Mean mommy bunny:(

by Jamie
(North Carolina)

My rabbit had 6 baby bunnies. Now if I try to go and check on them she wants to push her way in between me and the babies. I'm scared she's gonna bite me. She has never bitten anyone or scratched me. but she seems to want to now! Then if I go to pet her when I'm done she runs away from me like shes mad what do I do?!

****Karen Sez****
Good for you for checking on the bunnies - they're as cute as buttons.

Don't put people-thoughts into your bunny's head; instead, try to figure out what bunny-thoughts she's thinking. If you had a fresh new litter of youngsters, wouldn't you feel protective too?

So yeah, you're right to fear she might bite or scratch...she might, too. But it's not meanness driving her, it's mommy-hormones, and she'll calm down in a week or two.

In the meantime, you still need to check the babies now and again. You can let the doe know she doesn't have to be afraid in the tone of your voice, the consistency of your actions, and the firmness of your hand.

While the doe is being this protective, always reach into the cage from up above, to protect yourself. If she wants to threaten you, then you can swoop in like a hawk quickly, and firmly press her to the cage floor behind the neck, avoiding her front claws and teeth.

Hopefully she'll mellow out soon and be your best bud once again.

PS: You don't still got the buck in with the doe, do you? Cuz if so, he's prolly already rebred the doe...