How To Groom an Aggressive Rabbit

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This video is all about how to groom an aggressive rabbit. My bunny Ebony was a rescue who had bad experiences with humans in the past; because of this she gets very nervous and can show aggressive behavior when being groomed or approached by humans. This video is all about how I manage to brush her, clean her scent glands, hocks, etc. Enjoy!
Grooming Sterling: • How To Groom a Bunny -...
Scent Gland Cleaning: • How To Clean a Rabbit'...
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[@oscarpearson7950]

I think people forget just how complex rabbits are. If you live in the same house with one or two you realise just how intelligent and sensitive they really are. I think Ebony loves you and you did extraordinary well ! You have provided a great home to a rabbit who would otherwise have been discarded. You should be proud!

[@TorbjornBakker]

I don’t think Ebony does love her!

[@isaiahsantiago7736]

Rabbits in fact are the opposite of complex, the issue is the huge percentage of misinformed people who purchase a rabbit. It’s the reason it’s the third most dumped animal. They’re essentially a pet baby. If they were any smaller they’d be guinea pigs and those animals are incredibly stupid. Don’t get me wrong though I love bunnies but they suffer from way less domestication. Therefore they are harder to take care of. That part is complex but definitely not their behavior. They are prey animal

[@ShiningStarrz]

I think this is one of your best videos. Rabbits aren’t always cuddly and easy to manage. They need love and patience. My girl does that grunting too and hates being groomed or handled but I’ve learned how to manage her and wouldn’t trade her for the world. People have to see all aspects of bunnies

[@vanessaallen8758]

Ebony is adorable, and she has a "voice" and isn't afraid to use it.

[@ashleybarger2024]

This breaks my heart that she’s so afraid of attention and interaction well with grooming but great she has a home with you she feels safe thank you!❤️ She’s adorable 🥰

[@joart6542]

My rescues hated being touched at all, the thing that helped us bond and eventually led to them being ok with pets and limited grooming, was some advice I found in the library. When they are grooming themselves or each other sit down and brush your hair with them :) They were so confused at first lol. But after the second time the bravest one, princess, came over to sniff the brush. After a few times more she started demanding I use the brush on her :) then the other more timid one came around a little, though I never could get them to let me clip their nails so we did regular vet visits :)

[@christinaeilert240]

I almost never comment on KZbin, but I have to say, we have 4 of our own rescue bunnies (none who tolerate grooming well at all) and have fostered a bunch of buns, and this video is everything. Thank you for showing that bunnies have their own say, their own boundaries, and that not all of them are quiet and demure. 😝

[@chenoabryan8458]

Do you have the vet trim the nails? I just found a holland lop on the side of the road after an ice storm:/ I have two mini Rex who let me groom them. This guy? Totally the opposite from mini Rex… he’s got a funny personality, but hates to be picked up. He only let me upon his rescue as he was cold and starved

[@HealingBadBitty]

I’m happy this video exists! My rabbit is going on 2yrs old and she is just starting to warm up to me. My best friend got her when she was about 6months and the seller let us know that she had been neglected and may have ptsd. And we were like “yea right”. Until we brought her home and she was extremely aggressive and territorial. My friend moved, I kept the rabbit and realized she has never been groomed and her nails are my biggest concern so thank you!

[@fairmaiden6472]

I love how honest you are. Its important that we know what to expect rather than just the nice things. Otherwise we will think its us

[@laurievandunk5149]

I can't thank you enough for show us how to groom an aggressive buns! Our Louie is aggressive and I thank God he ended up with us. I don't think anyone else would love him like we do! He's just not cuddly and doesn't want to human most of the time lol! I love him enough for both him and I :D He's only 8 months old and I just had him neutered in July and he's not bonded with our girl bun yet. I'd love more info videos like this!!!

[@Trainingthroughlife]

Ebony’s aggression got 100x better once she was bonded! I hope it helps your bunny too!

