Post-neuter behaviour change?

[arsenal197]

Ok, so we (finally) got Loki neutered on Monday! However, his behaviour since has been completely erratic – totally different rabbit :-/. Yesterday, he ripped a hole in out leather sofa – he has never shown interest in biting before, and he tried to do it again, earlier. He is a lot more ‘flighty’, for example, two days ago, I picked him up to move him from somewhere he knows not to be, and he hid for two hours when I puit him down. Thing is, I didnt shout, say no or utter a word – just simply picked him up to put him on his favoured sofa spot. He has hidden from noises that he normally wouldn’t – lorry, car and he thumped when football fans were chanting. On the plus side, since Monday, he has actually lay on my lap and chest while licking me. Again, two things that he has never done before the surgery.

The sofa is not a problem, as we can get a repair kit – plus I have covered the part of the sofa in tinfoil doused in vinegar to deter him.

Is this sort of behavioural reaction normal, in a rabbit that has never, A, responded with fear to anything and, B, never declared an interest in chewing anything.

I’d be greatful for ANY advice, or reassurance that this behavior will cease in a little while. :-/

[Monkeybun]

Hormone levels will make a bit off kilter for a bit so soon after neuter. It should settle soon

[Sarita]

Yeah, you did get him neutered :~) It is whacked out hormones after the neuter but it will calm down very soon.

[RabbitPam]

The longest it will take is 4 weeks from the date of the neuter. Unfortunately, some bunnies experience a surge of hormones just before they taper off, so it can seem like even more aggressive behavior before the little darlings settle down. It’s going to be over soon. Hang in there.

[Stickerbunny]

I had the same problem you did. Powder was a perfect bun – perfect litter habits, not chewing anything, etc. Got him neutered… totally different rabbit. After a month he did _mostly_ go back to normal, but apparently he decided some of the bad habits were fun so he kept them. So start bunny proofing things he can chew.

[bunnyfriend]

Don’t worry the behavior change I think is perfectly normal and will go away. Like the week before I soaked Wilbur she started biting me, right after she got spayed it got even worse. She started lunging, grunting, and biting me a lot. That lasted about 4-10 days and then she was back to my normal, non biting bunny again. You also have to keep in mind that he’s probably scared, confused, in pain, and recovering from surgery. I was really saddened during the time Wilbur was being “mean”, but it was over before I knew it

[Jessica Rabbit]

I’m in the same boat! My boys got neutered about two and a half weeks ago, and they were both holy terrors for the first week. Harvey has calmed down quite a lot, but Jack is still being the naughtiest of all bunnies. I think it’s a lot to do with the individual bun, but he will chill out in time! As for the sudden fear thing, I’m with bunnyfriend – he’s scared, confused, and in pain and has NO idea why. Patience! All of them will be back to normal (as if bunnies have a ‘normal’ setting) soon..

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