As you will know, I got a new bunny (Beth) last week as a companion to my other bunny.  There has been lots of nose-touching and sniffing, as well as eagerly following each other round.  So far I have not had both out of their cages together, as I wanted to have my husband help me if things went wrong and he has had a really bad cold for the past few days.

I have had Arthur since December 2007, and in that time he has shown no aggression towards me whatsoever.  In fact, he has been so loving and attention-seeking that I felt his relationship with me may be a little unhealthy - I cannot cuddle my husband while Arthur is around without him charging over and wiggling in between us - which is why I got Beth.

So this morning I was shocked at what happened.  Arthur has been a bit grumpy for the past few days, but when I put my hand in to feed him he charged at it and grunted.  I told him off and placed a hand across his shoulders - he then when straight down and submitted totally.  I reached in to grab his bowl to put pellets in it (otherwise he gets overexcited and ends up with pellets on his head) and he charged forward and bit me, hard!

I was shocked and told him off and held him down all over again, but now I am really upset.  He broke the skin on my palm and it hurts.

Why has my bunny turned from a snugglebun into a meanie?  Is he jealous of Beth?  What do I do?

He was neutered several months ago btw.

x-posted