Where’s the love?!

[rayray]

I had my rabbit neutered a little over a week ago.  He seemed to bounce back after a day and I couldn’t even tell he had anything done (other than the lack of marking).  However, since then, I’ve noticed he doesn’t seem interested in being near me or even in the same room as me.  I’m not sure if he is just still recovering and wants to be alone or if it’s just a normal reaction to the sudden loss of hormones.  I have to say I’m a little sad about it.  Ziggy was never a cuddly rabbit, but he was playful and loved to chase me and be chased and liked being petted.  Now it just seems like he’s avoiding me. 

Is this just him adjusting?  I’m worried about him being lonely and if he doesn’t want my company, should I consider getting another rabbit?  I wasn’t planning on that, but his well being is more important.

[Deleted User]

Oh rayray, I’m so sorry to hear that Ziggy may be losing the love. The fact that your a little sad (though I’m sure your devastated) is expected. I hope and think it may be him adjusting to the changes in his hormones, as lot of BBer’s suggest it can take up to 6 weeks (sometimes longer?) for everything to settle. Ziggy’s behaviour was so simular to Henry’s – not cuddly but wanted to be in the thick of everything, I wrongly assumed he would bounce back (less the spraying) within no time. I totally get that Ziggy’s happiness is your no. 1 priority, but I still think you are his best friend. Maybe give it a little longer? I am really sad to hear this update – I was so expecting your next forum to be about Ziggy’s sleepover and you woke up in a dry bed. I have to be honest – I’m not quite sure what to say, as I know how you adore your Ziggy and your relationship. Stay positive (if you can) and give it a few more weeks. I’ll be thinking of you rayray.

[Bam]

I think he’s adjusting. His whole body + brain are affected by a neuter. It’s early days yet, you can’t tell either way until after about 8 weeks or so.

My bunbuns were not cuddly when I got them, but they’ve evolved into masters of the cuddliverse.

[rayray]

Thanks for the kind words, AndHenry! I’m sure it’s just too much for him. Being neutered and I moved his cage into my bedroom for his recovery. It’s a big and confusing change.
I left him free roaming in my bedroom last night with me. He didn’t fail to disappoint and peed the bed. lol! But I was so happy to have him come near me again that I didn’t even care. Also, I may just have to face that, the bed marking may never go away.
Anyways.. I’ve moved his cage back to his normal spot and put a small set up in my bedroom of a litter box, water & hay, should he fancy staying in there. I am happy to report that, other than the bed incident once, he hasn’t marked with wee or poop anywhere else in the apt. At least there’s been some progress.

[rayray]

Thanks, Bam! I’m probably jumping to conclusions, but he’s my fur baby and has been such a wonderful addition to my little animal family that I would hate to think I did wrong by him.
I knew I could count on my fellow BBer’s to give me some reassurance.

[manic_muncher]

Bumpy reacted pretty much like you describe Ziggy. His bathroom habits did get tons better and he started pretty much ignoring me. I was also pretty sad about it and had a little regret. BUT… I also did things he didn’t care for… like being determined to try and lessen his fear of being picked up (because I wanted to be able to easily groom, trim nails, be able to look him over without him being so scared). It annoyed him and I knew it. So to be fair, our relationship wasn’t great to begin with, other than his hormonal circling when I was in his area. It’s been a long while since I’ve given that up and while he still seems to be just as happy to sit giving everyone bunny-butt, he also surprises me sometimes by hopping up in the chair next to my computer chair looking for pets from me.

He would much rather run around and explore and chase the dogs than get “groomed” (petted). He DOES follow me around the house if he’s in the mood to interact with anyone. Oh and of course, if there is the possibility of a banana he is RIGHT on my husband’s lap, demanding his piece (hubby is the official banana giver); and since raisins are my domain, when the canister comes out, Bumpy is right there on his tippy-toes to match the height of the dogs, so he isn’t missed. I’m beginning to wonder if Bumpy is just as weird as my dog, Bandit. Pretty much does his own thing, with the occasional licks to remind me that he recognizes my existence as family and not just the food dispenser.

Don’t be too down, Bam is right. Once he is all adjusted, he’ll bounce back to his more personable self and probably more so.

[rayray]

Quick update, Ziggy is starting to come around again. He’s exploring the whole apartment and playing with his toys again. He hasn’t been climbing on the couch to sleep behind me yet, but I think that may follow once he’s feeling better.
He really shocked me this morning. I know it’s probably just a coincidence… Ziggy was playing in hallway closet. I was getting ready to leave, open it and said, “Ziggy, it’s time to go”. He hopped right to his cage from my hallway to the living room and jumped in!! lol!! I gave him a couple craisins for being so good. Too cute!

[Deleted User]

 That’s the BEST news ever!

[rayray]

He won’t let me pet him, but he’ll let me kiss him. Lol!

[Author]

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