Help, my rabbit is nipping me!

Nipping is a common and normal behaviour for rabbits, but it can be a worry for many new bun carers.

Rabbits nip for many reasons, but primarily as a way to directly communicate. They also use their mouth to move items, test new things, and wear down their incisors. A nip should not be confused for a bite, these are very different! 

Your rabbit may nip you for many reasons:

• Hormonal and nipping - being hormonally frustrated can lead to excessive nipping (also common with pregnancy)
  
• Referred scent - smelling another rabbit on will will result in nipping and digging at the scent on your clothing
  
• Asking you to move - if you are in their way you may get a nip or tug at your trouser leg telling you to move out their way
  
• Protective guarding - their space or companion if they feel under threat. A leader may nip you while you are fussing over their follower companion. They may also nip you while you are cleaning their territory as a way to ask you to stop touching their belongings.

Ask yourself, what is your rabbit trying to communicate with you? How is their overall body language when nipping you? Are they annoyed, with ears pinned back or grunting and lunging forward? Are they curious and excited? Understanding what your rabbit is saying to you will tell you whether the nipping is a concern or not.

What should you do?

Stay calm and don't react. If your rabbit is charging at you and nipping, don't move and stay quiet until they hop away. If it has become a habit, make sure to wear clothing that will allow you to stay calm and still even if you get a hard nip.

If your rabbit is being playful and is nipping your bum and hasn't learned that you don't have a fur coat to protect your skin like their companion does, gently but firmly push them away and redirect them. 

Don't reward! Rabbits are excellent learners and love to problem solve. This includes finding the easiest and quickest way to access resources. Nipping = treat is a great training tool your rabbit will use to teach you to give them attention. Never give your rabbit affection or treats while they are nipping you or directly after. Wait until they retreat and are calm. If your rabbit is struggling with you cleaning their space and finds this frustrating, remove them from the space before you clean. 

If your rabbit has not been spayed or neutered, have this done as soon as you can to prevent this behaviour leading to hormonal aggression.