Rabbit advice please

feelinggood_2

I can't work out what is wrong with my 2 year old rescue rabbit. He is a single rabbit, RSPCA tried bonding him but he doesn't like other rabbits.

He (although 'he' is a neutered female technically) has been a wonderful addition to our family. Got him almost a year ago.

He has a large indoor cage, and while I'm home (most of the time) he has free run of downstairs. Up till now, he would come out 5 or 6 times a day for a good old run round and explore.

For the past week, he hasn't wanted to come out at all. He has been out once, but no amount of coaxing will persuade him. He doesn't mind me sticking my hand in to fuss him, and will sit by the door and expect biscuits.

He is eating and drinking fine, no signs of illness. He is due for a jab so i'm going to try and take him to the vets.

Any idea why he is sad? Or is he not actually sad, just lazy?

Nothing has changed at home, apart from me being pregnant.

dolally_2

She is probably lonely. IME most rabbits can be bonded it is just about finding the right match. A reputable rescue should offer to help bond (try a local rabbit one instead of the rspca) - some may ask for a small donation which would be well worth it.

Definitely pop to the vets for her jab and a general health check and if she gets the all clear then I would start the search for a husbun!

feelinggood_2

It was an RSPCA Rabbit Rescue, and they had a lot of rabbits. Perhaps I should give them a call and ask about trying her with another rabbit again, now she is a bit older.

But if she was lonely, wouldn't she want more fuss from me, not less?

dolally_2

Is it possible that something has given him a fright recently?

feelinggood_2

dolally wrote: »

Is it possible that something has given him a fright recently?

I don't think so, can't recall anything changing. He is alright in his cage, doesn't mind me giving him a fuss when I feed him. He just doesn't want to come out! He is a house bunny, so no other animal or person could have frightened him.

I was trying to coax him out with a grape earlier - he was leaning right out, but just wouldn't hop out!

Also, when I talk to him, he still makes a happy 'buzz' noise.

dolally_2

I would get him/her (getting confused now!!) to the vets and check for an injury. Rabbits are very good at hiding injuries as in the wild any sign of weakness is dangerous.

Thinking about it more I think that there is a real possibility of something being amiss and she could be in pain. Is she eating and pooing as normal?

feelinggood_2

Eating, drinking, pooing and urinating as normal. Have given him/her (confusing isn't it!) a few fusses and no reaction to being stroked - doesn't flinch or anything. Still eating biscuits when offered! He is hopping up and down onto his house no problem.

Vets booked for Friday, so will hopefully get reassurance that he is just lazy then!

He came out once for OH when I was out (Saturday) and was doing lots of binkies.

dolally_2

Hope everything is okay. A sudden change in personality is worrying so it will be good to get the reassurance.

xJayJayx

You say your pregnant?
Has OH been making a fuss over you recently? More than usual?
My rabbit gets "the hump" when my OH fusses over me or even the hamster, he turns his back and hides in his log and won't come out for ANYTHING.

feelinggood_2

xJayJayx wrote: »

You say your pregnant?
Has OH been making a fuss over you recently? More than usual?
My rabbit gets "the hump" when my OH fusses over me or even the hamster, he turns his back and hides in his log and won't come out for ANYTHING.

I wondered if it could be something like that. He is happy to accept treats and food, but doesn't want a fuss, so it feels like he is in a mood with me!

He did used to jump out and try and get between us when OH hugged me!