Growling/hissing/grunting Your rabbit is angry, feels threatened and is showing disapproval. Your rabbit may, for example, be saying 'Leave me alone' if he doesn't want to be handled, or if he wants to protect his territory – such as his cage or food – from a human hand or another rabbit.
Unfortunately many baby rabbits miss out on this socialisation before they go to their new home, or they may have bad experiences later on that make them fear being picked up. When a rabbit kicks out and tries to stop you picking him up, it's because he is frightened.
If she pulls sway, growls, grunts or paws, tell her (firmly) she is quite rude and continue to ignore her. NEVER HIT OR SHOUT AT A BUNNY, AND NEVER FORCE THEIR AFFECTIONS. Eventually she will be curious. She may want to nibble on your magazine, sit on you, or simply lie down next to you.
Rabbit aggression towards humans usually means they're scared. These fears can result in biting. A rabbit could also bite because they're poorly, or because their hormones are raging. Happy rabbits aren't generally aggressive but even the happiest bunnies may lunge, bite or give a sharp nip if they feel threatened.
A: Rabbits usually show aggression towards humans (and other rabbits) because of fear or frustration, or because they want to defend their territory. This can include nipping, biting and thumping their feet loudly on the ground; some rabbits also scream, which can be unsettling.
If they are sitting upright and their front paws are 'boxing' at you, they are likely very unhappy. Vocalising. Rabbits don't tend to make much noise and when they do it's a sign they're feeling very threatened. You may hear them grunting or growling and in extreme cases, they can scream.
Some rabbits, even ones who have bonded with you, don't like been picked up or hugged – this is not a normal thing for them. As they cannot run away, they may end up biting in an attempt to escape.
Remember that rabbits are ground dwelling creatures and liken being picked up to being captured by a predator – they are, after all, prey animals. Be prepared for it to take several months before they become comfortable with being handled.
Most rabbits love to be cuddled and stroked when approached in the right way. Few like being held or carried as being so high up from the ground makes them feel insecure, however, many will happily sit on your lap or snuggle up next to you for a cuddle.
Try to refrain from holding them every single time you interact with them. If you are trying to gain the trust of a shy rabbit, you will want to completely stop picking them up until your rabbit is very comfortable around you. Otherwise keep the cuddles to a minimum so that your rabbit doesn't become afraid of you.
We must not forget that rabbits are prey animals, and however much we domesticate them, we cannot get rid of the innate instinct to be afraid of the unknown. This means that a pet rabbit will still show fear over anything it feels threatened by.
Introductions start with a 15-30 minute car ride. Introductions take place away from the home rabbit's territory. The match is done slowly and carefully, building on positive bunny body language. The rabbits are supervised until bonding is complete.
If you notice that your rabbit has their ears completely pinned back against their body, they might be feeling nervous. They will usually be in a tense, crouched position. They might look like they're trying to flatten themselves to the ground. A bunny in this position is nervous or feeling stressed.
Many rabbits can be taught to trust you enough to pick them up, however. Rabbits also have other ways to show affection. If your pet rabbit trusts you, it may flop down next to you. It may lean against you, and it may even sit in your lap.
The first thought in a rabbit's mind when encountering another rabbit is "are you superior or inferior to me?" Classic signs of dominance are mounting (this can be done by either a male or female), chasing, circling and, if the other rabbit doesn't submit, nipping and fur pulling.
A rabbit who is angry will quickly twitch their tail up and down. Beware the rabbit holding their tail up, it is frequently followed by spraying. Rabbits who are not spayed and neutered will spread their scent by spraying everything in sight. They may also do this when they are upset or simply dislike a person.
Abnormal rabbit behaviour
Signs to look out for include biting the bars of their hutch, nipping at you, fur pulling or reduced grooming, changes in eating, drinking or toilet patterns, aggression, circling their run, sitting hunched up and hiding more than normal.