Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 12/2/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have just brought home an adorable little bunny from a pet store because of love at first sight. Now, as the initial excitement begins to wane and genuine concern for the well-being of the little guy awakens me to my plain lack of knowledge on the subject of rabbit care, I seek sound and experienced advise from an expert. I have desperately searched the web all night for information on things like diet among other issues but the opinions are so varied and many contradict what the clerk in the pet shop advised me to feed my little rabbit (ONLY pellets, no lettuce, carrots or celery whatsoever. Also, I am very worried about the age of the bunny. I was told that the bunch he was with were from litters anywhere between 6 and 12 weeks old. A little research taught me quickly that bunnies should stay with the doe a minimum of 8 weeks. Mine is quite small which leads me to believe he was taken from his mother at at least 5 or six weeks;however, I do not know exactly how many weeks old he actually is. I would like to know if there is a way a determining age and what he really should be fed for optimum health. One website suggested feeding yogurt...??? Does my bunny need vaccines? I would greatly appreciate your guidance in taking the best care of my new little friend. Thank you.

ANSWER: Dear Carlos,

There's nothing as irresistible as a baby bunny.  But yes, the information for his care will be different, depending on whom you ask.  Since you've come here, I'm assuming that you think my opinion will help, and I hope it does.

For the very best and most accurate information on diet, care, behavior, etc., always refer to:

www.rabbit.org/

You can get a quick overview of healthy diet here:

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

and since you are concerned about his age (if he's very young, you will need to be *very* vigilant for any sign of runny stool, which must be treated as an emergency), please read this right away:

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

No yogurt.  The sugars will do more harm than the Lactobacillus would do any good.  These are not necessary if he has a healthy intestinal flora already, but do be aware of his fecal output, and if you see *any* sign of runny stool, lethargy, or inappetence, find a good rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Your bunny will not need (and should not have) vaccines in the U.S. (different story elsewhere, where two deadily viral diseases are more prevalent).  

I hope you'll find these sites helpful, and please feel free to ask if you have any specific questions.

Good luck with your new pal!

Dana

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

QUESTION: Dear Dr. Krempels,

After an horrific first visit to the VET and the most disturbing episode of squealing, struggling, thumping, kicking and bleeding from the toes ever witnessed, my little 9 week old bunny has lost his usual placid, trusting and affectionate demeanor. The incident took place one week ago and even up until the waiting room he always used to love snuggling with me for hours on my chest and was very obedient and docile. Now, when I come home from work he demands food by picking up his dish with his teeth and repeatedly slamming it down on the floor and refuses to sleep on my chest like before. I am saddened and distraught! Is my old bunny gone forever? During the visit my little bunny found comfort and tranquility when once again in my arms and didn't want to leave my side for the remainder of that day but now he won't even sit still beside me and bites and scratches at my clothes. Please...what should I do? What can I do?  

Answer
Dear Carlos,

You don't say how old your bunny is now, but this behavior is typical of puberty. Think of how adorable a human baby can be, and then how NOT so adorable they can become once the hormones start to kick in.  Same thing with rabbits.

Fortunately, with rabbits there is a solution.  It's neutering.  And this will help to curb the objectionable behaviors until he gets older and more mature.  This is part of your bunny child's "growing up".  He still loves you, but he's no longer the innocent, cuddly baby he was.  He may regain this once he's neutered, but there's no way to tell.  You just have to work with his personality (which sounds adorable and strong-willed, by the way)

When your bunny bites and scratches at your clothes, he's expressing sexual frustration and a desperate need for attention. He loves you, but his hormones are driving him nuts, and he doesn't know how to express himself.  It's up to you, his adopted "dad" to be patient and help him through this difficult time.

Please read:

www.rabbit.org/health/spay.html

and find a good rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

What you describe sounds totally normal and expected:  every rabbit has a unique personality, and the vet visit might not really have much to do with the coincidental onset of puberty and the usual mood swings that brings.

Hope this helps.

Dana