New overly friendly behavior in older rabbit

[Pattinson7]

I have an older male rabbit, around 7 years old, who I adopted 6 years ago when he was fully grown. He has free run of the house, is litter box trained (for the most part), and is neutered. He’s always been fairly social, but in the past year or so, he has developed a real fondness for bare feet…..

It was cute when it started, having him follow us around the house and licking our feet, but when he gets to biting and humping aggressively, that’s just awkward and embarrassing, to say the least.

My vet attributes this to aggressiveness/marking territory. I moved to a new home right before this all started. However, the new home has more space and more people being attentive. Has anyone else experienced this l late in life/post neutering behavior? Any advice? Thank you.

[jerseygirl]

Yes! My lop (now 10) started displaying hormonal behaviours around age 6 or 7. I have also come across various accounts from other owners and it seems to come on around 5-7 years of age. There is a theory that it is to do with the adrenal gland.

Some owners have tried lupron like what is often prescribed for ferrets with adrenal tumours. I’d have to go back and do another search to refresh my memory and find out if their were any positive results also.

A vet here told me they don’t know the normal hormone levels in rabbits (?) to do an assay test

I’ve let Rumball be and his bond mate has areas to get away from him if she chooses.

For now, maybe get your bun a “hump buddie” soft toy for when he gets amorous?

[jerseygirl]

Your having moved house may be coincidental… or even a trigger perhaps?

[Author]

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