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drinking urine

22 10:36:02

Question
Dana-
Why do you think a bunny drinks its urine?  There is always plenty of fresh water and food, etc for him.
This is the male (daddy) bunny that is about 2 years old and neutered three weeks ago.  Both he and momma bunny had been running loose in the wilderness for 3 - 6 months before I trapped them.  I'm thinking it is a behavior he taught himself during times when he previously did not have access to water.  But if you know the "real" reason, I'd greatly appreciate knowing.
Thank you

Answer
Dear Erika,

Some bunnies do the urine lapping thing, and no one really knows why. It could be that they like the salt, or that--if unneutered--they get a little bit *too* into sniffing their own musk (which does end up in the urine to some degree).

Usually a bunny will do this for a while, and then grow out of it.  Some do it only periodically.  It doesn't appear to cause health problems.  It's just kind of gross, and probably gives him really *interesting* breath.

Wish I could give you a real answer, but I'm not sure there is one!  

Happy New Year,

Dana