Rabbit Issue

[dreamer5577]

Hi all,
I am a first time rabbit owner (- long time owner of every other animal...haha!) and I am seeking advice! I got my mini lop rabbit toward the end of September 2013. (not totally sure if a boy or girl...almost positive it is a girl) She was the sweetest bun EVER! She would climb on your lap and lay with you. She'd just hop around and not get into any trouble! It was almost too good to be true!

Now... I believe this started in February... She seems to still want to be friendly.. But she just bites. It's gotten to the point where when she is loose in the house I have to make sure I am off the ground or my pants/legs will get torn apart. I have lost several pairs of pants and had several crazy wounds.

I did tons of research and came to the conclusion that I need to get her fixed. Problem is... there are NO small animal doctors anywhere within a reasonable distance of where I live. So I can't just go and give that a shot. Maybe if I knew that it would work for sure...

I just can't have it like this any more. She is not like this when she is in her cage. And when I am petting her face/head she doesn't bite, but as soon as a take my hands away... it's bloodshed. I would HATE to move her outside because I feel like she would be more neglected out there, but if I can't even walk around my own house...I really need some help here!

 

[nayeli]

My rabbit only bites when he needs something to chew on. Does she have chews? Apple tree branches and pine cones are a favorite.

 

[CierraandDaniel]

Hi there, I raise Holland lops and many does will get territorial and hormonal whenever they are coming of age. This can last months, possibly until she is 1 or 2, after that it usually subsides. However, bloodshed should not happen. Have you tried correcting her? Some pet rabbit owners will clap there hands whenever a rabbit is misbehaving. Getting her fixed would definitely help, UNLESS it is inherited. Some rabbits should just not be bred, however, some people don't care and breed them anyway and end up with animals who also have mean behavioral issues down the road, which sometimes no matter how much love and affection you give them it cannot be reversed. I really do hope this is not the case for you! But here: https://www.arba.net/faq.htm#Q15
The ARBA has a F&Q section that may have some answers for you.
Hope I helped! Good luck!

 

[dreamer5577]

Thank you so much!

 

[CierraandDaniel]

Your welcome

 

[cafarmgirl]

We got our two pet does spayed, it really does help with the attitude! They are much nicer pets for sure. BUT the surgery really does need to be done by a vet who has experience with rabbits. The surgery and anesthesia are not the same and not quite as straight forward as spaying a dog or cat.