Worried. My new bunny was really frightened by something

[Kbana]

My 3 month old Lion-lop was completely startled by something. I have no idea what it was as I was sitting about 5 ft away from her and heard nothing. I didn't see anything and couldn't figure out what would have scared her.  She was in her playpen at the time and raced all around it, struggled to get footing (linoleum floors with carpet squares down) and raced into her cage and hidey hole.  After a few minutes she came back out and investigated but I have never seen her so scared.  She is grooming, eating and drinking and it has been about an hour since the incident.  I am concerned because I know rabbits can die of shock.  She doesn't seem to be showing symptoms as of now but how long does that normally take? She's going to give me a heart attack! Any advice would be appreciated. I am a new bunny owner.

[Sarita]

I’ve never seen a rabbit die of shock but I imagine it would have to be something more than just a sound that alarmed them – it would probably have to be a full on encounter with a predator which is unlikely to be the case for an indoor rabbit (hopefully).

Usually a sound might alarm them or annoy them but they soon recover.

[Kbana]

Thank you Sarita,

 

I appreciate the piece of mind!  She is still acting fine and even settled down for her evening massage. Phew! I wish bunnies weren’t so fragile. I feel like I’m worried all the time! Hopefully the longer I have her the less I’ll feel this way.  

 

Thanks again!!

[Sarita]

Rabbits are sturdier than you think :~)

[Roberta]

It could be zoomies too.. All of mine, but Starsky my foster bun particularly, will suddenly take off full throttle and bolt around the play area like their tails are on fire then leap back into their sleeping area to recover from the burst of crazy activity. Unless there was thumping associated with the running I would tend to think it was playing rather than fear…

[LBJ10]

I agree with Roberta. Thumping, bulging eyes, rapid breathing, and skittishness would need to be associated with the running around for me to think it was out of fear. Like Roberta said, sometimes bunnies get all crazy hyper playing and do zoomies all over.

[Kbana]

Thank you all! You have made me feel so much better. Though I don’t think it was the zoomies since she was really skittish for about 30 min after, she is back to her old self so I am thinking it wasn’t as serious as I first thought. No thumping either. (Have yet to hear that) Being a new parent is stressful! ha ha. I just happen to have her first vet apt. tomorrow afternoon so it will be good to get her all checked out too. BTW: can’t wait til she can be spayed. I would like to give her much more freedom than she has now. (though I am totally dreading that recovery…talk about stress. poor thing!)

Thanks again!!!

[LittlePuffyTail]

Good luck at your vet appointment!

[Kbana]

Well everyone, our first vet visit went well. LOVED our vet. (she was recommended by House Rabbit Society. ) I feel soooo much better. She put my mind at rest for good an assured me that I am taking care of my bun properly. But…. BIG discovery: My little girl is a little boy! So Allie becomes Albie. So glad he is happy and healthy. More glad that the neutering process is easier than the spay. We’ll head back in a month. Woohoo!!

[Velvet]

Posted By Kbana on 09/19/2013 06:10 PM
Well everyone, our first vet visit went well. LOVED our vet. (she was recommended by House Rabbit Society. ) I feel soooo much better. She put my mind at rest for good an assured me that I am taking care of my bun properly. But…. BIG discovery: My little girl is a little boy! So Allie becomes Albie. So glad he is happy and healthy. More glad that the neutering process is easier than the spay. We’ll head back in a month. Woohoo!!

Easier for whom??????????

I’m a man, and would have to disagree with ya on THAT one, lol

 

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