[@lazyhomebody1356]

I had a non-friendly rabbit too but after a few years she let me know she LIKED me anyway, lol

[@BorderlineRatLady]

I’m no rabbit expert but the fact that she allowed you to do her nails and didn’t bite despite being scared is amazing. It’s obvious she isn’t aggressive because she isn’t actually trying to bite you unless she you are grooming her. Thank you for sharing this xx

[@Jinrikagero]

she is aggresive. i have a little girl like her. wont bite but will physically show her protest. they tolerate a lot from their humans though not so much to strangers

[@AMFibers]

I really appreciate you sharing this. I completely understand why you didn't show us earlier - she's your baby and you don't want anyone saying mean things about her! But Ebony is very clearly just scared, which is not her fault. I've gotta groom my buns today and they hate it. They don't try to bite but they make their displeasure known - Pinecone shuts down and Berry tries to run away. But Pinecone is a lazy lop so someone needs to clean his butt and, unfortunately, that someone is me. 😅

[@OhNoRebecca]

I just have to say that Pinecone and Berry are the cutest names ever.

[@AMFibers]

@@OhNoRebecca thank you! We were at a rescue to get a friend for Pinecone and when we heard Berry's name it was meant to be. She was found in a UPick raspberry patch, hence the name. I guess she went right up to some people who were like "that's not a wild bunny" (she's a Netherland dwarf). They took her to the owner of the patch who said "oh there's a breeder next door. Their rabbits get out sometimes." Well Berry was in pretty bad shape so instead of taking her back to the breeder, the people took her to a rescue. And now she's our Berry Queen.

[@cyberbunni]

@@AMFibers as they should! i’m glad berry is in a nice home with you and pinecone :)

[@bunninsula5849]

If you are against animal abuse (dog fighting, rodeos, bestiality, etc.) then I highly recommend abstaining from meat, dairy, fur, and leather whenever possible. Check out Dominion 2018 on KZbin to see why.

[@PrettyOwl_Art]

I needed this so badly. I was feeling so distraught that my bunnies absolutely detested getting groomed and their nails clipped, which made them lash out when they really had enough, but seeing your bunny reacting similarly makes things easier again. Thank you so much for this video!

[@karenablue]

Thank you for showing this! I have a bun who isn’t the nicest but we still bond. It’s good to see another side of a rabbit that isn’t glamorize

[@sadeortiz7778]

I'm glad she's in good hands and I'm glad you gave that message about not all rabbits being sweet cuddle bugs. Rabbits, like any animal are hard work and each has their own quirks and boundaries that should be respected.

[@SirXer]

I've never in my life heard such a grumpy bun, the poor dear! You're doing such a great job taking care of her, and she's got such a loving home

[@candicerose13]

SO tired of all these channels that act like they have perfect buns on KZbin. Thank you for sharing your real experience, so refreshing. Following!

[@bunninsula5849]

don't assume all rabbits have behavioral problems. they're as varied as humans, and some of those buns might actually be "perfect"

[@emapelikanova478]

She's like: „STOP STEALING MY BUTT TUFTS.“

[@LimeObeans]

butt tufts ftw

[@rabbitcreative]

> tufts Glad to see someone else uses this word. I look forward to warmer weather, when I get to pluck big tufts from my cat's rear. :)

[@emapelikanova478]

@@rabbitcreative I've seen it on a bunny group and I like it more than mom calling her bunnies longer butt fluffs "butt curtains" or "butt skirt" :D (Her bunny doesn't have tufts but literally has longer fur on her butt and it looks like a skirt.)

[@ReaperWithHips]

Lmao

[@danasong6102]

Aww Ebony is so cute. I have a rabbit who tends to bite when I cut his nails. I now use gloves that are knife-resistant during grooming, and boy is grooming much easier and faster now. No need to work around in order to dodge the bites. There are knife-resistant gloves that extend up into the arm as well.

[@theHiJynx]

Thank you for sharing the less glamorous side of having a rabbit. Before, I had tried desperately to find a video like this to help me figure out how to groom my headstrong bun, who HATES being held. All I found were seemingly perfectly behaved rabbits, which was really disheartening.

[@MichelleD10S]

Thank you for saying this! I agree my bun hates being held so I find it best to put him in a carrier and then pick him up that way since it's less stressful

[@joy941]

I’ve been following your channel for 5 years and got my rabbit a week ago. Thank you so much for all your advice!

[@jonnaanello6767]

I've followed you for a while and I rescued my female holland lop in December 2020. She has been such a handful because she was abused/treated wrong before ending up in the shelter, and I have been dealing with her aggression since (she was about 9 months old and is now 1.5 years old). There have been many times I have wanted to give up, but I have the same feeling that someone else wouldn't give her a chance. She has since improved after spaying, but still has triggers that I have slowly learned over the past year. It is so nice to hear a similar situation because I love her so much, but hate that not many people can approach her.

