Heather, Willow, our dominant bunny, is now almost 8 years old. She
was spayed when I adopted her from the Humane Society. We've had
house buns for 20 years now, and Willow is the feistiest one we've
ever had. She's also a biter. She has taken chunks of skin out of me,
but apparently the first home she had was abusive to her. It's been a
trial caring for her, but in this last 18 months, we've had the big
pay off in her demeanor and attitude. She's always been a bunny who
was curious about humans.

I learned early on with her to pet her with the back of my hand. She
seemed to accept it better maybe because she didn't think I would
pick her up. I've also learned to carry her facing away from me with
my right hand holding her ribcage and my left hand supporting her
butt. I really don't think she is mean spirited. I think she's still
reacting to cruel treatment from long ago. She's doing the best she
can to defend her dignity.

We are very loving to rabbits. I've occasionally hit a rabbit in
response to biting but it was a visceral response and completely
unintentional. I've always apologized and given lots of hugs afterward.

I've take Willow to the lounge chair with me since those early days 7
years ago. I hold her on her back in a comfortable position and
caress her head and stroke her cheeks (back of hand). I do dental
checks on all my buns when I'm holding them so they'll gladly receive
it when the vet needs to check their teeth. Willow responds with
tooth chattering and great calmness.

Zander needs you. He probably was abused somewhere in his early life.
He will eventually come to understand that your home is a gentle
place where no harm will come to him.

After Willow's last biting attack on my upper lip (It healed without
a scar.), I spent the next several weeks holding her every day and
whispering in her ear that I knew she could be a good bunny and I
knew that she loved me. I gently told her that some day she might
bite me and I would hurt her without meaning to. This seemed to be
the most effective way to get her cooperation in calming down. Buns
understand more than we think they do.

No one knows what causes a bunny to be a biter. I think it's just
something different about them and their orientation to the outside
world. You need to be affectionate with Zander so he will understand
that calmness is what you're all about and that you love him very
much. Rabbits have a great capacity to respond to loving care and
they bond with us because we take good care of them. He will have a
great life with you if you persist. I've read that alpha bunnies are
sometimes the best ones in their later years. I would have to say
we've hit the big time with Willow.

When I take a bunny into my home, it stays with us as family. I've
held several of my buns as they were dying and bless ed them as they
went to the Rainbow Bridge. There is no greater satisfaction then
knowing that we did our best to provide a wonderful life for one of
God's gentle creatures.

Feel free to e-mail me off list if you feel you need help getting
trough this period in Zander's life. I'd be glad to help.

Melody in Eastern WA with Willow, Pandora, and Oreo