Relationships between rabbits and people can deteriorate when incidents involving symptoms of aggression occur, such as bites. These could lead to creating distance and apprehension between the pet and their human companion. Before exceeding the limit, you have to stop to analyze the situation and try to see it from the perspective of the small animal.
Investigate the possible reasons for the bites: is the rabbit feeling scared? Hasn't your contact been delicate? Will your rabbit be he althy? will you feel happy? All of these scenarios are perfectly valid. Keep reading this new article on our site where you will find the answers to your question Why does my rabbit bite me? and some recommendations to improve its behavior.
Love Bites
Not always bites mean that the rabbit is angry. In fact it may be a show of affection that you shouldn't worry about. "Love bites" are usually on the fingers and toes and hurt very little, although they may cause some discomfort, after all, they are bites.
This is one of your rabbit's ways of showing you how much he loves you, so in order to identify if your rabbit is biting you "with love" you have to know that this bite usually comes accompanied by licks and your pet will be calm, with eyes almost closed and hair without swelling. This series of actions and reactions also indicates that your rabbit is trying to groom you and pamper you as he does with himself.
Fear and insecurity
Most rabbits bite because they are afraid and it is their defense mechanism. They have learned that biting makes the threat go away. Some people tend to think that rabbits are "cuddly" and that they don't have emotions like humans. For example, pulling its ears or pawing the ground roughly next to it, are things that rabbits find so unpleasant that they fear them
Analyze how the approach with your rabbit is, perhaps, you are making some type of contact that he does not like and his way of telling you is through bites. Remember to always be very careful when dealing with your pet, especially with these furry lagomorphs.
How do I know if my rabbit is afraid?
The hair on end, the wide eyes with the anxious gaze and the small movements or stomps with its paws are just a few indicators that your rabbit is afraid of something. If he also screeches, it's because something is really wrong.
To gain your rabbit's trust and be able to calm him down in these circumstances, one of the best techniques is to get down to his level and spend time on the ground, speaking in a calm and loving tone. Rabbits respond positively to kindness.
If your rabbit is biting you a lot and is aggressive, you should leave some distance and allow him to come closer if he wishes. Place some of his favorite food or treat in the palm of your hand and hold it out towards him and let him come closer. Once he does, always gently, begin to caress him. Be patient, gaining the trust of any creature takes time.
Feel pain
Louder and more regular bites in a rabbit that previously used to be affectionate and open, are signs ofphysical discomfort If your rabbit bites you like this, it is yelling at you that something hurts. Rabbits might hide the fact that something hurts, until they can't take it anymore.
Discomfort and pain from poor dental he alth (such as abnormal growth of rabbit teeth), arthritis, injuries that are not visible to the naked eye, and even mites in rabbits, are often be problems that cause bites and restlessness in our little friends. Whenever we detect a sudden negative change in behavior it is recommended to go to the vet to rule out a possible illness.
A bad environment
Perhaps your rabbit does not feel well in the environment it lives in. And by environment we mean his house, the cage, his diet and the daily exercise he should do. For example, a poor hay and unbalanced diet can lead to discomfort and thus to a bite.
For these animals, food is very important. Also, the cleanliness of your space and loneliness are factors that may be influencing. Make sure your rabbit has a decent, clean place to live, with access to fresh water, physical and mental distraction. If possible, consider adopting another rabbit to keep him company.
