How to Deal with an Aggressive Rabbit

Like people, not all house rabbits are the same. Some are, by nature, calm while others are aggressive. Aggression in rabbits can be the result of any number of problems, from raging hormones to past abuse. There are some key steps, however, you can take to help calm your rabbit's aggression.

Instructions

1. Make sure your rabbit is spayed or neutered. Aggression could be the result of hormones running rampant if your aggressive rabbit is not altered. In addition to helping calm your rabbit's hormones, spaying or neutering your house rabbit is essential to good health. For example, female rabbits, who are not spayed, have a high risk of developing ovarian, mammarian, or uterine cancer as they age.

2. Take your rabbit to a rabbit-savvy vet. If your rabbit is altered, his aggression may be due to illness, such as arthritis, a common ailment in older rabbits. Schedule an appointment with your vet to determine whether there is an underlying illness causing your rabbit's aggression. Remember, rabbits are prey animals and, as a result, often hide their illnesses until it is too late. Your rabbit's grunting, growling, and aggression could be a sign of illness.

3. Don't get angry. Some rabbits, especially those who have been abused or neglected, tend to be aggressive because they are afraid. If your aggressive rabbit boxes you or bites you, do not yell at or hit him because he'll simply become even more afraid and aggressive. Instead, be positive, using an upbeat voice, when your bunny comes growling toward you.

4. Let your rabbit come to you instead of trying to pick her up. Approaching her will only put her on the defensive. Sit or lie in the middle of the room, on the floor, doing something else (reading the newspaper, cutting coupons, or watching TV) and completely ignore your rabbit. Eventually, she'll become curious and come to you. Even if she hops all over you and sniffs you, resist the urge to reach out and pet her.

5. Be aware of territorial issues. Your rabbit may be aggressive because he is territorial. For example, if he has a cage, he may become aggressive, growling and lunging at you, when you reach in to get his water bowl or to change his litter box. Rather than trying to reach into his cage when he's in it, wait until he's out of it to change his litter, to give him food, or to change his water.

6. Be patient. Don't expect your rabbit to become less aggressive overnight. Give it time, and get to really know your rabbit's personality. Some rabbits don't like being held but will gladly lie next to you, so rather than trying to pick your rabbit up, let her lie next to you, if that's what she prefers.