Why is my bunny growling at me?

[woodleighcreek]

I have a Jersey Woolie doe who I think is a week pregnant. Yesterday, she started to growl at me every time I got near her. Why is she doing this? Is this because of the pregnancy?

 

[rabbitman]

Yes! That is a sure sign that your rabbit has to took to the pregancy. When I breed my does a few of them will growl, it's just a common thing they do when they get pregant. When she has her babies she will calm down and become sweet again.

 

[ChickenPotPie]

Yes! That is a sure sign that your rabbit has to took to the pregancy. When I breed my does a few of them will growl, it's just a common thing they do when they get pregant. When she has her babies she will calm down and become sweet again.

I second that. Mine usually don't grumble much if at all but I've heard it's not all that uncommon. I think it is good to keep putting your hands in her cage and on her (reach your hand in high and bring it down slowly over her shoulders and back). I just don't want them to get used to the idea they can intimidate me. lol Also, I like to be able to easily handle them if I need to during pregnancy and right before kindling.

(Yay, Woolies!) Are you an NJWRC member? Do you work mainly with Shadeds? Any other varieties? Do you know Keep? I think she's from the Carolinas.

 

[woodleighcreek]

(Yay, Woolies!) Are you an NJWRC member? Do you work mainly with Shadeds? Any other varieties? Do you know Keep? I think she's from the Carolinas.

Not yet! I just started out with woolies, as my chicken coop got "confiscated" by the neighbourhood. I personally like shadeds the best, but as I am only starting off with 2, im not sure what I mainly work with. I dont know any other breeders right now, but I think im going to the ARBA convention.

 

[ChickenPotPie]

Sweet. Join the ARBA if you haven't already and get movin' and join the NJWRC ( www.njwrc.net ). You'll get a very good book and Domestic Rabbits magazine subscription from the ARBA and a JW handbook from the NJWRC that is very helpful. The Wooly website also has great articles to read.

There is a tremendously huge show in Lebanon, Pennsylvania this weekend. It's a two day show - Saturday and Sunday. Keep and several friends of mine are going. Heck, even a friend from CA is flying out there for it. There will definitely be Woolies there. You should try to make it if at all possible.

 

[woodleighcreek]

Sweet. Join the ARBA if you haven't already and get movin' and join the NJWRC ( www.njwrc.net ). You'll get a very good book and Domestic Rabbits magazine subscription from the ARBA and a JW handbook from the NJWRC that is very helpful. The Wooly website also has great articles to read.

There is a tremendously huge show in Lebanon, Pennsylvania this weekend. It's a two day show - Saturday and Sunday. Keep and several friends of mine are going. Heck, even a friend from CA is flying out there for it. There will definitely be Woolies there. You should try to make it if at all possible.

Thats a little far, so I dont think ill be able to go. Im probably going to wait until I get rabbit showing down and can drive on my own (7 more months!) before I go to any big shows that far away.

Once i register for the ARBA do I have to wait for the things to be mailed to me, or will I be registered automatically?

 

[ChickenPotPie]

I believe you can now register online (haven't done it for a while) but you do have to wait for your card. You don't have to be a member to show but you do need a card to register rabbits. You can begin showing anytime. If you need help entering, just email the show secretary and she'll walk you through it. To find shows in your area, look on the ARBA website. It will list them. Contact the show secretary listed for the particular show you want to enter and ask for a show catalog. That will give you lots of information about showing, rules, and entry deadlines.

Oops, that reminds me, I've got to email some entries today. lol

 

[shelly_tn]

Hi all ...

Would a 'new' bunny growl too? Due to fear of new surroundings or new owner.

I just got my 2 two year old doe and buck rabbits less then a week ago. The buck adjusted after a few days and isn't afraid of me any more.

but the Doe does not like me bothering her at all - she growls softly and tries to scratch my hand (bounce on it) when I put my hand in her cage to smell me (thinking that's how I gain trust before picking her up).

The breeder didn't mention she was already breed/pregnant.

 

[ChickenPotPie]

the Doe does not like me bothering her at all - she growls softly and tries to scratch my hand (bounce on it) when I put my hand in her cage to smell me (thinking that's how I gain trust before picking her up).

The breeder didn't mention she was already breed/pregnant.

She's trying to box you. That's pretty aggressive. I would not put my hand in front of a rabbit's face unless they came to me. They typically don't like their noses touched.

If you live near the breeder, I'd ask them to come show you some good handling techniques that you can practice so no one gets hurt - especially your little one.

 

[shelly_tn]

the Doe does not like me bothering her at all - she growls softly and tries to scratch my hand (bounce on it) when I put my hand in her cage to smell me (thinking that's how I gain trust before picking her up).

The breeder didn't mention she was already breed/pregnant.

She's trying to box you. That's pretty aggressive. I would not put my hand in front of a rabbit's face unless they came to me. They typically don't like their noses touched.

If you live near the breeder, I'd ask them to come show you some good handling techniques that you can practice so no one gets hurt - especially your little one.

thank you 'chickenpotpie' (love the name by the way)! The Doe has settled down a lot in a week. She no longer is as aggressive. But she still doesn't want to be picked up. So I'm taking it slow to let her gain trust. I open her cage door twice a day so she can come out at free will and investigate the area outside her cage. The Buck is just as happy as ever, eats out of my hand and he is playful.