Why does a rabbit bite: reasons and how to wean what to do if bitten to blood

At first glance, rabbits seem like cute enough creatures that just can't bite. However, despite the appearance, the animals are very capricious. The behavior of animals directly depends on their character. To determine the nature of a pet, it is worth analyzing its behavior. Sometimes pet owners have a question: why does a rabbit bite?

Why does a decorative rabbit bite and growl at the owner

The appearance of aggression in a pet causes serious concern in people. At the same time, in 99% of cases it is associated with the influence of external factors, which can be influenced.

Living space

If a rabbit bites, it is most likely trying to defend its territory. In such a situation, the owner needs to show a little patience. First you need to open the door and wait for the rabbit to get out by itself. Then you can clean the cage or play with the animal.

It is important to avoid loud sounds and sudden movements. The animal is recommended to be called by name. Do not hang over the animal - it is better to go down one level with him.

Water

Thirst can be the cause of aggression. Most often, it appears with a lack of moisture in the feed. It is important to ensure that clean water is present in the drinker.

How food affects

Twigs, coarse vegetables and hay should be present in the rabbit's daily diet. If you constantly use only granulated food, the animal will try to chew on something. In this case, it can bite the hands of the owner.

Sexual Activity

During sexual hunting, the female shows anxiety and concern. She may refuse food and show aggression. The male, which is nearby, acts similarly. Mature rabbits begin to bite at 4 months - this is the age at which sex hormones act on them.

To reduce the excitability of animals, it is recommended to castrate or keep them in pairs.

Caged Crowding

The reason for aggressive behavior may be the small size of the cage. In cramped conditions, the animal feels vulnerable. Due to psychological discomfort, the animal can bite its owner.

Also, the behavior of the animal is affected by the bright light in the room or the direct rays of the sun on the cage. The pet feels best in solitude, away from light sources.

Removal of waste products

It is permissible to clean up the cage when the animal is not in it. Otherwise, it seems to the rabbit that his space is being encroached upon, and he rushes at the owner. During cleaning, the animal should be moved to the carrier and let it run.

Microclimate in cells

Under natural conditions, animals spend a lot of time in underground burrows. It maintains optimal humidity and a suitable temperature regime - + 14-22 degrees. When keeping animals in an apartment, it is important to ensure that the cage is not located near the batteries and does not stand in a draft.

Rabbits can hardly stand the heat and increased dryness of the air. At temperatures above +30 degrees there is a risk of heat stroke. In the absence of an air conditioner, put cold bottles in the cage and spray it with cool water.

Diseases

If the rabbit has become aggressive, you can suspect the development of diseases. In such a situation, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian. The development of pathologies is evidenced by symptoms such as general weakness, loss of appetite, cold symptoms.

Sometimes rabbits are attacked by parasites. As a result, the animals experience pain and experience an itching sensation, which makes them aggressive. Another factor is the lack of vitamins. To prevent problems, it is important to provide animals with a varied diet.

How to wean a rabbit from biting

So that the rabbit does not bite, you should follow these recommendations:

Do not create stress for the animal. It transforms into fear and can become a cause of aggression. It is forbidden to forcibly pull the animal out of the cage. Do not catch or hold a rabbit by force.
Talk to your pet if you want to get closer to the cage. It is better to sit with the animal on the same level and call him by name.
It is strictly forbidden to kick, hit or stroke a rabbit hard. This provokes an increase in his fears.
When sexual aggression occurs, use medical methods to correct problems. These include sterilization or castration.
Inspire confidence in the animal. He needs to be picked up, given a treat, stroked. Under the influence of positive emotions, the animal will begin to trust its owner more.
Immediately after purchase, put in a cage and do not touch for several days. The animal must adapt to unusual sounds and smells. After a few days, you can try to establish contact.
If a rabbit rushes around the cage and scatters everything, you need to let him calm down. After that, it is recommended to feed him with carrots. Tasty grass will also work.
If a rabbit has bitten, you need to scream loudly. This will let the animal know that he did the wrong thing. After that, it is recommended to clearly say the word “no” several times and put him in a cage. After a while, the pet will stop biting.

You need to behave with the rabbit as calmly as possible and do nothing against his will - this will help to avoid the appearance of aggression.

What to do if a rabbit bites until it bleeds?

Domestic rabbit bites are not always safe for humans. Expressed fear in a pet can lead to serious injury. Children mostly suffer from animal bites. If your pet has been vaccinated against rabies, you should not worry. In this case, it is recommended to do the following:

Treat the wound with an antiseptic. For this purpose, alcohol, brilliant green or iodine is suitable.
Hydrogen peroxide will help stop bleeding. The concentration of the solution should be 3%.
Bandage the wound with a sterile bandage.

There are dangerous bacteria in the animal's mouth. However, they are much smaller than those of pets that eat animal food. Therefore, after rabbit bites, the risk of inflammation is much less, especially if the wound is treated in a timely manner with a disinfectant.

In rare situations, the bite area becomes inflamed. This situation often occurs in children due to a weakened immune system. If the area around the wound is swollen or red, you should consult your doctor. Most often, specialists prescribe ointments and tablets that have antibacterial properties.

It is worth considering that bites from animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies pose a threat to life. If a rabbit that has not been vaccinated has had contact with wild animals, the rabies virus may be present in its saliva. It poses a threat to humans.

In such a situation, after a bite, you should immediately wash the wound with an antiseptic and immediately visit a doctor. The specialist will draw up a vaccination scheme for a bitten person. It is important to strictly follow the vaccination schedule. Otherwise, the treatment will not work.

Decorative rabbits, as a rule, do not show aggression.However, fear can lead them to start biting. From the first days it is recommended to accustom the pet to hands. This will help him gain confidence in the owner and avoid undesirable consequences for all family members.