Need bunny advice

[Dk19]

Hello,

 

I got my mini lop about a month ago…. he’s 12 weeks old today.   Everything was going good,  until he started escaping his pen,  about 2 weeks ago.  Every other night he would get out.  One night he got out while I was awake.  I managed to catch him before he got into any bad places (house isn’t bunny proof yet).  I caught him awkwardly,  and thought I hurt him pretty bad… but he was his normal self the next day.   I covered the pen so he couldn’t escape,  and have a larger pen coming this week.   He grooms himself regularly,  but now clicks his teeth when he sits by himself.   His back is hunched sometimes- should I be concerned?  I can’t tell if he’s grinding his teeth or purring.  Just need some help please

[Bam]

Young rabbits often tooth purr when they sit by themselves. It’s normal and good 🙂

If a bun is in so much pain that it’s tooth grinding, there are other signs of pain as well, such as loss of interest in food. The rabbit often wants to hide out of sight, and may hide in places where it doesnt normally go. It may be very reluctant to move from its spot.

Practically all rabbit behavior needs to be interpreted in context, except refusal to eat. Refusal to eat is always a sign that something is wrong.

[Dk19]

OK thank you.   He is mostly doing it since I covered his cage.   He is eating less hay but I think that may be because he’s been spoiled with pellets for a bit too long

[DanaNM]

It’s hard to say, because you covered his cage around the time you thought you might have hurt him.

Does he seem relaxed or tense when he’s teeth-clicking? Is he squinting or showing any reluctance to move around?

. . . 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.  

[Dk19]

He hunches up and he does squint.   He does it after he runs around,  chews on the cage and gets on his hind legs to see if the top is still on the cage.   One he is done checking…. is when he sits and clicks.   And it’s like he’s mad at me,  or upset about not being able to get out

[DanaNM]

To me that sounds more like pain clicking (with the body position and squinting).

It’s hard for me to say, but given how young he is and since you have a suspicion of an injury, the safest thing would be to visit the vet. They can make sure he doesn’t have a sprain or broken bone that needs medical attention.

. . . 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.  

[Dk19]

OK I’ll plan on that then.  Good news- today he’s coming up to me and letting me pet him.   Eating regularly.   He doesn’t really grind his teeth unless I’m next to the cage either.  But…. better safe than sorry

[LBJ10]

Some rabbits are known to grind their teeth out of frustration. It’s usually accompanied by other “miffed” behaviors though.

[Dk19]

OK- he’s back and forth.   Like content and playful- then like….. scratching at and biting the cage,  pushing things over in the pen,  etc

[LBJ10]

It could be frustration then. He’s probably upset because you ruined his fun.

[Dk19]

yea- for now.  I got his bigger pen today and I’ll install it tomorrow. Give him some more room to run. 

 

[DanaNM]

Bunny temper tantrum! LOL

I’m sure he’ll appreciate having more space. 🙂

 

. . . 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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