[@marionberg8613]

This is a very important topic, so thank you for sharing! Its understandable why you didnt before. I've had people tell me when ive been scratched by my rabbit (by accident i picked him up and he didnt feel secure) that if they had him and he scratched them, he would be out of their house immediately. It's sad that she is afraid to an extreme extent. But it is beautiful that you have been willing to take good care of her because she deserves that much. ❤

[@lightningstriking7]

I hate people who say things so insensitive about bunnies and they don't know a damn thing about them. Kudos and bless you and everyone like you who take care of these precious and oftentimes poorly misunderstood creatures sent to us from Heaven above....

[@marionberg8613]

@@lightningstriking7 Agreed... it gets old and hurtful. They are like little fuzzy fluffy babies and people act like they are nothing, but meat and destructive. And i feel like they should be blessed for dealing with me always barging in unannounced, and having to do grooming. They are so patient with me 😩😅

[@experiencetherain]

It’s amazing you rescued ebony and gave her probably the best rabbit home there is, not many people would have tolerated her aggression, so there is absolutely no need for anyone to judge you! I’ve had a few rabbits in my past, and fostered cats too, I’m a dog person though and don’t really get much benefit from a cat or rabbit relationship, so I don’t have them as pets of my own. However, it’s not always about that- when you’re rescuing, it’s often not about you, it’s about giving them love and security, even if you may not ever receive the love back, like you said, you still love and care for them, and enjoy them anyway. I think that’s amazingly noble.

[@kiwihunter8]

This was awesome and so brave. Seeing you interact with her lunging and grunting gives me a lot more courage. Thank you for showing this more challenging grooming session!

[@River13Sky]

THANK YOU for sharing this. I love being able to see a rabbit reacting naturally--we love them the more we understand them, including their difficulties and differences. Thank you for providing us with the help to assist all bunnies.

[@marybelliotti894]

Thank you for this! It’s the most helpful video I’ve seen! We’ve had several rabbits but none were as aggressive as our current 2 year old broken black bun, Toby. Like Ebony, he won’t tolerate being a bunny burrito. It’s amazing how strong he is! Toby allows us to brush him when he feels like it, for short spurts. But our first attempt at nail trimming was a disaster. So we’ve had to take him to the vet to trim his nails. He’s definitely our biggest challenge yet. You are so wonderful with Ebony. She’s very lucky to have found you. Thank you!

[@rebeccajones9757]

Aww! She's cute even though she's grumpy. You're taking such good care of her.

[@Cruz_Ctrl]

I’ve been watching your content for years since the Mocha days and hav had bunnies for ten, but today was the first time I saw this video and followed every step, I had the best grooming session ever with an elderly “nippy” but and she was purring by the end and giving me nose bumps on my nose. Amazing please keep the videos up!

[@Cruz_Ctrl]

Bun* not but hahaha 😂

[@SquirrelThis]

2 minutes into your description and I already LOVE her! She's a fighter 🥰 She's just saying "I ain't no victim no more!" She is adorable and you are wonderful 💝 if you genuinely understand rabbits you'd be able to see that despite outward appearances she clearly loves and generally feels safe with you, she'd have bolted if she didn't. She's just saying "Hey I love you, so why the touching? We've had this conversation!". Totally understandable you really get them and you are the best type of bunny owner, you put the animals interests before your own wants... Very rare! Subscribed. Thank you

[@shaybladescutlery9151]

Glad you showed this behavior and dealing with it, people think bunnies are always so sweet, but they dont realized that they can be aggressive, and they have teeth like scissors. I have had to administer oral medications to my rabbits and have received a few nasty bites from it. I still have the scars to prove it. But like you said its fear based so I cant get mad at them for biting. I just have to learn to live with it.

[@carolcarol89]

Probably the best video about grooming bunnies I've seen. Super tired of people repeatedly teaching the obvious with super calm bunnies. Mine's the sweetest, but he hates having his hind feet touched, so I haven't tried trimming those nails myself (only the vet!), but I really need to learn. Thanks!

[@tinam5929]

Does the vet charge extra for grooming/nail trim?

[@carolcarol89]

@@tinam5929 Here in Brazil they don't. Nail trimming is included in the appointment if needed/asked. I don't know about other countries.

