Why does my male rabbit spray urine on me?

Territorial behaviour
Rabbits are both a social and a territorial species. Urine spraying is also called 'marking', and is used by rabbits as a form of scent communication. Both male and female rabbits can urine spray. But it is most common in unneutered rabbits, especially males, from puberty onwards.


Why does my rabbit only spray pee on me?

Rabbits commonly spray urine to mark their territory. If your rabbit is urinating on you, he or she may be attempting to claim you as part of their territory!

How do you stop a male rabbit from spraying?

The best way to avoid dealing with unwanted urination behaviors is to have your rabbit spayed or neutered. These procedures remove the reproductive organs that are responsible for the production of hormones that can play a role in territorial behaviors.


What does it mean when a rabbit flicks pee at you?

They are marking their territory. Un-neutered males will mark female rabbits and their territory by spraying them with urine. Un-spayed females can also indulge in this behavior.

How do you stop rabbits from peeing on you?

If lack of training is the reason for your rabbit peeing on you, or it's too young to know better, then I highly suggest you introduce litter training to them. You should start litter training as soon as possible because it's easier (and quicker) when rabbits are young.


Why does my rabbit pee on me?



Do rabbits pee when angry?

You may find if they're upset with you, that they choose to urinate in a place they normally wouldn't. Urinating and spreading their scent is one way that rabbits try to claim dominance and ownership of an area.

What age do rabbits start spraying?

3 - 6 months old: Adolescence

Male rabbits will often spray urine as a sign of courtship, circle your feet and mount them. Female rabbits tend to become very territorial over their personal space and may growl or lunge at you.

Do male rabbits stop spraying after being neutered?

Some rabbits never stop spraying. How old was he when he was neutered? I've heard that some rabbits if neutered later (6 months and on rather than the recommended 3-4), can develop a spraying HABIT. In these situations it's no longer hormonal, so neutering does not fix it.


How do you tell if your rabbit likes you?

Here's how you can tell that your rabbit likes you:
  • Circling your feet.
  • Chinning.
  • Grooming you.
  • Flopping down close to you.
  • Binkies.
  • Sitting on your lap.
  • Coming over for pets.
  • Purring when you pet them.


How do you know if your rabbit doesn't like you?

If they are sitting upright and their front paws are 'boxing' at you, they are likely very unhappy. Vocalising. Rabbits don't tend to make much noise and when they do it's a sign they're feeling very threatened. You may hear them grunting or growling and in extreme cases, they can scream.

Do all unneutered male rabbits spray?

Unneutered male rabbits spray, and both males and females are much easier to litter train, and much more reliably trained, after they have been altered.


Do rabbits spray when scared?

Beware the rabbit holding their tail up, it is frequently followed by spraying. Rabbits who are not spayed and neutered will spread their scent by spraying everything in sight. They may also do this when they are upset or simply dislike a person.

Do rabbits pee when scared?

Fear: rabbits are very sensitive mammals. They scare easily, especially if they have been poorly socialized with us or other animals. Perhaps the main reason rabbits pee on you when you pick them up is because they are afraid of you.

How do you say I love you in rabbit?

Licking means “I love you, I trust you.” Lunging may occur when you reach into your rabbit's cage to clean, give food, or to take your rabbit out – a sign of disapproval.


How do I tell my rabbit I love him?

7 Ways to Show Your Rabbit You Love Them
  1. Give your rabbit yummy treats. The easiest way to a rabbit's heart is through their stomach. ...
  2. Pet your rabbit. Rabbits love to be petted. ...
  3. Spend time with your rabbit. ...
  4. Give your rabbit fun toys. ...
  5. Copy their behaviors. ...
  6. Let your rabbit explore. ...
  7. Play games with your rabbit.


What do rabbits feel when you kiss them?

Some rabbits enjoy being kissed. It's akin to being groomed, which is a source of pleasure. If your rabbit responds appropriately, it's safe to kiss her.

How do you discipline a rabbit?

Here are some tips for what you can do to discipline your rabbit:
  1. Voice Training. When your bun does something he shouldn't be, use his name and say 'NO', firmly and sternly. ...
  2. Nose down. Take your index finger and firmly but gently push his nose down toward the floor while saying 'Oliver, NO'. ...
  3. Time out. ...
  4. Water. ...
  5. Squeal.


Are rabbits nicer after neutering?

There is a good chance that aggression towards the owner will decrease appreciably following neutering. Rabbits go through puberty at 5 to 8 months old. The older they are past this age, the less likely it is that neutering will significantly change their behavior.

Will neutering a rabbit change its personality?

Neutering will not change your rabbit's essential personality i.e. he will still be as warm and loving towards you and other rabbits. Some rabbits will continue to display some courtship behaviour such as circling and honking.

Do rabbits get friendlier as they get older?

3-5 Years Old

Rabbits tend to become a little less active by the time they reach this age. It is said that rabbits also become more affectionate during this period and they will start to trust you more.


How do male rabbits show dominance?

In general, rabbits establish dominance using elaborate behavioral cues that include mounting, chasing, bowing, and grooming. Once bonded, some pairs of rabbits have a visibly established hierarchy, while other pairs will only show subtle signs of their hierarchical relationship.

Do male bunnies spray?

Reducing urine marking behaviours Males and female rabbits can spray urine on vertical surfaces to mark their territory. It is more commonly seen in males than females. The urine from a sexually mature male also has quite a strong odour.

What are signs of a stressed rabbit?

Signs of stress
  • appearing nervous (freezing, hunched up with ears flat against the body)
  • being excessively jumpy and watchful (bulging eyes)
  • being aggressive to people or other rabbits, particularly if the behaviour is unusual.
  • being aggressive when handled.


How long do bunnies hold grudges?

Depending on the severity of the offence, a rabbit can hold a grudge from hours to several days. Sometimes, a simple stroke on the forehead or an apologetic treat can remedy a miffed bunny, but if your rabbit is truly offended, they can sulk for quite some time!

How long will my rabbit be mad at me?

Usually, when a rabbit is upset at a person, their grudge does not last very long. You can easily get back into your rabbit's good graces by offering their favorite treat or giving them a pleasant massage. However, some rabbits will hold a grudge for several hours or even days at a time if they feel slighted.