Rabbit Web Discussion Board

hi
My sons and I got 2 bunnies several months ago hoping to house train them. they have a big cage in our family room and we let them run for a couple of hours a day. We also try to hold them each day. Both are females. The problem now is they are starting to bite and show aggression towards us. i feel discouraged as they have been always treated very gently and with great kindness. My sons are 11 and 14 and quite capable and comfortable being with animals,but this is discouraging them as well.
I am also surprised that the rabbits continue to run away each time we go to gather them up. We hold them gently and usually reward them with a piece of apple. Hope someone can help. thanks

HI Colleen,

We had a bunny some years back and had the same problem. This time, I researched on line sites to see what had gone wrong. What I learned is that most bunnies hate to be held, it scares them. They are naturally prey. You must earn their trust by letting them come to you. Even after a year our bunny likes me, but loves my husband. When he sits on the floor she jumps on his lap, climbs up his chest and washes his face. This is the ultimate sign of affection. We do occasionally have to pick her up to trim nails, etc. But she knows that we won\'t do this often. We let her come to us to be petted and groomed. The longer you do this the more trusting bunny will be. Also if you haven\'t had yours neutered, it\'s a must!! This will help with temperment and health. If you\'re wondering how to get bunny back into the cage when play time is up, this is what worked for us. We clap our hands and say \'bedtime\' and she usually runs right to her cage and jumps in. We started with just following her clapping and saying \"bedtime\" until she was annoyed enough to go to her house. NEVER reach in to grab her out of her house or to put her back. Her house is her kingdom. If our bunny is really stubborn, such as if she hasn\'t been out very long, then we use a light squirt with a water bottle. This works good when \"no\" doesn\'t work. They learn quickly. There are some good internet sites such as the National Houserabbit Society that can give you great advise.