Mary Allen
Each rabbit has its own character. There are fearful animals, others are more aggressive. If the behavior is even conspicuous, herbs can help and help the rabbits to become more balanced.
A rabbit’s character is partly genetic and partly shaped by the animal’s experiences. Last but not least, the housing conditions have an influence. Even after 2000 years of domestication, domestic rabbits still react to suspicious movements by fleeing at lightning speed. This behavior ensures the survival of the coveted prey. But there are now and then long-eared people who overdo it with their caution and grab the proverbial rabbit banner for no real reason. At the other end of the behavior, scale is the bad-tempered, gruff ones, who growl and attack if they don’t like something – even the hand that’s feeding them. If, on the other hand, the animal lies flat and lifts its snout, this is an invitation to be petted.
Bad experiences can be the cause of problematic behavior, but so can pain, an illness – or an unsuitable “apartment”. The latter is more common than you might think. There are rabbits who do not feel comfortable on the ground floor of a multi-story rabbit hutch and are overly anxious about movements in the hutch surroundings. Their fear often infects the other rabbits and leads to constant unrest.
Dwarfs are Particularly Temperamental
If you put the “scared rabbits” in a higher box, they have a better view of what is happening around the barn and find more composure. The structuring of the stalls, which has become almost standard in recent years, also suits the «rabbit feet»; they disappear under the balcony when worried and feel safe. In order not to startle dozing long-eared ears unnecessarily, it is helpful if you announce your approach: Clicking, whistling, or simply speaking to the animals make it clear that a two-legged friend is approaching.
There are also racial differences in character. For example, dwarf breeds are more spirited than larger ones, ram rabbits («Lampio ears») are calmer than their prick-eared colleagues and so-called meat breeds such as New Zealanders and Californians are particularly easy-going. The range within the breeds and breeding lines is large.
If you want particularly gentle rabbits, you have to look for a breeder who not only selects his breeding animals according to their standard but also their character. Respectful handling that takes into account the nature of the animal promotes trust between humans and animals. Most rabbits like to be petted in their hutch; Carrying it around, on the other hand, is less popular – there are exceptions there too.
But what is to be done if an animal remains fearful despite all efforts or does not shed its aggression? In the case of aggression, it is important to get to the bottom of the cause. Females usually become bitchy when their hormones are going haywire. Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla Vulgaris) and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) help the animal to achieve a better balance in this case. Rabbits in constant heat, but also sexually overstimulated bucks are treated with Origanum in a lower homeopathic potency (D1 to D3). The remedy is added to the drinking water for a few days.
Herbs can also help with aggression for which the cause is unclear. Fresh or dried rose blossoms have a harmonizing effect and soothe long-eared rambos. Aggression can also be a reaction to pain or discomfort; Fennel and anise seeds relax muscles and the mind and at the same time help to improve digestion. St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) has a mood-enhancing and nerve-strengthening effect, but also relieves pain and is antimicrobial. Ruprechtskraut (Geranium robertianum) deserves special mention; it helps to release blockages based on bad experiences in the past. All of these plants can be given in small quantities as additional food, St. John’s wort also in the form of St. John’s oil on some bread. However, it must be emphasized that a rabbit grinding its teeth in pain or obviously ill should be examined by the veterinarian.
In the case of problematic behavior, flower therapy according to Dr. Bach comprehensive and gentle help. Edward Bach, an English doctor, and homeopath developed this therapy in the first third of the 20th century. Years of searching and researching led him to discover plants that represent specific character traits. With the help of sunlight and spring water, he made essences from the flowers of these plants, which are also used successfully on animals. Many people are familiar with the emergency drops, a mixture of the five flower essences cherry plum, clematis, balsam, rockrose, and milk star. This mixture often helps, but it is worth using essences that address fears and aggression more specifically.
Instill Serenity in Leaders
For example, juggler flower (Mimulus guttatus), aspens (Populus tremula), and rockroses (Helianthemum nummularium) help with anxiety. Sunrose is indicated in cases of extreme fear and panic and for this reason, it is also part of the emergency drip. Quaking Aspen helps animals with a generally anxious nature, Juggler’s Flower when certain situations or people trigger fear. Another flower, agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria), gives timid animals more confidence.
Aggression can have a variety of causes: jealousy, imbalance, excessively dominant behavior. Holly’s (Ilex aquifolium) flower essence is indicated for sudden, violent attacks for no apparent reason. European beech (Fagus sylvatica) is suitable for animals with an unbalanced character that always wants to get their way. Vervain (Verbena Officinalis) imparts more composure to alpha animals that desperately seek the role of leader.
Tyrannical long-eared bats require grapevine (Vitis vinifera). Where panic and aggression combine, when animals go berserk with fear and react blindly aggressively, cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera) is appropriate; it is also part of the emergency drops.
It is often not easy to classify aggression correctly. This is not absolutely necessary, because up to six different flower essences can be mixed without any problems. They are best added to the drinking water as the treatment takes some time.