Rabbit has become unaffectionate

[zjmc]

Hello, 

One of our rabbits – an Angora cross Mini Lop has been continuing to get less and less affectionate. She’s around 5 months now and we haven’t got her spayed yet (looking to shortly – I believe between 4-6 months?). She used to be incredibly affectionate and would follow me around continually with lots of licks and loving pats. She also seemed to be very ‘carefree’ now she seems more scared and stressed in general. Especially if I’m nearby. As far as I can tell she’s healthy – really in the last 8 weeks or so I’m seeing a noticeable difference.

Now whenever I go near her she thumps and runs away. Could this just be hormones? Would she get back to the way she used to be when she was younger? I try to bond with her as much as I can but isn’t quite as often these days. She’s continually with our other rabbit a neutered Netherland Dwarf and they’re very affectionate and close to each other. 

Any input would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

Also if anyone knows of any relatively cheap places to get a female rabbit spayed in Sydney Australia that would be great! I think the Vet near us was around $200 AUD for a male.

[Sirius&Luna]

Often, baby rabbits are super affectionate and cuddly, and as they grow up they get less so. Kind of like human children I guess.

Are you trying to pick her up when you go near her? It sounds like she has associated you with something bad, which is why she thumps and runs away. Try sitting on the floor with her and letting her come to you.

She likely is also hormonal, and may calm down a bit when spayed. If she’s scared of you that isn’t related to hormones though, so you need to work on building trust with her.

[zjmc]

Ok thanks! I’m generally not trying to pick her up unless I need to move her or if I’m grooming her. Just now I approached their outdoor hutch and she started thumping really loudly (they have free run of a large balcony during the day and I often let them inside – not quite as much as we did with the first bunny as she tries to chew EVERYTHING). But yes, the more I think about it she definitely seems frightened of me more than anything. She really doesn’t like being groomed these days either and heart seems to race quite fast/breathing. She kicks out a lot until she seems to get so scared that she stays still

I’ll work on gaining her trust again and spend more time on the ground. She does come to me if there’s food – but even then she’s getting more and more reluctant. Thanks!

[Sirius&Luna]

Most bunnies don’t like being groomed, but it’s necessary. Can you always give her a treat after grooming? Bunnies learn these things quickly, so if you consistently give a treat after grooming she’ll learn yes it’s not nice at the time, but it’s over soon and then she gets a treat.

I would go back to new bunny behaviour, and basically let her come to you and reward when she does

I’m sure she’ll come round soon!

[zjmc]

Ok great thanks for the tips I’ll try it out!

[Author]

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