Puberty Blues

Tabitha is a 4 and a half month old female dwarf lop. In the last week she has started getting vocal, oinking/growling at me when I am cleaning her hutch, so getting territorial. She has started making nests out of paper, straw and her fur. Yesterday she jumped on my arm humping and biting it. Firstly do you just shake them off and ignore this behaviour? Is this just a dominance display or is it sexual? Secondly I have noticed an increased resting heart/respiration rate with this onset of puberty, is that normal? I have her booked in to be spayed in 2 weeks. I want my baby bunny back not a grouchy teenager

Im sorry honey - I dont have any advice on this - but Im sure someone will be along soon that does.

Katie

The territorial behaviour does sound like it is puberty rearing its ugly head. You need to be careful when approaching her hutch or cage and putting stuff in or out.

She can't be speyed until she is at least five months. I think it is a good idea to speak to your vet to find out at what age they are happy to do the procedure.

Until then, you need to just be aware that she is inclined to lunge and not provoke anything with her just now. She can't help how she is and hitting her (not that I am suggesting you would) won't help. Hopefully once she is neutered she will calm down and you will get your happy bun back.

Neutering will definately sort this. Does she have a partner? That will also helo to calm he down... bloomin teenagers ey!

I would probably mention about the heart/resp rate to the vet just incase, but the rest of the behavior is exactly how my girls were before their spays

Bless, you need to be careful entering her domain, it's best to clean/change litter etc when she's out, as buns can develop habits and associations quite quickly. Keep us posted re: spay