Rabbits have their own little personalities just like people do! Some can be more intense than others which is a big reason of why we are careful to breed for gentle and friendly temperaments; because it can be hereditary!
Puberty
Most behavior changes become noticed around 3 months of age when rabbits come to sexual maturity! Not always a bad thing either- this is when a majority of my kits become very curious, outgoing, playful, and cuddly! When a doe goes into heat, unlike other species, she does not come out of heat until she is bred or spayed. For a big majority of does they are so sweet natured that no one has any idea she is even in heat, and can go a lifetime without any issues of aggression. The same can be said about Bucks going a lifetime without aggression as well!
During a doe’s time of heat, some of them can get moody. It is important to keep this in mind when handling so you aren’t reaching for her from the back but rather your hands are coming to her from her face instead so she doesn’t mistake you for a buck trying to mount her... that sometimes is very unwelcome and scary to her because of the thought of another rabbit being in her home. That is when, if ever, does show aggression in my experience. The only time I’ve had bucks show aggression is when there was a doe in heat nearby and the breeding of other pairs has taken place. (Jealous much?? 😆)
Housing Aggression
Most are naturally territorial; some does can prefer not to live with other rabbits whereas bucks DO NOT like to have other bucks in their territory- they will fight until one dies! Bucks can be neutered and this almost always takes away that sense of territorial aggression. With does, the best plan of action when introducing a new house mate is to take her out of the cage and let the new rabbit spend a day or two putting their own scent on her home! Then, bring the doe back and do the introduction. That way she is coming into a new scent that is not just her own and they can live together peacefully!
When showing aggression, rabbits will lay their ears back and make a growling sound and lunge toward the “intruder” to let it be known to back off. When this occurs, keep your hands back and speak gently to your rabbit letting them regain their composure, then once again try to make contact coming to them from the face rather than the hindquarters. Sometimes a break is needed where the rabbit is left alone for a few minutes to calm down before attempting to handle them again.
Handling Aggression
Aggression can also come with rough handling as well. I’ve watched people handle their rabbits as if they were rag dolls. I’ve watched rabbits be hit in the face, their toes be caught in cage wires while their owner is pulling them to come out of the cage quite possibly breaking their toes in the process. It makes me cringe thinking about it!! And there are so many more instances I’ve witnessed of rough handling that has made the absolute best rabbits want nothing to do with people anymore. THIS kind of handling will either make an aggressive rabbit, or an absolutely timid rabbit to the point that they're assumed to be completely wild! I don’t blame them one bit.
Gentle is key, but to an extent firm handling is needed too. For example, Rabbits are very scared of being dropped. If they feel that they aren’t being held securely enough with their hindquarters especially not being supported well, they will kick and try to break loose to get to a safer place... usually with the outcome of the owner being covered in scratches and the rabbit breaking free and landing on the ground, which can easily break bones! Time will help you find the happy medium where both you and your rabbit can work together and have a fun experience. Always end handling time on a good note! When they have a good experience with you, that’s what they remember the next time you handle them and it won’t seem so scary.
Hopefully by reading this post, you don‘t feel intimidated, but rather perhaps now you have a better understanding of their thought process. So if you start to notice your rabbit is going in this direction you can ask yourself 1. Is it puberty related? 2. Could it be housing related? Or 3. Is it how you’re handling him/her? Feel free to reference this post! I also in the future plan to make videos on proper handling to help with picking up or even putting them on their backs for grooming on our YouTube channel! I’ll let you know when we get there 😉 until then, Happy Hopping!
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