Biting Phase

Whenever I am sitting with my bunny she does this scratching thing with her paws (almost like digging?) and nips at me. Lately she has been chomping on me. She is almost 8mos old and has been fixed for quite some time now. Sometimes I do scoop her up to love on her and snuggle and I'm thinking she hates it.

The thing is, she will sit there and lick me while I pet her and then turn into a little beastie. She tends to mind her own business and suddenly jumps up on the couch and starts digging/biting on me.

That's insecure behavior. My Merlin does it too sometimes, especially when I'm sitting somewhere I don't normally sit. The hard part is figuring out exactly what's wrong/what they want! Maybe you move when she jumps up and she's afraid you might accidentally bump her off, or maybe she just wants attention? If she hurts you, squealing sharply has been said to help send the message not to do that.

My bunny will do the same thing when he need to go to his litter box.

Well, I sit in the same spot every time and sit the same way, yet she still does it. I was thinking maybe she wants me to move so she can have that space haha!

Yeah - don't pick her up. I know it's impossible but they really hate it. The digging/nipping is a way of saying put me down - or just back off, if she's feeling trapped and can't run away. Or a very aggressive "go away now please." Mine does it if I'm holding her for nails or grooming. If you have to squish her, pet her on the ground and don't try to restrain her in any way - if she walks away just let her.

After getting my bun as a baby, I noticed that every time after he did this, he would pee. I'm not sure about your bun, but I have learned from mine that it means he needs to go to the bathroom.

When she was little it was like that as well! If she was scratching I knew she had to potty. Now she does it and I put her in her cage and no peeing.

Lovelace does this to me, but he doesn't chomp, or bite hard, just tiny love nips, and than tons of kisses. I'd maybe start putting your bunny down on the floor when she does that, it will maybe help deter her.

I've tried everything. She's gotten so mean lately!

HarperBun said:

Whenever I am sitting with my bunny she does this scratching thing with her paws (almost like digging?) and nips at me. Lately she has been chomping on me. She is almost 8mos old and has been fixed for quite some time now. Sometimes I do scoop her up to love on her and snuggle and I'm thinking she hates it.

The thing is, she will sit there and lick me while I pet her and then turn into a little beastie. She tends to mind her own business and suddenly jumps up on the couch and starts digging/biting on me.

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Right before she turns into a little beastie as you say, what do her eyes look like? You should have plenty of warning if you pay attention to her eyes. Half closed or closed and ears in a relaxed postition, she's content. If the eyes are wide open while you're petting her, she's probably not too thrilled.

If she jumps on you and starts digging this can mean several things; get out of my way, move or I want you to groom me, pay attention to me, etc. Figuring out which one can be challenging so you have to experiment a bit.

Also, you will know a "I'm just trying to get your attention" bite from a real bite because if a rabbit intends to actually bite, you will bleed. Attention bites still hurt but won't usually break the skin. Just make a high pitch squeal or you can gently press down on her head and hold it there for a few seconds. That's what a momma rabbit does if the kits get out of hand.

Another thing is most rabbits don't want to be held. Some people get lucky and have a lap rabbit that enjoys it but overall it's not a position they feel comfortable in.

Thanks for the advice! I can't tell her "pay attention to me" bites from her "I'll kill you" bites. She does get mad when I have my iPhone when I hold her and she throws it. Generally she will relax with me and let me pet her, then wants down. I stop petting and set her down and she comes right back up and starts doing it again! Hah!

You will know a murderous bite when you get one! My ex had a chunk torn out of his arm from a furious and tiny Netherland Dwarf. If you're not bleeding, she didn't bite as hard as she totally could've.

She's a strong little beastie!