Bunny hates my presence since returning from a trip?

[softbun01]

Hi, new user here. I recently got a lone female rabbit in June, she is about 18 weeks old now and although she was very scared at first she has slowly become super close with me, even sleeping in my bed at night.

A few days ago I had to stay away for the night for a concert and had family members come to look after her. My room (which we share) has a huge mirror sliding door cupboard which she has also been fond of as she thinks her reflection is another rabbit and has been spending a lot of time with it. I found this super sweet, but the problem is that since returning from my trip she either ignores me for this mirror or hides under my bed – completely avoiding my company unless I give her treats, then she’ll eat it and lick my hand before going away again. I have sometimes tried speaking to her in a soft tone, sitting near her and even gently petting her favourite area of her head but almost every time she reacts negatively, often flicking her head/feet at me, turning to face away and lunging one time. She has also started occasionally thumping whenever I clean areas of my room or move objects on/off of my bed…

At first I thought my bun was just extremely upset at me for leaving or had decided her new friend is better company, but even after four days of staying in my room with her the behaviour is worsening and I am starting to question if she’s starting to get hormonal due to her age (a few days before leaving she did start marking my area of the bed). Could anyone tell me if this sounds like normal hormonal rabbit behaviour, and if not what I can do to help? I feel like she just hates me being around her now :/

 

[DanaNM]

It sounds like bunny puberty! She’s right around that age, it’s very normal for them to get a bit moody during this time as they transition from a baby to adult. I would start thinking about booking her for her spay, and once she’s past the teenage phase she will settle into her adult personality. Just keep doing things to bond with her and spend time with her, even if she seems to mostly want to hang out with her reflection!

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[LBJ10]

Yes, it does sound like the hormones have started to kick in. Oftentimes it is like someone flipping a light switch.

[softbun01]

Thanks so much for the feedback! I currently can’t get bun spayed because my mother who is on holiday for another week or so wants me to wait so she can help out. Definitely going to be booking an appointment ASAP though.

I have continued to bond with her and have seen some improvement – she now lets me pet or kiss her head again – but as soon as I do something to offend her (like blocking her from eating something she shouldn’t), it’s back to lunging at me and running to sulk under the bed… Here’s hoping spaying will help 😛

 

[Author]

Messages