Hi Robin,

Rabbits do not go into heat the same way that dogs or cats do, but the behavior you describe sure seems to me like it might be mating related.  Vocalizations, following/chasing, circling your feet (does she do that too?) are all signs of mating behavior.  Was she around the ex very much?  I read somewhere that bunnies actually know the difference between male and female people, and treat them differently.  Maybe she is missing the ex, who she thinks of as her "mate"?  Any change in environment is also stressful for bunnies, and can change their behavior.

Are you planning to get her spayed soon?  She may just be overloaded on hormones right now, and will settle down as she matures.  Spaying her will help this process.

osprey, how do they treat males & females differently? mine for sure can recognize men because of their low voices, and they immediately run and hide

Unfortunately, I cannot find the article, but I remember it saying that rabbits know men from women, and know the gender roles associated with that knowledge (In rabbit terms of course). So a female rabbit may show amorous behavior toward a man, and a male rabbit may towards a woman.

If your bunnies are afraid of men’s voices, it could be because of the pitch or the volume, or maybe abuse in the past? I wish I could find the article now…

Yeah it sounds to me that osprey is right.Bunnies make a kinda weird buzzing/humming noise it can sometimes resemble an “oink” since she hasnt been spayed its most probably that she is feeling in the modd for love. This noise which is usually accompanied by circling and following are all characteristics of a rabbit in the mood.

This behaviour is normal and can usually be calmed by having her sapyed. However some rabbits may still do this a little after their surgery.

Hope that helps

When my daugher’s bunny was staying with me, he liked to circle my feet and make humming noises. Not all the time, just occasionally. I thought he was saying, “Here I am, pay attention, I want you to pet my head and make a fuss over me.” He is about 2 years old and neutered. He is a vocal bunny. He grunts and hummms and makes noises a lot of the time. Noble, my bunny, isn’t as “vocal”.

it sounds like it is time to get her spayed, her hormones are likely in overdrive. My guess is it is a combination of hormones, plus all the changes.

kupo, much sympathy to you both.

i just had Chino (or Poppy as she is now known) speyed last week after she REALLY started displaying the kind of behaviour you’re describing (the plan was always to get her neutered but i was planning to wait a few more weeks). and i’m happy to say that it has calmed her down- although it didnt have as much effect as when Lollo was castrated- that was a huge transformation!

Poppy still likes to rattle things in a neurotic fashion but she doesnt do the constant leg/foot circling nor does she try to climb up my pyjama legs anymore! also her need to transfer the contents of her litter tray into her bedding area has diminished- thank goodness!

and the best thing is that speying her will keep her healthy for much longer : )

I am so sorry about  your crazy ex.  Don’t ya just love those!  Been there – understand! Nuff said.

For now since you don’t have the funds to spay her, while your saving up for the surgery, you can give her something she can at least use to get out the frustation with (also, are you absolutely sure she’s a she, not a he?)

Either way, you can get an old t-shirt (make sure you wear it for a day or sleep in it so it has your scent on it ), then stuff it with towels, or a small pillow or whatever, and tie off the arms and torso part so the padding doesn’t come out.  And let her have at it.  Also, if she still goes after you when you move, just bring her new t-shirt buddy, and move it around so she focuses on it instead.

Good Luck.  Let us know how it goes.