Why do rabbits growl at you?

Answer 1

Usually that means they feel very uncomfortable and want to be released from your arms. You are probably holding the rabbit incorrectly. Make sure you don't let the back feet dangle, that scares the rabbit.

Answer 2

Teeth and nails are a bunny's only defense mechanisms. If the bunny is scared or has been hurt it may bite to defend itself, also if it is tired of being held and wants to be left alone it may bite. Rabbits like the salt on our skin and may start out licking us but then decide a little nibble is in order. Once a rabbit starts biting it is next to impossible to break them of the habit.

Answer 3

because they are fierce

There could be a few reasons:

1) Male rabbits sometimes want to show dominance because before they were adopted they were lead of their warren (the group of rabbits).

2) We are giant, they are small, it is out of defence, or if there is a female he is protecting the female.

Both male and female rabbits sometimes bite people, and for the same reasons: fear, insecurity, anxiety, anger, etc.

Maybe the rabbit wasn't properly socialised as a baby, or maybe he or she was abused or neglected at some point in the past, or maybe you're not providing a very good lifestyle for him or her. Spaying/neutering the rabbit may help to reduce territorial/aggressive behaviours (like biting).

If your rabbit bites you when you try and pet him or pick him up, that means he doesn't trust you, and your handling him makes him anxious or frightened. You'll have to spend some time gaining his trust. Stop touching your rabbit for awhile, unless he comes up to you. Sit on the floor and when he hops up to you, pet him gently; when he tries to hop away, let him go. Never hold him back or pick him up. Most rabbits will never like being picked up: it's just not natural for them. Get used to the idea that you can only pet your rabbit on his terms! Rabbits are social animals, so as soon as he trusts you, he'll probably come to you for petting a lot.

If your rabbit bites you when you reach into his cage, to clean it or give him food or something, that means he feels insecure, like he needs to defend his territory. Make sure he has a nice big cage with all the necessary supplies. Also make sure that his territory is respected: don't let other pets, or kids, go into his cage. Loud noises, lots of movement and rushing around, and strong food smells can all make a rabbit anxious, so keep that stuff away from the rabbit's cage. Put his food dishes right by the entrance so that you don't have to reach in very far. Clean the cage when the rabbit isn't inside - if possible, when the rabbit can't even see you doing it.

If your rabbit bites you when you're stopping him from being bad (like destroying your stuff, or doing something dangerous), that means he's very frustrated. Give your rabbit plenty of fun things that are also safe - toys, play structures - and he'll be less frustrated.

Don't ever hit or physically punish your rabbit for biting you. It will only make him more upset and less trusting, and he'll only want to bite you more. It won't work to teach him a lesson. Rabbits respond to positive reinforcement only.

See the related questions below for more information about the above topics.

Answer 4

A rabbit can pounce like a cat! Sometimes when a rabbit pounces it may bite! Another thing; rabbits, especially does, can be really aggressive and make grunting sounds. When they are doing this, they can be in a biting mood!

Answer 5

Rabbits normally bite each other because they might be having fun so you dont need to worry. But sometimes rabbits fight so they bite each other. They only fight if they're both males.

Answer 6

They are licking the salt off of your skin and then they might take a sneaky little bite.

Answer 7

Rabbit's do bite when scared.

Answer 8

cuz it's mad