Accepted Answer

Hello,

The rabbit is most likely frightened, and responds by kicking and scratching. It takes time and patience to tame a rabbit, especially one that is an adult. Begin by talking quietly to him while he's in his cage. After several days of that, put your hand in the cage and let him sniff it. You can offer him a bite of a treat, like a piece of apple. (Don't use iceberg lettuce. It has no nutrition in it and it can cause diarrhea. Romaine lettuce is all right.) Try stroking his back gently. If that doesn't scare him, continue to do only that for several days. If even that much frightens him, just hold your hand in the cage for awhile. The next day, try again to pet him. When he'll let you stroke his back, slowly move your hand underneath him as if you're going to pick him up, but don't actually lift him. When he doesn't get scared when you do that, you're ready to try to pick him up.

When you lift him, make sure you support both the front and back parts of her body. The first time you pick him up, don't hold onto him for a long time. Just gently set him back down. This method will take patience. You'll probably need to spend several days on each step, but if you work at it slowly, your rabbit should become tame.

It can be very difficult to trim a wriggling rabbit's nails, and if you cut them too short, they will be bleed. It's a good idea to have an experienced person do it the first time, and ask them to show you how. Your vet would probably be able to show you how. If you'd like to try it on your own, the best way to know how is to see diagrams and photos. The following site has a detailed page on nail trimming, with illustrations. It applies to rabbits, as well as guinea pigs.

http://www.guinealynx.info/nails.html

As for not using the litter pan, it's not natural for a rabbit to do that as a cat would. If the rabbit hasn't been neutered, it's highly unlikely he'll ever use the litter. Neutering may help with urinating, but it will take more than a week to see results. Male rabbits mark their territory as a result of the testosterone in their bodies. After neutering, it takes several weeks for the testosterone to be eliminated. As far as the feces, most rabbits deposit their droppings everywhere. Neutering won't help with that.

Not all rabbits can be housebroken. After reaching sexual maturity, it's very difficult to change a rabbit's habits. Actually, no rabbit is ever really housebroken - they simply prefer to eliminate in the litter in their tray. Some don't have that preference, and just go where they want to. They aren't like dogs who can be trained.

It may help to provide a litter tray in his cage, but don't let him out of the cage for a couple of weeks. When it appears that he's using the tray regularly in the cage, set that tray out in the room. Most rabbit owners do provide several trays so there will always be a convenient one. It’s also good idea to put treats in the litter pan. When the rabbit is out, you’ll need to watch him carefully for signs that he needs to go. When you see them, place him in a litter tray. The following site has many more hints on litter training rabbits:

http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/litter.html

If you have further questions, just let me know by clicking on REPLY. I hope you'll be successful in solving all the rabbit's problems.

Anna

Expert:	Anna
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	7/15/2009

Pet Expert/Biologist

40 yrs.: herps, pocket pets, rabbits, poultry, dogs, horses. Biology degree. Volunteer vet assistant