ToxicHeaven wrote:I have a question for anyone who can offer some help.
After getting him I regularly go into his area and pet him and once every day or few I give him a treat so he is not spoiled. But lately when I go up to him he sniffs at my hand dodging pets and If I don't have a treat he bites, claws or kicks at me. I don't know what could have started the tantrums he even runs around kicking things if he doesn't get a treat.
tips? anything?
How old is the bun? Sometimes young rabbits will go through a "rebellious teen" phase where they become less cuddly. The moody behavior goes away when they mature. My little girl had her phase at around 5 or 6 months if I remember right.
If possible, getting the rabbit fixed if you haven't done so already may help these behaviors die down. Additionally, I would recommend more socializing than a pet once a day, especially if it's young. More contact helps form a better bond and makes the bunny more confident around humans.
It may also be how you are approaching the rabbit. Coming straight down on it while looming above the bun can be scary, since it's like an attack from above. Also, putting your hand down on the floor under its nose (like you would to a dog) can be misinterpreted as you trying to show dominance over the rabbit, since in their own little rabbit language placing the head down bellow another rabbit is a request to be groomed. This may offend them, and cause them to show you that you are not the boss bunny (Which is fine; you are in fact not a bunny, and the relationship you have is not dominate>subordinate. Later on you may find your rabbit may lick your hand in respect though, if your bond is strong.)
Also, do you pick the rabbit up a lot? Rabbits usually don't like being lifted so if you do that all the time it might think you're a little scary, and try to run away to avoid the disliked experience. Perhaps just try sitting with the rabbit in an enclosure and wait for its curious nature to cause your bunny to hop over to you. I find the like best being pet on the forehead.