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The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet.  It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

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Forum BEHAVIOR 7 week old bunny nipping and digging at me

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    • Samantha1357
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        I just got three 7 week old bunnies, theyre satin angora dwarf lionhead mixes. Two of them are perfectly fine but one keeps nipping at me and digging. Doesnt do this to the other family members. Isnt 7 weeks too young for it to be hormonal? They have plenty of toys, tunnels, huts, and mats. Dont want to return him but this cant keep happening. 


      • Miss Megan
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          are they all the same sex for maybe it is being protected


        • FrankieFlash
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            Babies really shouldn’t be weaned from their mama until 8 weeks old. Is there a way they can go back for another week so they can get the proper nutrition they need?


          • FrankieFlash
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              Also, you should know that most bunnies do not like to be held. There are some that tolerate. And few that enjoy. Since they are prey creatures, it typically makes them scared and uncomfortable. So he is probably digging and biting thinking you are a predator and he’s hoping you’ll let him go.


            • tanlover14
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                I have to agree with FF, he definitely sounds like he doesn’t feel comfortable with interaction yet. You should let him take the time to come up to you rather than pushing yourself on him. Sometimes this can make him more aggressive or fearful rather than helping you build a bond with him.


              • Samantha1357
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                  Theyre almost 8 weeks. Im hoping once he gets neutered he will be okay. Not positive of the sex but vet says it looks like 2 boys and 1 girl, they all get along FABULOUS, always cuddling and cleaning eachother. I guess maybe he just doesnt want to be held. the other two are fine with it.


                • LoveChaCha
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                    Some rabbits are diggers. As a word of advice, I would keep them separate soon. Boys mature quite early and there might be an accident…


                  • Samantha1357
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                      I hate to separate them earlier than needed because theyre all so bonded. Im thinking he is just a bunny that doesnt like to bed held.


                    • FrankieFlash
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                        Samantha that is most likely the case. Most bunnies do not like to be held. I would separate. I understand it’s hard but its for their best interest. You could still put them next to each other in pens where they can see each other and cuddle but no reproducing.


                      • tanlover14
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                          Separating them may be difficult for you but ultimately it’s just what is best for the baby buns right now. If they end up reproducing — would you have any way to even care for a mother with babies? Especially if you would consider returning your bun because he’s a digger how could you even begin to cope with a bunch of NEW babies that will all do the same thing most likely? They NEED to be separated until they are fixed then you can begin the bonding process with them! You want your bunny experience to be a blessing and a good one and from the stories I’ve heard on BB about Oops litters, they are NOT what you want or what your buns need. Separate for sure!


                        • Samantha1357
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                            Ive found that if I hold him for a short amount of time he is okay. I keep on towel on me and a chew toy so he has something to chew/dig at. I love my little Rascal and am not going to give him up

                            Also tanlover14, I would be able to care for babies, I have the money, just would need to get a bigger space. BUT, I dont plan on that happening.


                          • Samantha1357
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                              Ive found that if I hold him for a short amount of time he is okay. I keep on towel on me and a chew toy so he has something to chew/dig at. I love my little Rascal and am not going to give him up

                              Also tanlover14, I would be able to care for babies, I have the money, just would need to get a bigger space. BUT, I dont plan on that happening.


                            • lmais
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                                What you could do to avoid the litter is keep them together but with a grid between them. They can still cuddle and get all mushed together and even groom a little bit through the grids, that way they won’t have the stress of being separated and you know that you won’t get a surprise litter. It’s a win-win It REALLY doesn’t take long for them to reproduce.

                                If they’re kept without a grid between them they will try to reproduce and by the time you realize what’s happening, it’ll be done :p I spoke to my vet and the person I bought Ruby from because I was considering buying a boy too, and they said before speutering you’ll see it happening but by the time you get to them to pull him off, you’ll have a momma bunny in the making.

                                I’m glad he’ll let you hold him a bit now


                              • bmt87
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                                  Posted By lmais on 11/01/2012 12:57 PM

                                  What you could do to avoid the litter is keep them together but with a grid between them. 

                                  Even with a grid between them – they can reproduce.  It’s definitely happened – I know it sounds crazy but I guess nothing can come between a bunny and his desire to mate.  Really the only thing to do is completely separate them.  It’s honestly the best thing for them.  You may feel like you are being “mean” but as soon as bunny hormones kick in you’ll be so happy you did.  Buns can start reproducing at a really young age so the sooner you get them apart the better.  There are just so many unwanted buns it would be sad to have an unwanted litter and have to find all those cute, cuddly faces homes.

