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Quiet rabbit

22 10:29:35

Question
QUESTION: Hi, Since I had Yoshi castrated quite a few weeks ago he is so quiet he just stays in his hutch all the time.  Before the op he would be out all the time running around the room, jumping up on my bed for attention.  I have tried sitting on the floor he will come to me for a while but is soon off back to his hutch.  I have taken him out to give him attention but he just runs back to his hutch.  Is this normal behavior what can I do to make him more active and inquisitive.  How can I tell if he is happy any advice would be grateful.  Thanks in advance

ANSWER: Hello Tina

Your bunny may still be feeling a bit sore and uncomfortable from the operation. It can take at least 6 weeks to recover properly. I can tell you love him so very much but at the moment he might not be feeling himself and wont enjoy his cuddles as much. Im sure he will soon be back to his normal happy self. Something that may make him feel a bit better and happier is giving him his fav treats or veg. It might cheer him up a bit

Hope this helps

sarah

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

QUESTION: Hi Sarah, He had his op over six weeks ago now.. He will come out to play in his run with his ball which has treats hidden inside, that seems to be the only time he does come out to eat.  He has also started scratching his cage which he never did before the op.  Any other advice about what I can do would be great

Answer
hello Tina

It seems like this is really getting you down. it must be hard seeing your little friend so unhappy. I have a few ideas that may be able to help :-)

My rabbits absolutlety love long tubes/tunnels, so if you can get the biggest one you can see he will love running in and out of it. This may be a way of getting him eating as you can sprinkle food or small bits of veg inside from the front to the end of the tunnel. This is also be giving him some fun exercise too and will be a enjoyable way of eating.
Instead of trying to stroke/cuddle him when he is running around, stroke him when he is in his cage then maybe when he knows he is being loved he may be tempted to take some food straight out of your hand.

Is your bunny living on his own?he may be feeling lonely which may be why he is scratching. My indoor bunny scratches because we wants attention. If he see's me then he will scratch and scratch untill i let him out for cuddles or a run. scratching usually means either he's bored, lonely or he's frightened.

hope he gets back to his normal self soon.


please let me know if you would like some more advice.always happy to help.

sarah