BlackRabbits
Well-Known Member
My little Rupert has discovered a new habit. He's 10 weeks old and lives in my hallway which I've converted to a pen with a tarp on the floor/walls and baby gates. I pass through the hallway whenever I have to get to the bathroom and bedroom.
He's been shy and reluctant to let me touch him, he's only been here for a week. When I walk past him I usually go slow and talk to him, and sometimes he comes and sniffs my bare feet (I wear flipflops in the house). If he's not too skittish I put my hand down to him and let him sniff. Yesterday he started doing more than just sniff. He now mouths and puts his teeth on my feet or hands. He's gentle about it, but I'm concerned it will become a habit and he might start biting harder. He's a big rabbit (Giant Chinchilla) so I'm guessing he could do a lot of damage if he wanted to.
I know it's a mistake for me to jerk my hand or foot away, it could encourage him to bite harder. So, what's the best way to gently discourage him from mouthing my hands or feet? Should I put something bitter tasting on my feet?
He's not neutered yet, could this be the beginnings of hormonal behavior (aggression)? Or is it just like a baby putting things in their mouth?
He's been shy and reluctant to let me touch him, he's only been here for a week. When I walk past him I usually go slow and talk to him, and sometimes he comes and sniffs my bare feet (I wear flipflops in the house). If he's not too skittish I put my hand down to him and let him sniff. Yesterday he started doing more than just sniff. He now mouths and puts his teeth on my feet or hands. He's gentle about it, but I'm concerned it will become a habit and he might start biting harder. He's a big rabbit (Giant Chinchilla) so I'm guessing he could do a lot of damage if he wanted to.
I know it's a mistake for me to jerk my hand or foot away, it could encourage him to bite harder. So, what's the best way to gently discourage him from mouthing my hands or feet? Should I put something bitter tasting on my feet?
He's not neutered yet, could this be the beginnings of hormonal behavior (aggression)? Or is it just like a baby putting things in their mouth?