Rabbit suddenly biting and running around my feet

[Baymax]

OK, so I’m new. To the forum and to bunnies. I have a bunny, she’s 21 weeks old. When we first got her she was completely calm. Cuddled up with us and very occasionally nipped ( once a week). For the last few weeks she has been impossible to handle…she’ll let us pick her up bit it’s about 20 seconds before she bites. Even if you aren’t near her she will seek you out to bite at your ankles or toes. Once for no reason she latched on so hard she was hanging from my arm. She also runs around like crazy for short spurts. I’m worried about her around the children. She isn’t yet spayed which is my next plan of action…..does her behaviour sound normal? Or is it likely she is just a hostile little trouble maker. I love her and would hate to rehome her but I’m completely on edge with her. Thank you

[Bam]

It sounds like hormonal behavior and that’s consistent with her age. I think spaying her will make a big difference. It doesn’t happen overnight though, there is a period after the spay when the bun can actually become even worse for a spell, due to fluctuating hormone levels.
A bunny running around your feet is classical bunny courtship. Then they nip if the object of desire doesn’t comply. It’s not about bad temper, dislike or any kind of poor health, it’s just raging hormones.

[Baymax]

Oh that’s a relief. Thank you. Also, I’ve been told not to use wood shavings as litter when she’s newly spayed, what is the alternative?

[LittlePuffyTail]

Wood shavings should not be used anyways. You can use a soft litter material like Carefresh or similar brand.

[Koukla76]

My bunny bit my daughter today 3 times,
One time he hopped past her and then turned back and bit her. She’s so upset and taking it personally, and now she’s a little scared , my daughter is 10 .
He’s 8/9 months old according to the place I got him from and he also circled my feet and nipped my foot today. we just got him on Sunday and he has been so good up until today. i’m wondering if it’s sexual aggression

[Azerane]

Circling feet is typical hormonal behaviour, the nipping could certainly be related. I’d be looking at getting her spayed quite soon to prevent it getting worse. For now I’d recommend your daughter wear boots when walking/standing in the bunny area, that way if she tries to bite, she’s only going to get the boots and hopefully it will give your daughter some confidence knowing that she can’t get hurt.

[Author]

Messages