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BUNNY 911 – If your rabbit hasn’t eaten or pooped in 12-24 hours, call a vet immediately!  Don’t have a vet? Check out VET RESOURCES 

The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet.  It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

Forum BEHAVIOR Mr. Independent

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    • Jo Leigh
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      57 posts Send Private Message

        Hiya! 

        I have had my baby bunny, Merlin, for nearly a week now. He is roughly 2.5-3 months old.He seemed to be settling in well – he was friendly and we had even half mastered the art of litter training! Yay! However, in the past two days I have noticed a slight behaviour change. Yesterday, I opened his door for him to come and play/exercise in my room. He barely even seemed interested and when he eventually did come out, he went and found a nice, hidden away spot to hide and rest. Previously, when he was out of his cage he would race around the room exploring, playing and resting in the sun, not underneath objects in dark corners. It gave me such joy to see him so excited and happy! He also enjoyed using me as a jungle gym and had even started to groom me. 

        This morning he seemed more excited to come out and play, but after a few minutes of wondering around the room he found another hidden spot to sit in. I went and sat near him, talking to him, but he didn’t seem interested in me. I also noticed a few droppings around the room – which he knows not to do. He has always been great at going back into his cage to go toilet (even if he doesn’t necessarily go in his litter tray – it’s better than my carpet). I’m not sure what has happened but he suddenly seems Mr. Independent now! He is still eating and pooping fine, although I am having trouble getting him to eat his hay. I got him some new toys today incase he was bored but he doesn’t seem interested in those. He sniffed and chewed one briefly but I haven’t seen him touch it again. It feels like he suddenly hates me and isn’t as happy.

        The night before his behavior changed we had some friends over while he was playing in the lounge. Things got quite loud and he started chewing on the carpet, which he had never done, so I thought he might have been a bit excited/scared/overstimulated with all the voices, laughing and people so I took him back upstairs to his cage. Now I feel like its payback time and he is ignoring me! Do you think he got a bit spooked with all the people? Usually he just hangs out with me and occasionally my two house mates. Any advise on how to get my happy bunny back would be greatly appreciated! 

        Thanks for your help! 


      • MoveDiagonally
        Participant
        2361 posts Send Private Message

          Bunnies aren’t really capable of being vengeful, that’s a human emotion, so it’s not payback. It could be that the extra people/noise is just causing him to be a bit off but given his age (I’m estimating from what you have listed on your profile) it sounds like it could be the beginning of bunny puberty.

          If it is bunny puberty, as he gets more hormonal his litter habits will likely not be very reliable as they enhance his marking instincts. Getting him neutered will likely help. As for his personality changing and him becoming a bit more stand off-ish. That could be part hormones and/or a part of growing up. A lot of times rabbits are more cuddly when they’re babies and less so when they reach adulthood.

          I would just give him time. If it’s just that he was overstimulate or scared from the extra people/noise he will likely go back to normal as he gets more comfortable again. If it continues for a while or seems to get worse it’s probably hormonal.


        • Jo Leigh
          Participant
          57 posts Send Private Message

            Thanks for your reply! 

            We had a bit of bonding time on the bed earlier and he appears to be a bit more settled 


          • Sarita
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            18851 posts Send Private Message

              I find that most rabbits as they age they become more independent and truly that is a good thing.

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          Forum BEHAVIOR Mr. Independent