[@WhiteHorseStudioArt]

This is honestly one of the cutest things I've ever seen. Even angry she is adorable!!

[@sarahperry8911]

I was thoroughly impressed with how well you handled her and able to cut her nails!?? Like what. My rabbit is a sweetheart and I still struggled with nail cutting. I couldnt handle if he tried to bite me during that process lol. Kudos to you. She is still cute even feisty 😂

[@58drummerdude]

I just found your video and can't thank you enough!!!! I have 3 rabbits, 2 rescues one much like Ebony and grooming has always been a 2 person nightmare. I just clipped everybody's nails by myself with significantly less drama! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!!

[@Mooseisdawg]

I personally am so happy and relieved to see someone who finally is comfortable showing what Roberts can really be like sometimes. I personally used to have a fearful rabbit and people would always be like, she’s so aggressive but people never knew her story and she went through a lot. I think everybody no matter what they’ve been through deserves a very good home in love and kindness. I love her gentle and kind you are with Ebony, I would’ve never known that she was aggressive but thank you for education and know that all these videos have helped me for years with my rabbits.!!!

[@Szalonakami]

Poor baby her grunting makes me sad and wonder what she’s been through. She is very lucky to have you. You are very patient with her.

[@sharronlopez2520]

You are a special person to take and love this rabbit I’m not sure I could do it ❤❤❤

[@arjay9745]

I think you're doing a great service by showing people this behaviour and how you deal with it. I also completely understand why you would want to edit it out, to kind of allow her the dignity of not being shown at her 'worst'. But it's also, in a way, granting her dignity to show the world that she can be accepted and loved just as she is. Poor sweet baby. May whoever made her afraid know fear themselves someday and have the opportunity to have a good, long think about it.

[@Dolly_the_Witch]

I just rescued a bonded pair of rabbits. Thankfully I’m extremely understanding and patient, And familiar with reading animal behavior. One of the rabbits is very aggressive towards me. Thankfully no bites yet. But they are both on medication due to infection right now and it’s been difficult. Thank you for the video! I definitely needed this

[@walshy886]

Thank you for taking this girl on. Lots of formerly abused rabbits aren't "fun" and cuddly, but they need our care. You have reduced the stress in her life 100%.

[@adventuresofindigo3790]

I know this bun is being dead serious but those grunts are just the most adorable thing ever!!! She's such a beaut! I admire you for giving her a home and changing her perspective. I rescued an abused rabbit that is SO skittish! Like, he allows me to touch him maybe once a day. And he'll never be the cuddle type. But honestly I couldn't imagine my life without him, or his without me. Take care oxox

[@kyleemayne5796]

I cannot thank you enough for sharing this. My bunny and I really appreciate this

[@sara7442]

You're amazing for rescuing her, helping her and giving her the loving home she deserved❤️

[@BlackTinkerbelle97]

love your honesty! its so important to show a realistic picture and I think its so lovely of you to take on a rabbit like ebony. Also I knowits kinda bad but i find her growling sooo cute

[@st3vie333]

as someone that has an aggressive rescue too i love to this this representation

[@Rabbit0King]

Thank you for sharing this! A lot of people see adorable videos of rabbits that are super bonded with their owners and chill, but they don't realize that rabbits can have behavior issues or distrust of humans. I think it's wonderful you appreciate that your rabbit cherishes her relationship with another rabbit. Many pet owners don't acknowledge that it doesn't have to be about them. You're doing great!

[@sasahara439]

Poor baby, I'm glad she has found a nice human like you to take care of her. Its good that you show this side of rabbits, too. Rabbits are not a children's toy and people should see that before they get a rabbit.

[@bobbobbins6411]

Awwww bless you for keeping her, loving her and for the care you give her.......You and Ebony are beautiful :)

[@shekharswarnakar5592]

How can someone throw these babies out? They're even more loveable than a human child.

