Help me! This rabbit is a bully!?

Question

I have a rabbit named Lola. She is a mixed breed bunny rabbit I got for my kids for easter. I am asking for help because I used to be the only person she liked. Now my kids can do anything they want to this rabbit but I can't touch her. I can't even put my hand in to give her food without her attacking me like a Pit bull. She grunts at me almost like she is growling then she tries to get me with her front paws.I am pretty good at dodging her now but when she first started this she got me.Oh my gosh it is worse than a cat scratch. Why did she start this and how can I get her love back?

Answer 1

sounds to me like she is in season-im sure once the summer passes you two will be buddies again

Answer 2

It's territorial behavior.  She has reached sexual maturity.  First, don't ever reach into her cage.  Allow her to hop out on her own before reaching in her cage or touching her.  Her cage needs to be her den, where she feels secure, and it needs to not be invaded by humans.  The only way to truly lessen these behaviors, which will get worse over time as she ages (this will help, it may not entirely eliminate the behavior) is to have your rabbit spayed.  Once done, the hormones should dissipate within about 2 months and you should notice a behavioral difference.

Answer 3

I'm not even going to start about the "she is a mixed breed bunny rabbit I got for my kids for easter" part, but yeah...

The people who suggested having her spayed are absolutely correct. You probably bought a baby rabbit, correct? She's hitting sexual maturity and she won't behave any better unless you get her spayed. She'll also be happier and healthier.

Good FAQ

http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/spay-...

Also, how big is her cage? Rabbits with small cages (or rabbits who have to stay in the cage all the time) can get very territorial.

Info on aggression that might be helpful

http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/aggre...

If you haven't read all of it already, rabbit.org is THE best source of information on pet rabbits out there.

And a few other articles you might want to take a look at...

http://www.rabbit.org/easter/

http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/child...

http://www.rabbit.org/journal/3-7/brando...

Answer 4

She does sound territorial.  I hope you got your bunny fixed because if you have not it will greatly decrease the life of the rabbit, especially if she is a girl.  If she is not fixed, her moods will vary, but will never go away so there will always be problems.  Also, whether she is or is not fixed it is always a good rule of thumb to not really mess with a rabbits cage because they really like that to be their area.  They don't like for things to get moved around in there, for people to stick their hands in, etc.  It is like their little safe, peaceful haven.

Answer 5

I believe it has to do with her being a female, I had one that attacked me like a dog, thumped and made strange noises every time I went into the building, Unless she had a litter then she was like a cat rubbing all over me.  We have raised several hundred rabbits and this was the only one I ever had a problem with. She had a strong personality and was the "top" rabbit. I was the food and water supply source. It could just be a dominate female thing and trying to set the record straight with you.