Bunny Pulling Out Chunks Of Fur??

[Bambi]

Ok so I’m kinda freaking out right now I just finished up some things then went to check on my bunny and there was a giant clump of fur setting next to her. It’s being pulled out of her dewlap. I think bunnies do this when they are pregnant but there’s no chance she is, she’s never really seen another bunny since her brother, who passed away months ago. It started this morning too, I found some random fur lying around. I’m considering maybe she’s in heat and her hormones are going crazy but I can’t be sure. I’m also thinking she might be too hot in the night, but it’s usually pretty cold where she is. She hasn’t been eating well but is still toileting and drinking normally. Edit: I found out that the grunting noises she makes is flirting with me, so I’m guessing it’s something to do with her hormones.

[Jessica]

She could be going through a false pregnancy

[Bambi]

What is a false pregnancy?? Will she be okay?

[Mikey]

A false pregnancy is when a bunny feels as though they are pregnant and begins to build a nest. Its best to play along until she is over it. Get her a little box and put her fur tufts in there so she can start nesting. I believe she should be done with it in about 2 weeks?

[jerseygirl]

A false pregnancy (or pseudo-pregnancy) is when there are hormonal and physical changes that occur to make an intact rabbit think it is actually pregnant. You might even see them build a nest. She will be alright, but will probably just need her space at the moment. I think by the time they are pulling out fur, they are near the end of the episode.

It is sometimes triggered if an intact rabbit is mounted, (which makes them ovulate) but sometimes stress or changes within the body may bring it on also.

Desexing will prevent rabbits going through this. Desexing a female rabbit is beneficial for their health also as they have such a high chance of developing uterine cancer.

[jerseygirl]

Sorry Mikey. I hadn’t seen your reply. I was writing mine at same time. Good suggestion about providing nest box. BambiBunny, she might like to tear up some newspaper also, for a nest.

[Bambi]

Thank you for the replies. I gave her a box with some blankets and put it in her hutch, and she’s been nesting in it since.

[Author]

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