Rabbits are becoming more and more popular pets, since they are generally very docile animals, and more comfortable to keep in an apartment than a dog, since it is not necessary to take them out for a walk.
In addition, rabbits are very easy to maintain, although if they are not done correctly they may appear to be signs of stress. In this article on our site we will focus on the most representative 4 signs of stress in rabbits so that you can detect and treat them in time.
The behavior of rabbits
Rabbits, in general, are relatively stressful and elusive animals It should not be forgotten that, in their natural habitat, rabbits Rabbits are a relatively easy prey for many predators, such as dogs, foxes, wolves, humans… For this reason, they tend to feel stressed in the face of many situations that affect them. may seem like a threat.
The presence of other pets, noises or trying to catch them by surprise can be considered a threat by these cute animals. Due to this, it is necessary never to approach the rabbit abruptly, not to shout, and, if we have just welcomed it into our home, win it over little by little.
This can be achieved with gradual contact, approaching them gently, offering food or treats without punishing them. A good way to pick them up is to hold them with one hand under the chest or in a fold of skin between the shoulders and place the other hand under the rabbit's bottom to support the weight. They should never be held by the ears.
Also, and, although the rabbit species has been domesticated for many years, in its natural habitat they live in burrows, which they abandon to move freely through the countryside. Therefore, excessively small cages, without environmental enrichment (without toys or materials to gnaw on), can cause discomfort in our pets.
On the other hand, we must also take into account the cleanliness of the cage, since rabbits appreciate hygiene In addition to keeping it clean and use an appropriate substrate, such as shavings or cellulose, it is advisable to use a corner for them to relieve themselves. A lack of hygiene in the cage can also cause stress in our pet.
And we must not forget the temperature, because if it is not adequate it can also cause a stressful situation for the rabbit. It is recommended to keep it away from direct sunlight and drafts.
Also pain is a stressful experience, with the aggravating circumstance that, on many occasions, it is difficult to detect the signs of pain in these animals.
5 signs of stress in rabbits
In this article we will consider as stressful situations those that cause fear in the rabbit, pain and also those characteristics of the environment in which it lives that can make it feel uncomfortable. Below we explain the most common:
- Growling, gnashing teeth or pawing the ground are signs of anger, and also of dominance if there are other rabbits in the cage.
- Behaviors such as constant licking and grooming, incessant gnawing cage materials, can be a sign of environmental stress. These excessive and repetitive behaviors are known as stereotypies, and are signs that the environment in which the rabbit lives is not comfortable for him or does not allow him to feel fulfilled. If this is the case with your rabbit, it is advisable to check that the cage is the right size, provide him with toys and gnawing materials, and play with him more often and pay more attention to him.
- Pull your ears back, until they are almost glued to your neck, as well as remain still or shrinking into a ball, are signs of fear, and show that your rabbit is stressed. What it tries to do is make itself small and go unnoticed by predators. In this situation, it is advisable to investigate if we have other pets that it fears, such as dogs or cats, if there are threatening odors in the building, and if it is its owner that it fears. If he is afraid of us, we must make him get used to our presence, approaching us carefully, without shouting or sudden movements, without anything bad happening and without punishing him or trying to catch him.
- Although not common at all, rabbits can also yell, making high-pitched screeches, indicating fear and/or distress. It is clear that any owner, hearing it, knows that something is wrong with his rabbit, but it should not be confused with the intimidating growls that we have talked about, which denote aggressiveness.
- A sign of extreme pain is self-mutilation Many times, when they feel pain, they react in a similar way to when they are afraid,they stay still and hide their discomfort so as not to appear vulnerable and become easy prey. But, if the pain is very intense or long lasting, especially if it is in an extremity, the painful part can be sectioned.
