Do bunnies behaviors change with the seasons?

[Ellen]

I was just curious to whether or not bunnies begin to behave different in the summer than they do the winter. I know animals like ferrets get chubbier and stock up during the winter months and lose the weight in the summer. Just wanted to know if there’s anything like that for bunnies? Weight, behavior, sleeping patterns?

[Bam]

Yes, rabbits are affected by amount of daylight. More daylight = less melatonin (sleep hormone), more sex hormones. Even desexed rabbits tend to get some sort of “March Hare Syndrome” this time of year in the Northern hemisphere. (Changes in temperature of course also affects their energy -they dont do much when its very warm).

 

[Wick & Fable]

Significant changes in weight is definitely not something you want to see — if this is present and change cannot be explained by diet, a rabbit should be assessed by a rabbit-experienced exotic veterinarian to assess what might be leading to weight changes.

Sleep patterns, especially for rabbits used to the environment and the owner, I personally find is more impacted by the owner’s routine, so if your routine (wake, sleep, feeding) changes as a result of the season, I think a rabbit’s would change as well.

Behavior wise, in tandem with owner routine changes, some people report a “spring” craze in especially male rabbits (fixed or not, I believe) where they get a bit more excited during the spring season. This can sometimes bring about some uncharacteristic humping/chasing in bonded pairs, though typically it is not enough to break the bond nor would be so severe as to cause injury (though always monitor if there is a risk).

That’s my perception!

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.

[DanaNM]

I’ve got a house full of March hares right now! Everyone has gone mad!

LOL I exaggerate, but yes there are some behavior changes. Bun Jovi has been honking and mounting Myra again, Myra has been trying to destroy the couch again, and Cooper is just being EXTRA.

You will also likely see some molting happening! But I agree with Wick, there shouldn’t be any weight changes. That indicates a medical issue.

 

. . . 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.  

[prince dorian the bun]

I see more changes related to molting than seasons… though molts are seasonal. Weight doesn’t change, but Dorian at least looks chubbier in the winter as he has a thicker coat.

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