Why Is a Pet Rabbit Biting?

Hormones

• Pet rabbits that have not been spayed or neutered are more likely to bite. Unaltered rabbits are more aggressive and territorial because they have more hormones that dictate those sorts of actions. Bad behaviors are often made worse when they are not allowed to breed. All pet rabbits should be taken to the veterinarian to be altered.

Territory

• Even after being altered, some rabbits remain territorial. Pet rabbits may lunge and bite at what they see as intrusive hands in their space. These animals should always have areas to call their own as well as communal areas where other people and rabbits can interact with them. Owners should avoid physically pulling rabbits out of what they consider their territory; instead, simply open up the pen to allow the rabbit to come out on its own.

Fear

• Regardless if the rabbit is a pet or not, they are prey animals. Some rabbits may see humans as dangerous predators and will not trust people. Therefore, when a human reaches toward or grabs a rabbit, the animal may bite out of fear. Rabbits that have been abused by people or mistreated by unsupervised children may also bite because they are afraid of being hurt. To correct this defensive behavior, spend time with a frightened rabbit. Gently pet the animal for short periods at a time. If a rabbit goes to hide, do not physically pull it out into the open. Stay by the pen or enclosure and talk softly. It may take a long time before the rabbit will trust a human. Be patient, calm and gentle.

Pain

• Pet rabbits may lash out at owners and bite if they are in pain. Take rabbits to a veterinarian with experience in caring for these types of pets and animals. Consult with the vet to determine if there are any unresolved health issues that may be causing a rabbit to exhibit bad behavior.

Food

• Rabbits that bite an owner's hand while food is being brought to the animal are probably too enthusiastic about mealtimes. To resolve this issue, establish a regular feeding schedule so that meals can be counted on to come at the same time each day. Set food dishes down immediately when serving pet rabbits. Owners should refrain from giving treats every time they interact with their rabbits; if the rabbit associates hands with food, it is only natural for the animal to bite at a nearby hand. If a rabbit bites while being hand-fed a treat, it might have been an accident. Try offering larger treats so the rabbit can visibly see the difference between the hand holding the food and the food itself.

Communication

• A pet rabbit that bites may not be aggressive or mean. There is a difference between biting, which will probably break the skin, and nipping, which feels like a sharp pinch and may leave a bruise. Rabbits communicate with each other by nipping, and the rabbit may try to communicate with its owner in the same way. A nipping rabbit could be trying to say, "put me down" or "move out of the way." Even though this is not necessarily aggressive behavior, owners can discourage nipping by loudly saying, "Ouch!" or crying out in a shrill voice. Wild rabbits squeal when they are hurt, so your loud reaction tells the rabbit that its nip was painful and unwelcome.