Rabbits aren't always the cute cuddly angels most people think them to be. Just like dogs (and people!), there are countless reasons why a rabbit could be experiencing behavioral problems. If your rabbit is displaying abnormal behavior, have a local rabbit expert help you in person. I am not responsible for the behavior of your rabbit.
Here are some common reasons why your rabbit might be having behavioral issues:
1. Genetics
Just like with every other species, a significant part of temperament is hereditary. Because the inheritance of temperament is so innately complex, it unfortunately doesn't always breed true. As such, even when both parents have wonderful temperaments, there is always a slight chance that through a random lineup of genes, you end up with a rabbit with a genetically poor temperament. Talk to the breeder or rescue that you got the rabbit from, and see what they say. If working with a problem animal isn't feasible for you, that's totally understandable. It's possible they may take the rabbit back, or offer another solution.
Some rabbit breeds also tend to be more high-strung than others. Many of the dwarf breeds and full-arch breeds are notoriously feisty. Make sure to really do your homework, talk to experienced breeders, and educate yourself on which breeds would be best for you. It's generally best to go with a more laidback breed if you are wanting a pet.
2. Incorrect handling
Improper or infrequent handling is a very common cause of behavioral issues in pet rabbits. Usually this presents in nipping, avoidance, and, most often, scratching and trying to escape being held. This is usually coupled with general bad manners, such as the rabbit jumping out of your arms to go back into its cage. Rabbits need frequent handling to become tame, so make sure you handle your rabbit several times a day to strengthen your bond with them and improve your handling skills.
3. Lack of handling at a young age
If the original breeder did not handle the kits frequently, they are likely to be distrustful of people. This is common amongst backyard breeders. Your best bet is to purchase a rabbit from a show rabbit breeder or from a 4-H/FFA member. Because these groups of people actively compete with their animals, these rabbits have to be accustomed to handling in order to have a shot at winning. They might have a rabbit available that wouldn't be a successful show rabbit, but would have a suitable temperament for a pet home.
4. Fear or pain
When an animal is in distress, it often results in abnormal changes in behavior or temperament. Make sure to always rule out fear or pain before diagnosing a rabbit with a behavioral problem.
5. Not setting boundaries
Rabbits have an affinity for nibbling on everything they can find, especially around weaning age when they are figuring out what they can eat and what they can't. Oftentimes they will become obsessed with nibbling on fabric, such as clothes, blankets, and even your hair! While these behaviors are pretty normal, they should be gently but firmly discouraged. When they are nipping or nibbling, gently bop them on the nose or push their nose away, telling them "No" in a kind but firm tone. It might take a few attempts, but as long as you are gentle but firm, they will get the message.
6. Need the bathroom
Oftentimes, perfectly good-natured rabbits will start squirming and nipping at their owners out of the blue. This is often when the rabbit has been held for a long period of time. Make sure to give them frequent potty breaks so as not to encourage squirming or nipping.
Here are some common reasons why your rabbit might be having behavioral issues:
1. Genetics
Just like with every other species, a significant part of temperament is hereditary. Because the inheritance of temperament is so innately complex, it unfortunately doesn't always breed true. As such, even when both parents have wonderful temperaments, there is always a slight chance that through a random lineup of genes, you end up with a rabbit with a genetically poor temperament. Talk to the breeder or rescue that you got the rabbit from, and see what they say. If working with a problem animal isn't feasible for you, that's totally understandable. It's possible they may take the rabbit back, or offer another solution.
Some rabbit breeds also tend to be more high-strung than others. Many of the dwarf breeds and full-arch breeds are notoriously feisty. Make sure to really do your homework, talk to experienced breeders, and educate yourself on which breeds would be best for you. It's generally best to go with a more laidback breed if you are wanting a pet.
2. Incorrect handling
Improper or infrequent handling is a very common cause of behavioral issues in pet rabbits. Usually this presents in nipping, avoidance, and, most often, scratching and trying to escape being held. This is usually coupled with general bad manners, such as the rabbit jumping out of your arms to go back into its cage. Rabbits need frequent handling to become tame, so make sure you handle your rabbit several times a day to strengthen your bond with them and improve your handling skills.
3. Lack of handling at a young age
If the original breeder did not handle the kits frequently, they are likely to be distrustful of people. This is common amongst backyard breeders. Your best bet is to purchase a rabbit from a show rabbit breeder or from a 4-H/FFA member. Because these groups of people actively compete with their animals, these rabbits have to be accustomed to handling in order to have a shot at winning. They might have a rabbit available that wouldn't be a successful show rabbit, but would have a suitable temperament for a pet home.
4. Fear or pain
When an animal is in distress, it often results in abnormal changes in behavior or temperament. Make sure to always rule out fear or pain before diagnosing a rabbit with a behavioral problem.
5. Not setting boundaries
Rabbits have an affinity for nibbling on everything they can find, especially around weaning age when they are figuring out what they can eat and what they can't. Oftentimes they will become obsessed with nibbling on fabric, such as clothes, blankets, and even your hair! While these behaviors are pretty normal, they should be gently but firmly discouraged. When they are nipping or nibbling, gently bop them on the nose or push their nose away, telling them "No" in a kind but firm tone. It might take a few attempts, but as long as you are gentle but firm, they will get the message.
6. Need the bathroom
Oftentimes, perfectly good-natured rabbits will start squirming and nipping at their owners out of the blue. This is often when the rabbit has been held for a long period of time. Make sure to give them frequent potty breaks so as not to encourage squirming or nipping.