Behaviour!!

[sabs]

my rabbit (ludo) is 4 months old now, but im noticing that hes making noises (grunting) a lot and hes also been trying to hump my arm tonight! i was wondering whether its just his age or something is wrong? could anyone give me some advice thanks

[CAYLA :O)]

Hi,

My rabbit started this at this age and it is perfectly normal :0) He is hitting a hormonal stage and as horrible as it seems, you need to book him in at 6 months old to be castrated - it is the best thing you will ever do for him xxx:p

[Kirsty&Lola]

i would strongly advise you to get Ludo neutered as he is showing hormonal behaviour due to this age;) the op is relatively simple and would make him a much happier and healthier bun...will also keep your arm intact:lol:

[sabs]

thanks! i had a feeling it might have something to do with his age. if i have him neutered will it make him more managable he seems to kick out a lot wen i try to pick him up.

also my friend has just got her 1st mini lop bunny hes very skittish doesnt like bein picked up and she is covered in scratches! is there anythin she can do 2 calm him down?

[Amy104]

It should reduce any hormonal behaviour, but you may find that he'll still be a bit squirmish wen you pick him up. Willow loves cuddles and will sit on my lap for ages but hates being off the ground and wriggles endlessly. A good tip to avoid getting scratched is to place them down back legs first as it stops them kicking out at you.

[IzzyTwig]

Ooo you've got yourself a teenage bunny. Time for neutering, some rabbits are mature enough at 4 months to be neutered, others it takes longer depending when their testicles drop.

Rabbits are ground creatures so don't like being picked up, you and your friend will have to play with the rabbits on the floor to build up a relationship of trust then the rabbit shoudln't wriggle as much when being picked up providing you're supporting his bum and back legs. Plus all young bunnies are skittish, they'll calm down after neutering and with age.

[nursecroft]

Yes joey was the same at 4 months, i got him neutered, males can be done at 4 months females at 6 months. He's was so much better after, took about a week after the op to calm down. As for your friends bunny scratching, joey was the same, you have to be firm with them and not let them jump out of your arms when they have scratched you, if you hold them correctly you can usually avoid too many scratches and they learn that it doesnt get them anywhere. Joey was really bad when i used to go to put him down, i found if i turned him round to face me instead of away from me he didnt struggle. He's now perfect to handle. Also if you teach them the word 'no' for example if they jumped somewhere they shouldnt bang your hand on the floor (bunny warning sign) and say no at the same time they soon learn no means they are being naughty!!

[sabs]

yeah i might be taking a trip to the vets then!! bless him hes so lovely i find it easier to hold him like a baby as he doesnt struggle to get down is that ok to do with rabbits? his cage has been smelling the last couple of nights is that anythin to do with him feeling hormonal?? :?

[nursecroft]

yes thats fine but it would be good to teach him that he must be good to handle and to put down. The cage smelling is def another hormonal sign, he'll calm down after his op

[buda]

I did some research and I read that males can be done at 3 months (as long as their bits have dropped). We got our 2 boys neutered right away since they were best friends and we wanted it to stay that way.

So Ludo can get his snip as of now.

[sabs]

thanks for all the advice i've booked the little one in on monday so fingers crossed he'll be fine!!