When you first get your rabbit, it can be difficult to understand why they’re acting so strangely. They can act aggressive, nippy, or even destructive!
The main reason is because they don’t trust you yet. It’s important to rebuild their trust and get them used to being picked up so you can pick them up again without fear of them running away.
1. They’re scared
A rabbit’s natural instinct is to run away from any predator that it perceives as a threat. This is a survival mechanism that helps them keep alive in the wild. Rabbits are also prone to fear for other reasons, including their living environment and past experiences.
The first thing you should do is identify what’s causing your rabbit to be scared. If they’re scared of your dog, for example, then it would be best to try and eliminate that source of their distress – even if it means you have to move the dog out of the room or put the rabbit in a different cage altogether.
If your bunny’s posture is tense and their front paws are positioned in an aggressive stance, this is another sign they’re feeling threatened. They may also thump their feet, which is a normal reaction to something they’re afraid of.
In extreme cases, your bunny might scream and show their teeth. This is a sign that they are extremely afraid and need to escape quickly.
Your rabbit might be shaking and trembling as well, which can indicate they are very stressed. This is a normal reaction to stress or anxiety and you should comfort them if they are in this state.
Alternatively, your rabbit might be showing signs of fear by displaying their front teeth and grunting or growling. This is a strong and immediate warning to you that they are very worried.
If you’re still not sure what the problem is, then your vet may be able to help. They can test for underlying causes of fear, such as a history of fearful behavior in your bunny, which can then be tackled with some behavioural therapy.
2. They’re angry
A rabbit’s natural instinct is to run away, and they may do it for a variety of reasons. It could be because they’re being cornered, like in a cage, and it can cause them to feel uncomfortable. If you want to avoid this, it’s best to give your rabbit a home they can hop in and out of themselves.
Another reason is that they’re trying to get your attention, like with a good old-fashioned petting. If they’re in a good mood, you may be able to pick them up and pet them. But if they’re not in the best mood, it’s best to let them go at their own pace.
When it comes to petting, a bunny is usually more than happy to have a quick scratch behind their ears or at the top of their head. It’s also a good idea to be careful not to stroke them underneath their chin, which they don’t particularly care for.
This is because they have special scent glands in their chin that let them know where they are in relation to everything around them, and it’s a good way to tell if you’re intruding on their territory.
The fact that a rabbit can actually do this is a little bit awe-inspiring, and it’s an excellent indication of how much they enjoy being handled. Of course, they don’t do this every time, but when they do it’s a great sign that you are doing something right. Ultimately, though, this is just a rabbit’s way of showing their affection. If you really want to show your bunny how sweet they are, try a tummy rub or some cuddle time.
3. They’re bored
Rabbits are incredibly skittish animals and they often run away when they’re nervous. This can be caused by a number of things, including fear, anxiety, and misunderstandings about their environment.
During this time, they may act aggressively in an attempt to protect themselves or their home. If they do run away, it’s best not to chase them. Instead, gently herd them back to their cage or enclosure. This will help them feel secure and less likely to re-exhibit this behavior.
They might also try to get your attention by chewing on household items like baseboards and rugs. This can be a sign that they are bored and seeking your company.
To prevent this, be sure to offer your rabbit plenty of enrichment and toys to keep them entertained. They’ll also need a lot of space to move around so that they can explore and play.
In addition, it’s important to pay attention to how your rabbit interacts with you. Some bunnies love to be petted on the top of their head or behind their ears, while others will shy away from these areas.
Regardless of where your rabbit prefers to be petting, make sure you’re not pushing their noses down toward the floor or lifting them by their ears (which can cause injuries). If they do run away, this might be a sign that they are afraid of you, but it’s best not to worry about it.
Bored rabbits can often become depressed and will begin to lose interest in eating and grooming themselves. They might even stop taking care of their coat, which can lead to dull, scraggly skin. Fortunately, there are many ways to treat this problem and help your bunny feel happier and more comfortable in their surroundings.
4. They’re sick
One of the most common reasons that your rabbit runs away from you is because they are sick. Oftentimes, rabbits don’t even realize they are getting sick until it’s too late.
This is particularly true if your rabbit has just had surgery or received a vaccine. A vet checkup is the best way to make sure that your bunny is healthy enough to be around you again.
A sneeze is probably the most obvious sign that you’re getting sick, and a cough will be the next. In general, cold symptoms usually subside in a few days.
It’s also possible that your rabbit is exhibiting the other health-related signs of illness, like fever and chills. If you’ve been suffering from a cold for more than a day, get to the doctor right away.
Rabbits have big ears, and they’ll use them to their advantage when they need to listen to something important. This is a good thing, because they might be on the lookout for danger in their surroundings.
The most important thing to remember is that rabbits are prey animals, and they have a bad case of anxiety about anything they think could be dangerous. If you’re ever worried that your pet is getting too anxious, it’s always a good idea to leave them alone and give them some space.
It’s important to note that not all rabbits behave this way. If your rabbit is a happy, well-adjusted rabbit that isn’t afraid of being handled, they may not run away from you as much as they used to. But if you see the telltale signs of an anxious or scared rabbit, it’s time to get them checked out by a vet.
5. They’re unneutered
A rabbit’s instinct is to run away from anything that they perceive as a danger. This behavior is especially true if they’re not feeling well, or if they’re unneutered.
It’s also common for them to spook from new things, such as sudden movements or sounds. It’s important to remember that rabbits are prey animals, so they can be extremely skittish and wary of humans.
Rabbits who are unneutered are more prone to hormone-related behaviors like sudden mood changes. They’re also more likely to become overly aggressive, because testosterone surges can cause them to act more dominant and obstinate.
This can lead to fights, which can cause injury and illness. It can also increase their risk of spreading diseases, such as feline AIDS and feline leukemia.
The best way to combat this is by neutering your rabbit. It’s a great way to prevent them from becoming pregnant and it can help reduce the number of unwanted kittens that are born.
They’re also less likely to roam and seek mates. If you have two cats who aren’t neutered, it’s a good idea to separate them until they are both neutered so that they don’t roam for potential mates.
Getting your cat spayed or neutered is also an excellent way to reduce the number of homeless cats in your community. Millions of cats are euthanized every year because there simply aren’t enough homes for them.
If you have an unneutered male cat, it’s a good idea to get him neutered as soon as possible so that he doesn’t become a nuisance. Having him neutered will also prevent him from doing undesirable things like spraying urine or fighting with other cats.