pet rabbit is chewing or pulling out fur

Question
Our 5 year old male, unneutered rabbit has chewed a patch of fur from his lower back "hip" area. This spot is about an inch up from his tail and off to the left. The bare spot is about a square inch or so in size, and the skin does not seem sore or irritated. He is only in the house (not outside)and has not been exposed to any new pets, different bedding, or new areas of the house from his usual rooms where he goes. He eats rabbit pellets, timothy hay, and carrots. He has mineral and salt rings in his cage. He acts just fine, but we have never seen him with a bare patch like that before so we were concerned. Can you think why he might suddenly do something like chew his fur? Thanks- Theresa

Answer
Dear Theresa,

It's possible that there is something at that spot that's irritating him, such as a ringworm fungus or flea bite.  Please see:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/furloss.html

But I do wonder:  Has he recently had an injection at the vet's?  Or perhaps had an injury that affected his leg or hip?  If he has numbness in the area, he may be chewing at it out of irritation.

If in doubt, bring him to a trusted rabbit vet:

www.rabbit.org/vets

for examination of the spot, and treatment, if necessary.  

I hope that helps.

Dana