Chunks of rabbit fur?

[Honna]

I have two rabbits, Boi and Daisy. Boi is 8 months and Daisy is 5 months and they’re both in a cage outdoors. Quite recently, I’ve noticed that there’s been huge chunks of Daisy’s fur around the cage and today when I checked, the whole floor was covered her fur! Is this shredding or is it something else and should I go see a vet? I’ve attached a picture of it. PS we put a heater for them as it gets cold (around 1 degree Celsius)  outside if that might be a problem?

[Wick & Fable]

Welcome to BB Honna! Double the rabbits, double the rabbit love, but also, double the work sometimes.

There are some items that’s helpful to know in these scenarios.

1) Are both rabbits in the same cage?
2) Have either been spayed or neutered? If so, how long?
3) How long have they been together, if they are housed together?
4) How do they interact with each other? (I.e. chasing, humping, grooming, etc.)

My initial thought is Boi is ripping out Daisy’s fur because they are no longer getting along. Young rabbits will get along, but as they age, their hormones kick in, and a loving relationship between two, unfixed rabbits is no longer as possible. I advise separating them and seeing if you still see fur, or dedicate the time to observe them together and see if this seems possible.

Is Daisy currently molting? How often do you groom her?

There are a few possibilities. I don’t think any involve a vet, but intervening your rabbits’ companionship will most likely be required. Rabbits do not understand family or companionship once their hormones kick in. It seems like both are at an age where it’s time for those hormones to emerge, so separation until they’re both fixed may be required so they do not harm each other.

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.

[Wick & Fable]

* I do want to highlight that fur pulling is bad. If it’s happening from Boi, it means Boi is potentially really bullying Daisy, and that will severely stress her out and make her upset. This can roll over to hogging food and other harmful behaviors.

If she’s pulling out her own fur, that can be a sign of severe stress and the source needs to be identified so she stops.

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.

[Deleted User]

Along with everything Wick said, I also want to point out that if neither one are fixed, that should could very well indeed be pregnant. If he’s fixed, but she’s not, then she could be having a false pregnancy, which is also highly stressful to a female bun.

[DanaNM]

That photo looks like she’s building a nest…. at 5 months I’m guessing she isn’t spayed? If that’s the case I second that it could be a pregnancy or false pregnancy.

. . . 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.  

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