[@vanessaallen8758]

I can relate, I just adopted a very wonderful, independent minded little bunny. He tends to nip when he wants his way or he thinks he's boss. He used to nip more aggressively out of fear due to past abuse from another home he was in but he's improved thanks to the rescue person that saved him and since he's been with me. He can be lovey, but on his terms, you can't take it personally, you just have to respect them, and the fact that she'll interact with you shows her respect

[@yabetta]

This is such a great share. I found the sweetest most cuddly bunny, but it's so important that people understand they arent all like that! You did so great with her. 💗

[@AndiLockVideos]

Omg! Thank you for this! This is the video I’ve needed!!!! We found our little guy severely injured and dumped in the park. His first couple months with us were not fun for him while we treated his horrific wounds. I’m convinced that because of his experiences with the humans that abandoned him and the ways we had to care for him, he’s very fear aggressive with us. I’ve been putting off nails for far too long. This is so how Mr Sawyer responds to us trying to groom him. Makes me feel better, less alone in this. Again. Thank you!

[@frankiewarden9336]

Thanks for raising awareness about this! Rabbit personalities can vary just as much as human personalities; I’ve had five over my lifetime and each one has been unique. I’ve got one girl currently who is very distrustful of people (she is a rescue) and she is very sweet and lovely up until I have to groom her - so seeing this was very validating, as I follow basically the exact same routine as you!

[@Mskatielynneinparis]

I have a rescue rabbit… I am SO GLAD she’s not like this. I’m slowly realizing what works for my rabbit and what doesn’t. They are definitely a lot of work!

[@anotherwesley7661]

thank you for these boss battle strats lol i have two ex-feral rescues who both get unbelievably stressed out by grooming and it's genuinely kind of a relief to see that hating being brushed/handled falls within the range of normal bunny behaviors and isn't a result of me screwing something up. also the tip with the phone flashlight was really useful!

[@Gabby-rq3cf]

I loved that you showed this! You're right, a lot of people forget they're prey animals. My bun hates being picked up but she's happy to sit for pats or jump into your lap

[@MsCalifornia00]

omg the similarities between ebony and my dutch are crazy! the grunting and the quick hop to face you and act like you’re the bad guy 😂😂❤️

[@LadyAnelim]

You don't know how important this video is! My rabbit Ragnar hates being groomed and seeing all this bunnys being so chill in grooming videos made me think I was doing something wrong. He's my first, I rescued him from the streets and, judging by the state of his coat when he arrived (It was so matted that the vet recommended to shave everything), it's possible that he's previous owner never even brushed him. I'm happy to take good care of him now but sometimes is really hard to know if I'm doing a good job when all I see is perfectly chill bunnys. Thank you for this video!

[@giorgialiounis91]

So good for you for keeping her. I kept mine because I was afraid she wouldn't be adopted either.

[@LoveABun]

How to easily and safely catch and pick up a timid, fearful rabbit… we need a video demonstrating that, please, Haley!

[@hebertheberthebert]

Please! Mine would not let me pick him up. I can pet him but there is no way i can clip his nails

[@tatianalagrave8201]

Me three!

[@lethe.archive]

honestly this is a great message for all pets. I know especially with cats and fluffy prey animals it can be hard not to want to cuddle them and pet them but especially if they’re a rescue there’s no guarantee that they like that. the best thing to do is respect their boundaries and do what’s best for them.

[@thepetchannel3950]

This is so sad knowing what some animals go through. I’m so sorry about what happened to Ebony. I understand why u wouldn’t want to share this but I’m glad u did. Sometimes (not always) rescue rabbits do have issues but I’m glad u explained this to people who may not know. Thank u ☺️

[@notpadme]

finally i’ve found another rabbit who’s as vocal as mine! thank you for posting this

[@heatherfarmer6318]

This helps so much! it’s hard having an aggressive animal (I had an aggressive dog) but I still love them just the same. They may need a little more work or you work with them a different way, but they’re still family and I still love them so much 💜

[@kim9240]

I think it is great you decide to keep her and who cares if she don't love you, you love her and that's all that matters. Plus I bet she is very great full for the life you have given her. She is so adorable by the way💖

[@savannahbutler5973]

Lol omg when I saw ebony in ur intro. I swear for a sec I thought u had my 4yr old lionhead gelding Easter. Grunt grunt bite grunt thump grunt bite!

[@ashleymarcy265]

Thank you so much for posting her like this. I know you're so nervous, but this is a relief to me knowing it's bad for other people. My girl isn't this bad, but it's really close except she has never been abused. We've had her since she was a baby and know that no one has hurt her but she just HATES being plucked, brushed, and especially her nails clipped.

