extremely clingy, soppy bun

[New Bunny Mum]

In the last week Pancakes has had a personality transplant from a normal, slightly hoighty stroppy bunny into a very clingy, soppy and cuddly rabbit.

As soon as you enter the room she lives in – the kitchen so this is pretty regularly – she circles your feet – making it impossible to walk without tripping over her, and flings herself to the floor in prime pat me position and just waits for you to cuddle her. She is even wants to sit on my lap, and now when I pick her up she has transformed from a kicking snarling beast (ok, not quite, but still pretty grumpy about it) to this adorable fur ball who snuggles into you.

I know this all sounds great, at it is, but I’m worried about this complete change in personality (she is still not yet spayed – booked in next week)

I’m also worried she is lonely. I work part time, and my partner works full time but has weekends off, so she is only really on her own for about 1-2 days a week, and even then we make sure we spend lots of time with her in the evenings, and give her lots of fuss before work – and she has free range of our kitchen with lots to do.

I physically don’t have room for a second bunny, particuarly to split them throughout the bonding process. I know plenty of buns live on their own, but I’m worried and guilty that I’m depriving her of a friend.

 

[Sarita]

It sounds like you aren’t ready for a second rabbit and you have to think about what you can physically, mentally and financially do if you plan on getting a second rabbit…

Can you explain more about your worry in her change in personality? I’m not sure I understand what the concern is…

[RabbitPam]

I wouldn’t worry about her being lonely at all. No need for a second bunny for that reason. Bunnies sleep during the day when you’re not there and make good pets for people with work schedules because of it.

She sounds like she’s sort of hormonal, but in a good way. If she were a boy, I’d say she was being affectionate due to hormones which make boy bunnies amorous, but it may still be a bit of that. (Some member have taken their bunnies to vets for speutering only to find out they had the gender wrong, also. It’s unlikely, but possible.) Anyway, it is very, very nice behavior and if she is eating, pooping and exercising normally, it just may be that she is feeling more secure and happy with you now. Get the spay done and see how she behaves a month later for the best sign of her basic personality.

[Danceteach]

Sounds like she has fallen for you. Trust a big issue with bunnies. They don’t give it all to you at once but. gradually. They must know you won’t hurt or scare them. With time and care and love they get better and better. They must know you’ll also protect them and we do this jealously. We have one that has learned to trust us. Kimo runs to the door to greet us, He squats down when he will allow us to pick him up. It just takes time but, its all worth it.

[Elrohwen]

I think her behavior can be explained by her becoming more comfortable with you, plus a big dose of hormones. She sounds like a great bunny! So many people complain about bunnies who aren’t affectionate and don’t want anything to do with their people, so it doesn’t sound like you have a problem at all.

I wouldn’t worry about her being lonely. Sounds like she gets plenty of attention and love from her people. Sure bunnies like to have a friend, but you as the owner really need to be ready for it and *want* a second bunny. Don’t get one for her, get one because you’re absolutely ready and have the time, money, and space, which it doesn’t sound like you do right now.

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