rabbit pulling hair out

Question
Our male rabbit has all of the sudden started pulling his hair out.  He has just about taken all of the hair on his front feet off.  We did just recently get anoter rabbit and her cage is right next to his.  He seems to be in good health and is still eating and drinking with no problems.  Is there anything we can do to keep him from doing this? Could it have anything to do with the other rabbit?

Answer
Dear Robin,

Self-mutilation usually isn't caused by the stress of a new rabbit, though it's possible he's overgrooming himself out of a neurotic habit.  But you can read about the various causes and treatments of abnormal fur loss in rabbits here:

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

and find a good vet to help you here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Hope that helps.

Dana