A rabbit that swats, lunges or bites people does not necessarily hate them. This aggressive rabbit behavior is often the result of territorial and hormonal behavior in rabbits, or it is caused by fear.
A growling rabbits means exactly what you would expect. Your rabbit is angry and giving you a warning. Rabbit growling doesn't sound exactly the same as a dog, but it's not too different (example). When a rabbit growls, they will usually also lunge or swat at whatever is annoying them to try to get it to go away.
The most common reason rabbits suddenly become mean is because they hit puberty. Getting the rabbit spayed and neutered will typically fix their aggressive behavior. Other possible reasons for sudden aggression in rabbits include illness, territorial instincts, fear, partial blindness, and pregnancy.
Thus, your rabbit may interpret your hand approaching her face as a sign of aggression on your part. She is doing no more than meeting your (perceived) aggression with a defensive lunge. To break Jaws of her lunging habit, keep your hands above her head and away from her nose.
A rabbit will lunge or swat at you if they are being territorial or feeling scared. They will pull their ears back and bring their tail up as they make a quick lunge forward with their front feet. It will usually be accompanied by a growl, or possibly even a bite.
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.
Grunting: Grunting noises are angry reactions towards another rabbit or a person and should be heeded as a warning to back off; otherwise the rabbit might escalate by scratching or biting. Rabbits grunt when they feel threatened or territorial. Thumping: Thumping is an attention getting behavior.
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.
Boxing and lunging are aggressive behaviors. A rabbit will stand on their hind legs and punch with their front legs as if to “box” you or lunge at you. A rabbit may exhibit this behavior if they are frightened or uncomfortable with you entering their territory and touching their belongings.
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.
If your rabbit nips or bites you (sometimes rabbits nip when they want something or want your attention - it's not always aggressive): give a high-pitched squeal as soon as she nips or bites you. This will let her know that she hurt you and she should not nip or bite you.
If your rabbit is being aggressive, but you are sure they are not in pain, ask yourself whether they might be afraid of being handled, and why. Are you suddenly appearing where they didn't expect you to be? Speak to them as you approach so as not to startle them. Always use a calm, quiet voice.
A biting rabbit is usually a very scared rabbit, and this may be due to one of the following reasons: They have not bonded with you, either because they are new to the household, or this vital process has not been completed yet. Attempts to pick up your rabbit may lead to several loud thumps as a warning.
Thumping In Annoyance
The danger thump is the rabbit telling you he's uncomfortable and you might be in danger, too. The annoyance thump is your rabbit telling you he wants you to stop doing something or start doing something. Maybe you want to pick him up and he doesn't want that.
Generally, rabbits bite because they have a need to assert dominance, defend their food, or protect themselves from a predator. A dominant rabbit may bite an owner for no apparent reason. Indoor rabbits may suddenly nip at their owner's hands and/or feet when they move too close to the rabbit's territory.
He doesn't want to be in the cage and was telling you to get your hand out of his way. That's a rabbit temper tantrum. My Bridge bunny Stormy used to use his little hand slaps to show me he was displeased. He would also slap anyone but me who dared stick their hands in his cage.
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.
This is when one rabbit pushes themself against the ground and lays their ears down their back. This is submissive behavior. The lower-ranking rabbit will assume this posture if they believe the dominant rabbit is upset and don't want to challenge the higher-ranking bunny.
It is common for rabbits to be offended and hold grudges against people. The most common sign that a rabbit is upset is when they give you the cold shoulder, ignoring you and refusing to take any treats. Rabbits holding a grudge will also flick their feet and people and urinate in places they normally wouldn't.
Nudging, head butting or rubbing against you is rabbit body language for loving attention. 'Give them a stroke or cuddle, or what you know they enjoy', says Rosie. 'Rubbing their faces against you is a way of sharing their scent profile, and showing that you really are friends.
Rabbits typically run away from people because they are afraid or angry. The rabbit has learned from past experiences that humans will chase them, pick them up, or trap them into a small cage. Naturally, their instincts will see people as dangerous predators that need to be avoided.
Rabbits that seem to hate their caretakers are usually just scared and need to be given time to trust their people. In other scenarios, people may think their rabbit hates them because of a misinterpretation of their rabbit's behavior. You may have fallen for the myth that bunnies are supposed to be friendly or cuddly.
Most "bad" behaviour in rabbits stems from mistrust of humans or a lack of security in their environment and can therefore be overcome with time and patience. A rabbit may learn its behavioural pattern at a young age yet still be taught something different at an older age.
Depending on the severity of the offence, a rabbit can hold a grudge from hours to several days. Sometimes, a simple stroke on the forehead or an apologetic treat can remedy a miffed bunny, but if your rabbit is truly offended, they can sulk for quite some time!