[@DiceySnowflake]

Thank you so much. My big baby Merlin is literally a pile of love and sweetness but he does not like to be held. He fights it at all costs and is terrified of everything. He must have had a lot of trauma before I got him. This video helped me a lot because he moves constantly and he’s pretty big. 🧡

[@orynredford2080]

Thank you so much for this video! I have a bunny we adopted and she is so angry. It’s so nice to hear. Our main thing is she tried to grasp us with her little arms and honking. Please don’t feel embarrassed about her. Every bunny deserves a good home.

[@Lilee177]

My 'sweet' boy who passed away a couple of weeks ago was really aggressive. I adopted him at 6 months and he was already super aggressive. He also mellowed out when he was bonded with a bunny friend. He was never the bunny I went to to pet or cuddle, he didn't like it. He would grunt and stomp and lunge. He only ever bit my dad who ignored his behaviour, and he only ever bit me once during a grooming session. I adored him with all my heart and I hope that he is happily hopping around in bunny heaven, loving the lack of humans and being reunited with his bonded friend.

[@SerenaMiraAsta]

So helpful! I have 2 rescued rabbits born into severely abusive situations. Then they were fostered in six different homes in one year. My long-haired guy (of course it's the long hair) REALLY objects to grooming. I have figured out some things, but am still struggling with nails and mats on the parts of his bunny anatomy that he won't let me near. Thank you for modeling and teaching such respectful interaction with rabbits. I LOVE that you have have been so honest, so I know I'm not an abject failure! More like this would be lovely.

[@karimu_aoi7620]

I always wear a long-sleeved shirt, or even hoodie when I practice holding my rabbits, because they squirm and claw me. This seems to help me a bit, and it also provides them comfort if I'm wearing something soft and baggy for them to sort of hide in and be held by. Just thought I'd throw this out there, since you were wearing a type of t-shirt while grooming, which leaves your arms open for attack. Thank you for being so kind and understanding about Ebony, as well!

[@gofannon1943]

Great video, helped me with Foggy today

[@shelleyl9368]

She’s the cutest lil grump!! Thank you for rescuing her ❤️❤️

[@luceroescareno4136]

My rabbit is crazy aggressive! This is so helpful!

[@dhsauno]

I had a rescue rabbit that was very similar to Ebony and I think you’re doing a great job. It’s important to show people the realities of living with rabbits, and they all have different personalities, and some are just more nervous and aggressive than others.

[@safi456]

You are such an amazing person! I am truly impressed by this video, your honesty, hard work and dedication, and how genuine and sweet you are. May God bless you for your kindness to these gentle furry friends. I love rabbits and its so warming to see this video and know others who do too

[@janelowe4128]

So glad she has you for her mummy..you are so kind and gentle. Shes a beautiful bunny xx

[@xXShadow117Xx1]

Thank you so much, just seeing that you can manage and be gentle really sets my mind at ease. My girl is a huge brat too. And I think ebony is still adorable despite her feistiness.

[@melissaguinn7086]

This was extremely helpful for me. I have two rescues, and I needed this video.

[@Puurple_Kiiitty]

My dwarf bunny is the EXACT same way! She is bonded with my dutch bun and she is living her best life 😍

[@floradelirium]

Thanks for the video! My bun use to be "agressive", hated grooming. If you haven't looked into it already, I suggest a "furfetcher" it's super gentle and gets all the loose fur. Cuts down grooming time. I also do a "bunny burrito" to get her nails. I'm not gonna lie, I love her sass! You're great with her. xx

[@99mamabear]

Also thank you for this video. It makes those of us with aggressive bunnies who we choose to keep and love and care for feel less alone. I wish I had found this video when I first got my bunny 💜

[@hadiyaali4360]

I am planning to get a rabbit and because of you I now understand that I need to adopt a rabbit which needs me and a home. So I am going to get it from a rescue.Thank you ❤️❤️

[@MichelleD10S]

I also have a Netherland Dwarf and he is a feisty little man. He's borderline aggressive but with training and integrating him in my life a bit more he's been better. He's about to get neutered so I'm hoping that helps with the aggression but even if he stays the same, I'll be happy. I love him and am so glad I have him instead of somebody else who may react worse than me. Ebony is adorable though and her little grunts are different than mine which just shows the personality

[@alikatts323]

