Change of character

[dianedriver]

We have a 2+year old male rabbit, Bernie, who was neutered a month ago. Before the operation he was, to us, just a typical, now we realize, slightly mellow fellow, no behavior to worry about. We rabbit-proofed his free roaming area (We have an upstairs, no rabbits allowed). We all seemed quite content. Now, however, after the operation, he's become somewhat aggressive. We were, for some reason, under the impression that he would become even more mellow than he was, but exactly the opposite has happened. He tries to get into everything, is super hyper much of the time, constantly trying to get at the electrical wires to chew which he did NOT do before the operation. They're all "rabbit proofed" with the wire covering, but he's even begun to chew on that. Any suggestions? Reasons for this behavior having happened. Is it just his hormones acting up after the operation, and they/he might soon settle down? Thanks for any insight you all might have.

 

[ArtistChibi]

It could be hormones trying to die out. It could also be seasonal. Or it could be the habits of rabbits finally kicking in. Remember, rabbits chew a lot. Xiao Wu was determined to destroy my ethernet cable, so we had to cover that in steel tubing. She's spayed. I don't know what her behavior was like before that as we adopted her from the local shelter.

He could also be throwing a tantrum since he has been neutered and not happy about it, so may die out once his hormones settle.

 

[JBun]

Give it another month. It's not unheard of for there to be an upsurge of hormones after a neuter, that causes increased unusual hormonal behaviors. You just have to wait it out until those hormones finally dissipate. Can take up to 8 weeks sometimes.

Also, look at if there have been any new and possibly unsettling changes in your home and rabbits environment, like new people or new pets, strong smells, or even a predator that could be hanging around outdoors or loud construction sounds. These kind of things can cause anxiety and changes of behavior in some rabbits.

If after ruling out changes being the issue and giving it another month for hormones to completely die down, if the behavior still continues you may need to consult with your vet. Maybe have an ultrasound to check if there are some internal abdominal issues that may have been caused by the surgery, or you may even need to have a blood test done to check if something is going on with the hormones for some reason, like with adrenal issues.

Though if any other more serious or unsettling problems arise and/or you have any concerns, don't wait to consult with your vet in case there is an underlying health issue causing this unusual behavior.

 

[SirLawrence]

He could also be throwing a tantrum since he has been neutered and not happy about it, so may die out once his hormones settle.

If my rabbits are any indication, they can, and will, hold a grudge.

 

[dianedriver]

Thanks everyone! I think he's settling down a bit now..........probably hormones and, yes, a tantrum. Silly rabbit.

 

[Nancy McClelland]

Our avatar bunny, Nikki would hold a grudge for 6 months--I kept forgetting she was the 3 pound boss of the universe!