Molting Symptoms?

[Ameelurz]

Hello all! 

I have read this forum for a long time now and finally decided to just become a member . I tried using the search feature for this question but the search engine seems to be down so I apologize if this has already been asked recently. 

My bunno, Cabby, is currently molting and I’m wondering if that could explain some of his weird behaviors lately? He has been thumping a bunch for no apparent reason and just seems generally agitated. More agitating for us, is that he has peed on our bed and our couch. He has been neutered for about 8 months now and he has never marked his territory or peed outside of his box ever since the procedure. Could he be mad at us and trying to show it? 

He is eating, drinking and pooping just fine and playing with toys. So he doesn’t seem to be sick. 

Any thoughts? 

[Sarah]

Mmhh. I have never excperienced a rabbit being aggitated due to molting.? I’m stumped. My rabbits molt twice a year and I haven’t noticed them getting overly aggitated or marking more when they are, but maybe I just never made the connection. Sorry, Maybe someone else will have better advice!

[DanaNM]

Hi there, welcome

Molting can certainly make bunnies grumpy. I haven’t experienced thumping as a symptom, but sometimes when Bertha is feeling sassy after I groom her she’ll mark. Have you been grooming him a lot? He could be protesting that! In which case, you gotta take a tough love approach and keep up the grooming! He can thump all he wants!

That said, if you notice any other changes to pooping, eating, activity level, he might have an underlying medical issue. Is he peeing anywhere else? If it seems random, could be a urinary infection. Also curious as to whether there’s any changes in your household (like new pets or housemates) that could trigger marking?

. . . 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.  

[Ameelurz]

We have been grooming him some, but I wouldnt say excessively. But he isnt a fan and makes a major fit of it every time. Peeing on the bed seemed a bit random, although he used to do that when he was a baby. However peeing on the couch was deff a territorial thing. Before he was neutered he would pee in that one spot allll the time and seemed to be in a territorial battle with my husband who would always sit on that spot in the couch….. anyways…. He also hiccuped for the first time (that im aware of) so that was an interesting experience. But it didnt last more than two minutes. As I type this he is currently munching on his dinner of pellets and is attacking my husband for more treats. So…. he can’t be that upset? haha 

[FlemishDad]

The primary symptom of molting is OMG HAIR EVERYWHERE EVEN MY COFFEE AND MY SANDWICH OH YUCK … wait that’s actually not your question…

If he does not like being groomed and you are still doing it that’s a likely reason he is grumpy . Try giving treats only after grooming. If you want to treat and don’t need to groom give him a perfunctory swipe with a comb.

[DanaNM]

I also recently discovered the joys of using a lint roller on my buns. Bun Jovi actually likes it! And it’s the best thing i’ve found to get his super soft fine hairs.

. . . 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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