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The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet.  It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

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Forum BEHAVIOR Rabbit anxiety?

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    • Lumberrybun
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        For the first few years of his life with my family and I, Phil usually stayed in his cage, and was only able to roam about for a few hours a day. He usually seemed rather depressed and especially anxious when too many people were near his cage, so during November, I convinced my mom to let me care for him in my room, as he was not able to run about very often in the den, and could have a more quiet enviorment. Though I have noticed a significantly positive change in behavior (he often greets me when I walk into my room, lays down with his legs spread out in his favorite spots, eats more often, enjoys being pet, and is much more energetic), he sometimes seems really anxious at what seems like random times. Sometimes, he will sort of just freeze and panic when I attempt to calm him. I never notice anything particularly out of the ordinary at those times, and certainly not anything which would produce that much anxiety. Is it possible for rabbits to have chronic anxiety? Is thier anything which can cause this? What should I do when he does freeze up?


      • Ellie from The Netherlands
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          Rabbits are prey creatures and very prone to anxiety. This anxiety can lead to heart attacks, so try to minimalise it.
          Laying down and coming to you for pettings are great signs, and maybe you should try and keep him in that room for a while to give him some recuperation time. Rabbits are extremely sensitive, and certain sounds and smells can be too extreme to them. Observe the rabbit closely and try to figure out his stressors. Learn about their body language here: http://language.rabbitspeak.com/

          There are many things that may upset a rabbit, but these are the most common ones:

          – Noises, especially noisy kids, TV sounds or music. My rabbit gets agressive from the high frequency noises of electronics on stand-by, such as monitors and phone chargers. Rabbits’ ears and feet are insanely sensitive. They react strongly to high frenquencies and low rumbles.

          – Smells: my rabbit gets frightened when I bake meat or anything which gives off a slight smoke. He hides in his box and won’t come out until the smoke has gone again.

          – Other pets indoors or cats in the garden. They can feel hunted if other animals are close.
          – No place to hide in. Rabbits in the wild have burrows where they hide in, domestic rabbits still have the same instincts. Giving them an upside-down box with two entrance holes can calm them down immensely.
          – Not having firm footing underground. Rabbits like to be able to run away at any time. Picking them up or restraining their movement can frighten them. Keep a bit of distance while petting him, that will help strengthen the bond between you. Trying to calm him down may have the opposite effect.

          Hopefully you’ll find out what’s bothering him soon

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      Forum BEHAVIOR Rabbit anxiety?