Bunny marking bed and licking

Question
QUESTION: I have had my lion head for about 4 months. In the last month I have moved his cage onto the floor. When I get home from school I let him out and he runs around my room. Recently he has learned to jump on my bed. I haven't had any problems with him going to the bathroom anywhere but his cage. Recently after learning to get on my bed he has started to poop and pee on it. I don't know why this is and I would like some help trying to fix this

ANSWER: Dear Matt,

I'm guessing your bunny is not yet spayed/neutered.  This will increase the likelihood of territorial marking, which is what your bunny is doing by pooping (and maybe peeing) on the bed.  There is no easy way to stop this except to exclude him from the bed by placing objects on top that will prevent his jumping up.  If that won't work, then putting moisture-resistant coverings over the bed may help until he can be fixed.

But because your smell is on the bed, and he considers you his beloved property, he's leaving his markings where your scent is.  He's marking you as part of his warren and family.  :)  Kind of flattering, even if it's a bit inconvenient and messy.

Spay/neuter should help, but until then, you might have to just keep him off the bed with mechanical means.

Hope this helps.

Dana

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your help! My rabbit also licks my hand and arm a lot too. If I'm laying on my bed he sometimes hops up to my head and will lick my hair. It almost seems like he is trying to groom me. Would him trying to be territorial explain this as well?

ANSWER: Dear Matt,

Your bunny loves you very much.  He's not marking his territory *against* you.  He's just adding his scent to the place where *your* scent is strongest, sort of making it The Guy's Lair.  He is certainly grooming you, which means you are a member of his family and clan.  So if he does pee on you, then consider it a high compliment.  :)

Dana

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have a couple of questions this time. My first is how much would it be to get my rabbit fixed. He is a boy. I really don't know much about getting a rabbit fixed in general. Would it be a good investment for the future?

My second question is when do rabbits sleep? Every time I wake up or look at my rabbit at night he's awake. It's just something I'm curious about. I really appreciate your help


-Matt

Answer
Dear Matt,

Neutering cost depends on where you are and which vet you choose.  But in some cases, you get what you pay for.  Check the vet listings here to find a rabbit-experienced vet near you:

www.rabbit.org/vets

and call them for pricing.

And yes, that should help reduce his marking behavior.

Rabbits are crepuscular (most active in the mornings and early evenings), but even when they sleep during the day and night, they don't usually do so for long periods of time.  Rather, they "catnap" for short periods.  

When you see your bunny at night with his eyes open, he could be dozing (they often don't close their eyes to sleep), but sometimes you'll see them start R.E.M. (rapid eye movement, which indicates dream cycle) sleep with their eyes a bit open.  They're still sleeping.  It just doesn't look like what you'd expect.  Kinda funny.  Kinda creepy.  :)

Hope that helps.  

Dana