Help, my rabbit is vicious

Sadly too many rabbits are selected for their appealing looks rather than being bred for their good temperaments as you would certain dog or cat breeds. Many owners are often young and do not understand the normal characteristics of rabbits.

*If you have adopted a fully grown rabbit that is timid and bites, do not be afraid to return it to the breeder or shop. Rabbits with wild tendencies do not make good pets and then can become neglected in hutches at the bottom of the garden.

*There are usually reasons though for rabbits to be aggressive. It can be a form of protection if your rabbit feels threatened.

*Ensure that the hutch you provide him with is large enough and that he cannot smell any 'predators' nearby.

*If your rabbit is vicious with another rabbit, try introducing them in a neutral territory such as the car. Be patient, but not all rabbits enjoy the company of other rabbits.

*Never put rabbits and guinea pigs together as a rabbit that becomes sexually mature, can hurt a guinea pig with its strong hindlegs. If you do have these pets together, always ensure that your guinea pig has somewhere to hide like a drain pipe to escape from a grumpy rabbit.

*Rabbits become sexually mature between 4 months (in smaller breeds) and 6-9 months (in larger breeds). It is recommended that young rabbits be separated into single sex groups at 16 weeks of age.

*They develop the normal sexually active behaviours by spraying, biting or producing pungent smelling urine during the breeding season in males (bucks) and females will come into season and some can show extreme forms of 'pmt' by becoming very aggressive and anxious.

*Routine neutering of both male and female rabbits is strongly recommended to control these behaviours unless you wish to breed from your rabbit. If you really do not want to risk an anaesthetic with your female rabbit (doe), you could try adding evening primrose oil to her food when she comes into season. This could help settle her hormones.

*Breeding is prevented by castration of male rabbits at about 5-6 months of age in males (once the testicles have descended), or spaying of female rabbits at about 6 months of age (before they put on weight!). Having your female rabbit spayed at between 6 months and and 2 years old also dramatically decreases the chances of her developing uterine cancer later on in life. In some breeds the incidence of this cancer is over 80% in does over 5 years. Both procedures involve full anaesthesia but every care is given to monitor your pet rabbit under the anaesthetic.

*Aggression in rabbits is very often sorted out by neutering your pet, but be aware that neutered rabbits are more prone to obesity as they grow older, so care must be taken not to allow overeating.

*It is vital handle your new young rabbit as far as you can when you first acquire your pet. Placing a towel over your lap and allowing your rabbit to come to you and sit on your lap initially (even providing titbits of tasty grass) is better than picking them up. Being raised above the ground and being held is not a normal 'environment' for a rabbit that is a prey animal in the wild and a ground-dweller. Get them used to being held first and then slowly lifted when they are young to prevent aggression later on in life.

*Sometimes giving your rabbit more stimulation such as making him a house rabbit can prevent signs of aggression.

*Be patient and persevere and you will have the pet you want.

Return to advice on rabbit behaviour