Destructive behaviour in rabbits is usually caused, or made worse, by boredom and lack of stimulation. It can be greatly reduced with boredom busters... The term "destructive behaviour" in rabbits means things the rabbit may do either to itself or to objects around your home or garden.
The most common reason rabbits suddenly become mean is because they hit puberty. Getting the rabbit spayed and neutered will typically fix their aggressive behavior. Other possible reasons for sudden aggression in rabbits include illness, territorial instincts, fear, partial blindness, and pregnancy.
If your rabbit's behaviour changes or shows signs of stress/fear, seek advice from a vet or qualified animal behaviourist - they could be distressed, bored, ill or injured. - Rabbit's behaviour depends on age/personality/past experiences.
Abnormal rabbit behaviour
Signs to look out for include biting the bars of their hutch, nipping at you, fur pulling or reduced grooming, changes in eating, drinking or toilet patterns, aggression, circling their run, sitting hunched up and hiding more than normal.
Rabbit aggression towards humans usually means they're scared. These fears can result in biting. A rabbit could also bite because they're poorly, or because their hormones are raging. Happy rabbits aren't generally aggressive but even the happiest bunnies may lunge, bite or give a sharp nip if they feel threatened.
A rabbit who is angry will quickly twitch their tail up and down. Beware the rabbit holding their tail up, it is frequently followed by spraying. Rabbits who are not spayed and neutered will spread their scent by spraying everything in sight. They may also do this when they are upset or simply dislike a person.
If they are sitting upright and their front paws are 'boxing' at you, they are likely very unhappy. Vocalising. Rabbits don't tend to make much noise and when they do it's a sign they're feeling very threatened. You may hear them grunting or growling and in extreme cases, they can scream.
Rabbit syndrome is an antipsychotic-induced rhythmic motion of the mouth/lips, resembling the chewing movements of a rabbit. The movement consists of a vertical-only motion, at about 5Hz, with no involvement of the tongue.
In the wild, rabbits would spend their time digging, running, jumping, rearing up, hiding, eating, socialising with other rabbits (and being alone sometimes too). To allow your pet rabbits to carry out their natural behaviours they need to be given plenty to do.
Common reasons for unfriendliness in rabbits include illness, changes in their environment, loud noises, strong smells, and stress. Thankfully, this behavior will often go away in a few days, and your rabbit should be back to normal. A hostile rabbit may express its displeasure in a number of ways.
Rabbits that become depressed will usually sit around for most of the day. They will often lose interest in eating, grooming, or even socializing. Some rabbits who become depressed will even resort to aggressive behaviors, such as biting and swatting.
A peanut is a rabbit that is genetically unable to grow and thrive. Within a matter of hours or days, its brief life will end. A peanut has some telltale characteristics that are present at birth or shortly thereafter.
Rabbit's ADHD is a rigid, over-focused type that can appear to be obsessive. Rabbit-types can often get stuck on a concept and cannot move forward. Rabbits have a hard time shifting from one activity to another.
Signs of pain include: > grinding teeth > rapid and shallow breathing > pulling hair > decreased grooming > hunched posture > lethargy > increased thirst and urination > a reluctance to move > bulging, strained, staring, or unfocused eyes.
You notice your rabbit's fur appears dull or is missing in places. You notice your rabbit is drooling, has facial swelling, or is having difficulty eating. You notice signs of upper respiratory issues with your rabbit.
The most common sign that a rabbit is upset is when they give you the cold shoulder, ignoring you and refusing to take any treats. Rabbits holding a grudge will also flick their feet and people and urinate in places they normally wouldn't.
At as early as 3 to 4 months of age, does often become more aggressive to people and to other rabbits and pets, they can have intense mood swings, they mount companions, they spray urine, and they may begin digging and nesting.
Their ears will lay back at a 45º angle and their tail will go up. Their nose will also usually be going very fast. If your rabbit is getting aggressive because they are scared, they might be leaning away from you, but if they are territorial, they may be leaning toward you.