                                  Speaking of cute, cuddly face…post pics of your new babies!


                                • Samantha1357
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                                    I actually got a fourth bun tonight, looks like I have three boys and one girl. Would you separate them already at only 8 weeks old? Can they be spayed and neutered before 4 months? Also, how do you post pictures?


                                  • lmais
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                                      I’m shocked that they can reproduce through grids… feisty little ones.


                                    • Samantha1357
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                                        Here are my four beautiful babies. Bottom two are siblings, boy has blue eyes. Yes i know the girls eyes look funny, shes been to the vet and looks like cataracts, going to an eye specialist. She CAN see right now thankfully. 


                                      • bmt87
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                                          I’m sure one of the Moderators will chime in on this to give some more info BUT rabbits can reproduce very (VERY!) young. I’ve seen it posted as early as 2 months.

                                          Also, unless you have had them sexed by a vet it is very hard to be positive of their sex until they are older and can be spayed/neutered…and even then sometimes vets can get it wrong. There have been several occasions on this forum where people have thought they’ve been male/female and little Johnny went into get neutered and when he came out they found Johnny was a Jane – and vice versa.

                                          If I were you I would have them separated now. Each rabbit in a separate cage until they are fixed. They will have to be bonded after they are fixed anyways because once puberty hits they all tend to go a bit batty when the hormones rage. :/ If you read around this forum you’ll find lots of helpful advice and suggestions on everything I’m talking about.

                                          Your little cuties are ADORABLE. 4 is so much to handle – GOOD LUCK!


                                        • bmt87
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                                            I did some forum searching and here are good threads to read for some more info:

                                            https://binkybunny.com/FORUM/tab…fault.aspx

                                            https://binkybunny.com/FORUM/tab…fault.aspx


                                          • Samantha1357
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                                              They went to a vet as soon as I got them and he sexed them, only one that hasnt been is Derek as i just got him tonight but he looks like a boy to me compared to the others. I plan on being a vet so I learned a lot and my vet taught me a lot while I was there. Theyre going in to be neutered/spayed as soon as the testicles descend and will be getting microchipped as well. I know four seems like a lot, these are my first bunnies, but I read that they are happier in groups, so I got four.


                                            • LoveChaCha
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                                                Oooh, baby bunnies! You will have your hands full for a while !


                                              • FrankieFlash
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                                                  Wow. Hope you got your battle face on I almost pulled my hair out with one baby bun. lol Goodluck! They sure are cute!


                                                • Samantha1357
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                                                    Im having no problem so far and its been two weeks. I was doing cat rescue for 4 years and had 30+ kittens at a time so Im used to cleaning and feeding. I became allergic from over exposure and cant foster as many as I used to, I now only have 6 fosters. I love these four little babies, they each have such a wonderful and different personality. One question I do have as you guys seem to know a lot, my Rosie INSISTS on digging all her food out of the bowl and scattering it EVERYWHERE. They have plenty of things to dig at. The bowl is a good sized ceramic, any way to stop this? Also is it normal for 4 bunnies to go through 4lbs of food in 10 days? These guys just eat and eat and eat! and poop! haha


                                                  • lmais
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                                                      That seems normal for four babies, as they are supposed to be on unlimited hay and unlimited pellets. This helps them gain weight so that they grow up strong and healthy Haha about Rosie, they sometimes do have their little quirks, but this could also be a sign of her hormones kicking in (get those buns separated!). Once she is spayed she will likely stop digging her food out. And yes, they poop, A LOT!


                                                    • Samantha1357
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                                                        They are on half timothy and half alfalfa with some oat hay thrown in, I have noticed they are not fond of hay, they prefer pellets, any suggestions? Also have meadow, botanical, and orchard here as well but havent given them any as i dont want to upset their bellies. Also get 3/4 of their food as the oxbow organic timothy based pellet and the other 1/4 of the oxbow young rabbit essentials food which is alfalfa based. Also at night they get lettuce(green not iceberg) and usually a small blueberry.


                                                      • LittlePuffyTail
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                                                          30 kittens!!! Wow, I can’t even imagine all that work! Sounds like Heaven anyways though!


                                                        • Samantha1357
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                                                            it was a lot of work but it was so rewarding to know you saved them, especially when they finally go to their furever homes, its the best feeling in the world.

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                                                        Forum BEHAVIOR 7 week old bunny nipping and digging at me