Female Rabbit Acting Strangely

[lola1234]

Hi,

I have a 3 year old female Lion Lop rabbit, and she is not spayed. 

She has been living with us for the past 1.5 years, and was in a very nice home before that. She is a lone bunny, and the lone animal in the house. She has had absolutely no issues in the past, and was a very nice rabbit who would let you pick her up, pet her, gives you licks, and constantly follows you around. Her cage is inside our house, and during the day when there are people around she is given the option to come outside and hop (maybe 9-12 hours a day).

For the past few days, I have noticed a very large change in her personality. Starting about 4 days ago, she had suddenly started humping my arm. That ‘behaviour’ lasted for only that day, and for the next few days she would not do that. But, the days after, she had gotten so much more grumpy. 

She is still pooping, peeing, eating, and drinking fine, but acting very different. For an example, she would still come out of the cage to get food, but she would avoid me. She still eats out of my hand, but when I start advancing towards her she would run away frantically. Also, when I try to pick her up, she goes CRAZY… she runs everywhere she can. She doesnt seem to be in any pain.

Also, her timings have seemed to change; she is quite active only around 4-7am, whereas before she was active at 5-7pm.

Just this morning, she was on the upper level of our home with carpet, and she was pacing back and forth at her top speed; this got us spooked, because she only does this outside, and very rarely. 

I would like to know what is the cause of this crazy behaviour, and how I could fix it. Thanks!!

[Cottontail]

I’m not sure what could have caused the sudden change, but a trip to the vet for a spay may help…

I recently saw some updates on an older lady bun (8 years old) that had not been spayed but lived happily with her people that suddenly didn’t want to be held, presented grumpy behavior, and eventually started showing some blood in her pee.. They took her to the vet that did suggest hormones could be a big factor and they scheduled her for spay. Her uterus was highly enlarged and pressing on the rest of her insides, making her uncomfortable and grumpy. After the procedure she seems to be doing quite well and returning to her normal happy self.

Other things to consider are changes to your routine, changes in smells in the house, and whether or not she’s acted this way at the holidays before if you have decorations up.

[lola1234]

On your point of changes in the atmosphere: 

we have made some changes, now that i think about it. We had taken out a lot of furniture from the room she is in, and taken out the rug. 

Also, I had bought a new cream from bath and body works, which is a faint vanilla scent… I have started using it a few days ago. maybe thats the culprit??

[Cottontail]

She might not approve of your change in scent, or the loss of her rug or furniture… She might be feeling a bit more territorial if she feels you’ve been taking “her stuff” and especially if you don’t smell like mommy normally does. Still, I would keep an eye out for any changes in poops or peeing, and also keep an eye out for tenderness. Try to reassure her and try not using the lotion for a day two to see if her reaction towards you changes.

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