I have acquired a bunny.

[Hellion]

I offered to take on my friends bunny when she moved until there was room at the rehoming centre. Trouble is..she's a really grumpy bunny, she growls and nips and I have to wrap her in a towel to lift her out into a run. I've rabbit proofed the garden and now let her hoppity about and she is then very happy, if I sit in the garden she'll sit / lie by me and let me stroke her.

I've kind of got quite fond of her and worry that because she's so grumpy no one would want to give her a home anyway and I hate the thought of her spending years at the rehoming centre, so it looks like we're stuck with each other.

Basically I don't know anything about rabbits but I don't want her to be unhappy can anyone give me any advice on how to make her time with me happy and any advice on why she's so grumpy.

Thanks

[Tarka2006]

Hi there,

I took on a rabbit from a rescue centre that was known for attacking people - and when on the ground in the garden he did run at my legs and tug my jeans a bit like a dog!

I think it was territorial - he probably felt nevous and attack was perhaps the best form of defence for him.

When picking him up however, he would snuggle into my neck under my hair and was soo happy to be cuddled & I never once felt worried he would bite me - (again a security thing).

I expect the same is of your rabbit - shes in unfamiliar circumstances and feel anxious when you approach her at the hutch, and loves being out as she can approach you at her leisure - try hand feeding her treats when she approaches you to show her you are a friend! :o)

It will take time, and gentle patience, but Im sure with this, your relationship will develop.

Wishing u such best of luck with this x

[aka estie]

Not much time tonight to write, but be sure to check out www.rabbit.org .... it is the best site for anything bunny-related. All the best, estie

[Hellion]

Thanks Guys!

[orange-gnome]

aggressive female rabbits usually need speying, they are very prone to cystic ovaries and this makes them incredibly hormonal and nasty. You will find that if you get her speyed, she will change dramatically.

[Kingaroo]

I was lucky, got a friendly bunny. But my friend Claudia has a little grump like yours. She is the only one who can touch it, and she worked for hours and hours over the course of several weeks. She lay on the floor next to it in a confined space and let it approach her till it felt confident.