Rabbit pouncing?

Question

When I try to bond with my rabbit I do what people have said to do which is let her smell me first but she tends to pounce at my hand and I freak a little and pull my hand away.

Does this mean she wanted to bite me?

How do I stop this behavior?

Am I doing something wrong?

Answer 1

first off... rabbits are not the smartest animal but they are smart enough to know certain things.  when she starts to pounce at your hand, DON'T freak out and pull your hand away.  the rabbit will know that you are afraid and it will continue to do so.  and yes, it was attempting to try and bite you.  i have a very sad, sad news for you...  if you want to bond with your rabbit, you need to let her bite you.  and you have to just let your hand bit for awhile.  i had to do the same with my parakeet.  its kind of scary i know....  and it hurts a tiny bit.  its a natural reaction for your rabbit to try to bite your hand out of fear and self-protection.  the best way to handle this situation without getting your hand bit is to stick you hand in the cage but as far as possible from the rabbit.  i will guarantee that the rabbit will not come after your hand and try to bite it.  give it some space, a lot of space. and trust me, it will know the presense of your hand and will smell it.  don't move sudden movement with your hand. keep it in there for a long time and when you do move it, move it slowly.  do it for weeks after weeks and after weeks.  once it learns that you are not there to hurt it, you will be able to bond.  remember, keep your distance.  and after about a week, go ahead and try get a little closer. if it pounces its head again, then you will know that its not ready. you have to be very, very patient.  its frustrating cause they are not like dogs.....  but you will be able to pet it gently after about a month.  but remember, take it slow.

Answer 2

Leave you hand out, see if it really wants to bite you. I think it is just trying to get to know you.

Answer 3

She is lunging at you. This is probably because you are going head-on towards her and since a rabbits eyes are on the side of her head she can't see your hand. She's just frightened. Don't let her bite you, but also don't shrink away in fear. Your rabbit might be trying to establish that she is the top bunny. You need to be the top bunny. If she lunges again, make a squealing squeak at her.It's weird, but it works. She will then know that she is hurting you, and this might stop her. If it doesn't work, try instead approaching her from the side and making noise as you approach. Your rabbit is obviously a tough one. Many run away when they don't know what is approaching it: yours confronts it!  Then stroke her between her eyes on the top of her head. Rabbits love this, every single one that I have tried this on melts in my arms! :)

Another way to stop some aggressiveness is to get her fixed, if it gets out of hand. Clinics will spay a rabbit for about $150.It's a lot, but it made a huge difference with my rabbit..she used to bite me and attack me all the time, and now she adores me..she licks my hand and sits in my lap!

Good luck!

Answer 4

aww shes just being playful. it means she think of you as a friend. just let her and kinda punce back with your hand. its just a play thing my rabbit does the same.

Answer 5

She may not be pouncing. Rabbits are not like most common pets. By nature rabbits make quick bursts of movements, thats how they are. The only way to tell if shes trying to bite you is to...not move your hand, see if she does. Trust me, its not that bad even if she does, and it will let you know her intent.

IF she is biting the way I stop this is with posotive actions. Snapping her on the nose or something along thoose lines are BAD for rabbits, and most rodents. They are skittish by nature, so negative actions like this while they might stop the biting, will ruin your relationship with them.

My trick ( and it has worked on several rabbits) is that I let the bunny sniff my hand. I hold a yogurt bite ( treats for rabbits, you can get them at any pet store) in my hand, with my hand closed around it. Hold the hand in front of the bunny. Do not let her see the treat. If she bites take it away. If she doesn't, open your hand and give her the treat. Do this several times a day. Not long after she will get the idea.

Hope that helps!