on to it, so he picked it off. When I went to put it back he ran up and ATTACKED my hand! It was only one bite, but it was a vicious one.

Now I’m used to him nibbling at my feet for attention (I’ve tried to train him not to, but it seems impossible)… But this made me MAD! Does anybody know why he would have done this?  Right away I freaked out, because I’ve had dogs my whole life and they’ve never put a tooth on me. I yelled “NO!!!!” and shoved his head down (which he normally doesn’t let me but this time he actually let me do it… maybe he knew he was in trouble.) and then said twice “WE DO NOT PUT TEETH ON ANYONE IN THIS HOUSE!” Hahah. I like to believe he understands

Anyway, I have been really busy with school the last 2 days and have literally been home for like half hour in between. So, I haven’t had much time to pet him or anything. Do you think maybe he was holding a grudge or something? Or was he mad that I was moving his hard work on the matts that he dug up?

What would be the appropriate way to scold him the next time he does something like this? 

Oh, the best part: for about 5 minutes he just sat there staring at the floor. Eventually he got back up and started to nibble on the matts again. I went “bustteeerrr…” and walked over to stop him, and he binkied away! Three times! The nerve. 

[NewBunnyOwner123]

Harley binkies away too when I have to walk to him to stop something he is doing. It frustrates me because its like a game for him or something. I think they know what they are doing. I was busy the last few days with work so I think he was either mad at me for not giving him as much attention, or felt cooped up which tends to bring out destructo-bunny.
Buns seem sensitive to any kind of change, maybe he is holding a grudge.

Or it could be true that he finally realized there is a whole world out there left unexplored and he is mad at you for stopping him lol

For awhile I’d lock him up when you aren’t around. I had to do that for Harley for even if I had to do something in the house that took away my ability to watch him constantly. He behaves now, for the most part, but I’d still never trust him lol. I can trust Sally though she’s a good girl.

I don’t have much advice to give just letting you know, you aren’t alone when it comes to stubborn buns I’m sure someone will stop by shortly

[Stickerbunny]

He was probably being territorial, which is normal. When he bites, let out a squeal so he knows he hurt you. Bunnies don’t really understand punishments and yelling at them can cause them to be a bit fearful. A squeal or a firm “No” if he understands no works fine. My female Stickers sometimes bites/charges at me cause she is a very territorial brat (even though she’s spayed), she’ll even run up behind me when I am cleaning their litter boxes and nip me, I tell her “no” and gently push her head away from me if she does it. She hasn’t done it in a while now, she’s started nose bonking me instead.

[RabbitPam]

The squeal is an excellent suggestion, since it tells him clearly that you are hurt – and he probably didn’t intend to go that far.

They definitely know what they are doing, and you are one of many who can describe intentional naughtiness. Bunnies can be moody, and if they are miffed, they can even hold a grudge for a day or longer. I would say he’s not pleased that 1) he can’t explore the very interesting world he caught a glimpse of 2) how dare you be at school when you could be there with him. All day. 3) why aren’t you petting him for a long time, instead of saying NO so much? This is a possible thought process that leads to grumpy attacks and challenges followed by binkies. He is just trying to train you, instead of vice versa.

[BinkyBuster]

Posted By RabbitPam on 03/16/2013 11:13 AM

He is just trying to train you, instead of vice versa.

Haha ohhh man, the wonderful world of bunnies, eh?

Thanks for the suggestions! I’m so used to having dogs (he’s my first bunny) so it’s important for me to remember that they’re not the same! My dogs always smile at me when they’re in trouble  I will squeal from now on I think I probably did just in shock anyway! I was so surprised, and slightly offended.

It’s funny – he definitely thinks it’s like a game. Whenever I’m writing an essay so spending hours at my computer without paying attention to him he’ll bite my feet and I’ll go “busterrrrr” and he’ll binky away again. Eventually I give in and pet him because he’s just too dang cute

[LittlePuffyTail]

I agree that he was probably being territorial. Olivia will growl at me if I go near her when she’s digging blankets or getting into trouble. I really don’t think bunnies hold grudges.

Those bunny bites sure hurt. I’ve had my share.

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