I can't thank you enough for sharing this!! I would actually LOVE to see more videos on dealing with rabbits with behavioral issues. I'm a bunny Mom of 2.5 years. Hopper, my Holland Lop, was a gift from my husband, who adopted him from the animal shelter. Originally I thought Hopper was a year old, but later found out he'd been kept at the shelter for a year, and I think he's a senior rabbit. Hopper was SO traumatized from his shelter stay that it took a year to let me really let him. Now he absolutely LOVES Bunny massages, and comes to me every day for them. But if I even attempt to pick him up, hold him or groom him, he goes into this absolute panic mode, to the point in afraid he's going to have a stroke. He has bitten me a few times while grooming, but I've learned to manage him ok. Now enter my New Zealand Rex, Gypsy Girl, 18 months ago, who I thought was a little girl at 5 weeks, but turns out He's a Boy! (Both rabbits neutered). I don't know what happened, but Gypsy was never the same after being neutered around 16 weeks. Personality change, total fear! Over a year later, I still can't even pet Gypsy, though I'm slowly getting there. To begin, he would grunt and lunge at me with his feet (nails), occasionally bite, and run and hide. After several months, I realized that I'd been going about things wrong. All the videos I watched on rabbit bonding talked about picking your rabbit up every day to get them used to it and build trust. So I was trying to force bonding between us. Then I changed my approach completely! (BTW... both rabbits are free roam in my bedroom and acc. bathroom only. Litter box trained. Uhm.... they live on my bed! Adjustable frame split king...I get 1/2, they get half. Heavy plastic covered mattress with fleece and rugs over it to protect that side of the bed. ) So here's what I started doing with Gypsy, and I started seeing results almost immediately, even though it was teeny tiny baby steps. I made 2 "safe tunneled spots" in the room for Gypsy to hide. Meaning they were literally impossible for me to even get to unless I moved furniture out of the way. (The day I set those up, Gypsy was SO EXCITED that he was zipping, zooming and binkying! I knew then that I was on the right track!) I left their box house on my bed as usual, asking with food/ water. Next really important step: I ignored Gypsy. Almost completely to begin with. Made zero attempts to hold my hand towards him for treats, and went out of my way to even keep looking up when I walked by him. After a few days of this, he became more curious about me. Over the next weeks to months, he gradually would come over, very cautiously, to sniff my area, and I went out of my way to make NO movements towards him at all. Gradually this built trust that he could check me out on HIS terms, without being afraid I'd try to pet him, or pick him up. The few occasions I tested the boundaries or needed to clip nails, I was met with the aggressive snorting, clawing nipping. Now it's been 9-12 months since I began the new approach, and we're making progress! 2 months ago, Gypsy would finally accept treats by me handing them to him... sometimes. The past 2 weeks, he's come to me several times a day asking for treats and eating them from my palm. I've also managed to get a few "pets" in, stroking his back, the last few weeks, but he really doesn't like it and runs. 2-3 strokes is the most I've managed. BUT, he is letting me know that he loves me❤ in a way he feels comfortable. A few months ago, he jumped up above my head where I had a throw blanket laying above my pillow. He pulled the blanket down over my shoulders... arranging it! He was tucking me in to sleep!❤❤ I finally Gypsy was seriously checking me out while I slept, cause he kept waking me up bouncing across my chest, or tugging at my shirt. I've fallen asleep many times wearing my reading glasses, and Gypsy has playfully ripped those off my face!😅 The past month he and Hopper have woken me in the morning several times by both laying on my chest, staring at me, to let me know I was oversleeping and they wanted cookies.. now!😅🤣 So we're making progress! Slowly but surely. The issue I'm still having with Gypsy is that one of the ways he wants to show me love is to bite my feet. Hard! He means to do it playfully, but it hurts! Anyone have advice for this? (He's also bitten my ni¿¿les ... ouch!!) Sorry for the novel! My point was that not all rabbits are the sweet, loveable and cuddly bunnies we usually see on KZbin, and that we all wish we had! For those that deal with bunny issues, it would be great to have more resources for help! I understand how commenters can be judgemental and mean, but thanks for stepping out to make this!! ❤❤❤

[@jennifergoodlett2005]

Thanks for sharing how you’re building trust with gypsy. Great idea!

