Why does adopted neutered rabbit attack when we put food in hutch but is fine when we pick him up from hutch?

November 1, 2009

in Types of Rabbit Food

Newly adopted bunny since neutered was adopted from large pet shop where hed been kept in a glass cage for several weeks as noone wanted to buy him (he couldnt compete with the baby bunnies). Hes a bit antisocial unsurprisingly but is OK ish about being picked up but attacks (with rabbit punches) whenever we put food in the hutch.

{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

Amy 11.01.09 at 7:20 am

Rabbits can have ‘food aggression’ too- just like dogs and cats- even when there isn’t any competition for the food. Rabbits can also be very territorial, and you ‘changing’ his area (even by adding food) can also be viewed as an offense. You may also be ’sneaking up on him’ if you’re entering the cage in a blind spot. Try petting him first, or even as you’re adding food, if possible.
Just be patient with your bun, and make sure you offer plenty of positive attention, especially when you enter ‘his area’ and he should become more ok with it, even if it doesn’t go away completely.
See http://www.rabbit.org for more info and tips.

RichH 11.01.09 at 7:20 am

If he has been kept in a glass cage in a pet shop you never know how your rabbit was treated. Sometimes certain reactions by humans and animals are anchored in through certain actions or objects and in this case the food being put in the hutch may be one of the negative anchors. The best way to deal with this is to replace that anchored state by taking away the association. Try picking your rabbit up and feeding him outside of his hutch in a pen or exercise run, conservatory etc. After you have fed him bond with him by playing games and having fun with your rabbit. All this will help change your rabbits negative association with feeding times to a positive one.

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