Hello. It’s Belinda.
Today I want to talk about something easy.
“Spring Fever.”
It’s not a real medical problem. It just means “acting up.”
But first I want to let you know about the news from Abigail’s House of Buns. There was a reunion in the latest chapter. If you were a fan of my work bestie Abigail, you won’t want to miss this one.
I also want to thank everyone for your nice messages about last week’s blog. Which was a co-blog about grief.
My roommate and I worked so hard on it. Grief is a big topic. We wanted to honor Enzo and all the rabbits who left their friends and families.
Some of you said it was your favorite blog ever. You can’t imagine how much we needed that.
If you missed our co-blog about grief, you can read it here.
Share it with someone who’s missing a special rabbit.
OK back to the topic of “Spring Fever.”
The days are getting longer and a little warmer. Here in western Pennsylvania, the outdoor rabbits are “courting.”
That’s a polite way to say they are blowing hormones all over the neighborhood. Humans can’t tell but I know what’s going on out there.
You might be thinking that indoor rabbits who are “fixed” won’t care about wild rabbits and their parties. Or that we won’t notice the changing daylight and weather.
Maybe some rabbits are like that.
But others are causing all sorts of trouble in their houses right now. And roommates are “at their wit’s end.”
Here are a few signs of “Spring Fever” in rabbits.
Shedding
Do the rabbits in the house look like little yaks?
It’s normal to “molt” in late winter. And all I can say is get that fur off them before it ends up in their bellies.
No rabbit likes to be groomed as far as I know. But going to the vet for gastrointestinal stasis, or “GI stasis,” is a lot worse than a few brushings a day.
Using the bed as a litterbox
I’m sorry to write about this in my blog. But it’s important.
Some rabbits jump on their roommate’s bed to relax. A few get the big idea to “use the loo” while they’re still on the bed.
The best thing you can do is keep your bed “off limits” for about six weeks. Then try again and see if the rabbit’s rude new habit has gone away.
Please do not put a litterbox on the bed. That confuses a rabbit.
I’ve never done this by the way. But my roommate says one of her foster rabbits was a real “wise guy” in this department. She had to lock the door to keep him away from the bed. Said she was “tired of doing laundry” and I can’t blame her.
Tossing your hay
Maybe your rabbit gets a certain feeling inside when they smell the spring air.
Maybe they have “cabin fever” after a long winter. Or maybe their roommates are “fussy” from being cooped up too long. And getting the whole house wound up.
Either way, nothing helps a rabbit to feel better than tossing hay all over the floor.
Tipping a food bowl is almost as good. Or chewing a table leg.
Some of us like to dig in the carpet in the corner of the dining room. Springtime means dig a burrow. Think about it.
Pitching woo
Like I said the outdoor rabbits are going on dates and maybe the rabbits in your house are “flirting” too.
Well even rabbits who were fixed will sometimes try to “dance” with other rabbits or stuffed animals or you.
By dance I mean something else.
Etc.
There are many types of “antics” that you might notice in your rabbits right now.
As long as they are eating and using the litterbox and acting “mostly normal,” I would not worry too much about hijinks.
What have you noticed in your rabbits when the seasons change?
Do you have a “hack” for helping them get through their “Spring Fever?”
Let me know in the comments.
Or email me at Belinda@smallpetselect.com.
Sincerely,
Belinda
Spokesrabbit, Small Pet Select
Inventor of the First Chew holiday
Word for 2025: “Ask”
Word for 2026: TBD
Belinda@smallpetselect.com
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Disclaimer:
We are not veterinarians, and none of our information should be construed as veterinary advice. Before adding any new product, please consult your exotic veterinarian. If your pet is acting unwell and you have concerns for their well being, please contact your vet immediately.