[@haleymargaret711]

I also rescued my rabbit and he also does not like to interact with humans. Grooming is also really really tough, but especially because he is long haired so it is necessary more often than other breeds. He definitely trusts me and will let me walk near him and feed him treats but won't let anyone else near him. I appreciate you sharing this and your perspective that you can still deeply love a rabbit even if they aren't super cuddly

[@tatianalagrave8201]

WOW! THANK YOU! 1000 X THANK YOU! I "adopted " a bunn that is just like Ebony, we have always suspected he was abused/badly neglected, this confirmed that for us. He and I have tightly bonded so he rarely attacks me anymore and loves me petting him. But grooming has been a nightmare and I have yet to successfully clip his nails. You have given me some great insights and tips to get Cinnabunn to let me clip his nails! 😁💖

[@dnjngypc8336]

I appreciate this video. Rabbit videos that show rabbits with pleasant personalities really discourage me. My rabbits are feisty like this one. I end up feeling like im doing something wrong.

[@BeckersAnne]

I think that you're awesome with your rabbits! My rabbit is somewhat testy when I try to groom him, so I appreciate that you made this video. I always have to have someone help me cut Romeo's nails.

[@NikiMüller-h1x]

My rabbit, Finlay, does that grunting thing too!! She is super shy, but she does like to be petted (when she is in the mood). Today I cut my rabbits (Finlay and Felix) nails for the first time (the vet has done it in the past)! Yay! Finlay was very difficult because she has long fur and dark nails. Felix, who is very big and mostly white, was a breeze. Finlay wouldn't even be consoled by a treat! Felix said "that's ok, I'll eat her treat!"

[@isabellwarkki5615]

Thank you for such an amazing video! I think it is SO important what you say, that you show that rabbits who are not a fan of people still can be amazing pets and can live a great life in a flock. All rabbits deserve to be loved for who they are

[@SquirrelsForAll]

Great video, you've done a great job with her. Your patience and love clearly shows through.

[@gentlerainsong]

Thank you so so much for this video. I've really struggled to find any helpful resources for my aggressive rabbit, which is my first ever pet. Hearing your rabbit grunt repeatedly is one of the first times I've gone "Oh, okay, someone else's rabbit is like this even though they are clearly being well cared for." Just...thank you thank you thank you, so much

[@mirjammoudra6233]

little amgry sweetie. I appreciate the patience You have with this rabbit. Send love, because even angry rabbits need love and yummies.

[@mirjammoudra6233]

And it is really amazing You manage her alone, I clipped my rabbits nails with friend, She was calming rabbit and me and I was "operating" My rabbit got piece of banana asi revard and I didn!t get anything as revard... (so unfair :--D )

[@mirjammoudra6233]

(and my rabbit is not even agressive, she is just scared of taking her paws and doing clip noises)

[@ebonyfitzgerald3667]

My name is Ebony and I’ve only met a handful of people called Ebony so it’s so strange hearing you say it so many times in this video and it being the name of your bunny 😂 love it

[@sandrab9245]

Thank you for showing us Ebony in her full vocal glory. Hopes this opens eyes to how traumatized buns can behave. In this video Ebony more closely resembles one of my fosters with temperament issues due to past trauma.

[@michelleshaw8321]

I appreciate you posting this! We have 2 girls bonded to one another. Panda she doesn’t like humans terribly much! She will let you hold her but not too long and and sometimes allows me to pet her. Otherwise she prefers distantly interacting. Sandy is super sweet and likes humans much more but also loves panda! Panda has definitely tried to bite me and does the grunt and pounce when she gets real mad. It’s usually when I’m trying to get her from the outside fenced pen and she doesn’t want to come back in!

[@mannerni8999]

This is super useful! my bunnies aren't aggressive but they absolutely HATE being picked up. their absolute least favorite thing is being brushed so i try not to do it unless they need it, they are both shedding right now and fur is absolutely everywhere! they will both kick, and grunt, and wriggle to get free whenever they are being groomed. especially they younger of the two is very very jumpy, shes scared of absolutely everything so grooming her is an absolute process. the older of the two is also a pain while being groomed, he is 7 and a half now and he has a really strong bond with me since i adopted him when he was young so because he knows me he knows exactly what to do to get me to loosen my grip and escape because he is older and I stress about hurting him. he loves being cuddled but hates being brushed which i find kind of cute.

[@natalienowak7597]

My bun is the SAME exact way - same grumbles and even down to the same color! his spirit is just naturally a bit more aggressive (but playful) and ive learned how to embrace that and still make him feel loved and special