How to Get Rid of Bad Nibbling Habits

Are you the owner of rabbits that occasionally like to nibble on you? Here we will explore what may be causing this behaviour and what you can do to prevent it!

Natural instincts

Healthy, happy rabbits aren’t generally aggressive. Sometimes, though, even if your bunnies are well looked after, they may lunge, bite or give a sharp nip. To understand this behaviour, you first need to understand your bunnies natural in stinks. Most bunny behaviour is rooted in a fear of ending up as food. When rabbits are chased, picked up, restrained, or if they’re subjected to noisy and unpredictable movements, they can feel under attack and it’s terrifying for them. This can cause defensive behaviour.

Like all animals, rabbits learn by association. If they resort to aggression, the person handling them will usually have fast movements or be putting them down too quickly. Here are some tips to help prevent this behaviour.

Rabbit relationships

Building trust with your bunnies can get rid of problem behaviours. It’s important to read your rabbits’ body language, and respect when they’re not happy about something. Keep in mind that it’s perfectly normal for rabbits to dislike close contact. You can help build trust and overcome this by gently handling them during all your interactions, but make sure that you’re not picking them up against their will, and that they appear comfortable throughout. To avoid triggering a fear response, it’s vital that your rabbit remain relaxed when you go to pick them up. If your bunny find these sessions stressful, it’ll affect their future behaviour. Take your time, this may take a few attempts. If they don't want to be picked up, simple try again later. If this behaviour continues, open their gate or door allowing them time to come to you. Starting slow is the key. If your bunny does bite you, avoid all punishment or shouting, as this will increase fear and destroy trust. Try not to repeat the actions that your rabbit have responded to aggressively. If your bunny has the chance to act out these unwanted behaviours over and over again, it’ll only reinforce the idea that it’s an effective option.

Medical matters

There could be underlying causes for your rabbits’ bitey behaviour! Pain or illness increases irritability in all animals and reduces their ability to tolerate a lot situations. Any rabbits showing aggression that is new or just not normal for them should be taken to their vet, in case they’re suffering from an illness. Ask your vet to look for dental issues, as well as joint or abdominal pain.

Aggression can also be hormone related! When both male and female rabbits reach sexual maturity, their drive to guard their territories, food and space is increased. This may be worse in unneutered male rabbits; they can become extremely sexually frustrated once they reach adolescence, which adds to their general stress levels. This is one reason why it is always a good idea to neuter and spay your pet.

Preventing aggression

Giving rabbits a sense of independence, space for freedom of movement and choice about whether or not to interact, will teach them that they have nothing to fear! Bunnies love to run around and bink, spending plenty of time on the floor with your bunny will allow them the space to do this. Thankfully, there are ways to help shy or aggressive bunnies get used to your touch. Stroke them gently while feeding a treat and don’t chase after them or react negatively if they choose to run away or hide. Try to save special treats, such as dandelions or fresh herbs, for these situations, so that an association is formed between your presence and a reward. With time, patience and a lot of gentle reinforcement, your bunny will become more than happy to stop the aggression and start showing affection!

Signs of Aggression & Stress

Rabbits respond in different ways. It is important that you can recognise any changes in the behaviour of your rabbit. In most cases, where rabbits are afraid they prefer to run away to a quiet and hidden location. This is normal behaviour, but is reason for concern if it happens more than just once in a while.

Some signs may include:

• appearing nervous (freezing, hunched up with ears flat against the body)

• being excessively jumpy and watchful (bulging eyes)

• being aggressive to people or other rabbits, particularly if the behaviour is unusual

• being aggressive when handled

• lethargy and lack of interest in its surroundings, food, hay or treats

• being restless

• being very inactive

• hiding or trying to run away

• breathing heavily

• altered toileting habits

• over-grooming or not grooming

• showing repeated movements that do not seem to have a purpose, such as biting a water bottle, biting bars, circling or head bobbing

Bored rabbits become unhealthy 

Rabbits rely on you to provide everything for them, including entertainment. You should make sure that your rabbit has enough mental stimulation from you and from its environment to avoid boredom and frustration.

A rabbit with nothing to do will quickly become unhealthy, unhappy and possibly aggressive. It is your responsibility to provide opportunities for your rabbit to satisfy all of its behavioural needs.

Suggestions include:

• foraging for food and having suitable objects to play with are excellent ways of ensuring a rabbit is kept properly occupied

• the company of another rabbit as rabbits are social animals in nearly every case

• the opportunity to investigate and spend time with unfamiliar items (as rabbits are inquisitive animals)

• providing your rabbit with suitable materials that allow digging behaviour and areas to mark its territory with chinning and a litter box.