Why would a rabbit pull out its fur?

Answer 1

A rabbit might pull out its fur for a few different reasons. See the related questions and links below for more info.

Pregnancy or False Pregnancy: They pull their fur out because they are getting ready to give birth and they are trying to make their nest, or a "soon to be nest" warmer for the kits. If they pull out lots of fur and move it to a spot, its almost certain that they "nesting." Female rabbits nest whether they're pregnant or not: they have something called "false pregnancies." If you spay the rabbit it won't have false (or real!) pregnancies anymore. False pregnancies are stressful for rabbits; this is one among many reasons why you should spay/neuter your rabbits.

Irritation (including parasites or other skin problems): Check out the naked area to see if it looks irritated, and if it does search online "rabbit skin irritations" or see the link below and see if your rabbit's irritation fits any of the descriptions. If so, bring it to the vet and cure it.

Stress (including boredom or sickness): Possibly because the rabbits are bored, they're pulling their fur around, though this isn't "normal". If your rabbit is super bored, give him toys! Spend time playing with him! Give him hay to graze on -- give him unlimited 100% 24/7 access to hay. Then see if he/she stops pulling fur.

More Answers

It means she is going to give birth very soon.

There is a good chance the rabbit is pregnant, if it is pulling out its own fur.

Don't touch the nest as your scent will drive the female crazy.

This nest could just mean she's ready and waiting to mate!

Answer 2

The rabbits could have been fighting. Where there other signs of aggression? You shouldn't let your rabbits fight: it can be emotionally traumatic for the bunnies, and physically dangerous (even small cuts can turn into big abscesses).

Or maybe the rabbit was just grooming, but going a bit too far. Are the rabbits generally snuggly together? Over-grooming can lead skin irritation, and if too much fur is swallowed the rabbit can have digestive problems (including deadly GI stasis), so try to discourage your rabbits from over-grooming.

Or maybe the rabbit was doing nesting behaviour. Normally rabbits pull their own fur but if the bunny is making a nest of fur, then she's either pregnant or going through a false pregnancy. False pregnancies are stressful for rabbits. Spaying the bunny will prevent false pregnancies, ovarian cancer, and some behavioural problems.

See the related questions and links below for more info.

Answer 3

Sexual frustration may be your answer! The male gets mad that perhaps the female is not satisfied, and takes it out on them. Also, your bunny could be bored, and takes it out on her. If they are in the same cage, they are very territorial animals, and that may get them mad, so make two separate cages! Otherwise, he might try to be building her a nest if she is pregnant, but I have never seen that, so that is my best answer!

I !

Answer 4

This occurs when the female is pregnant and not making a nest for its young. The male is doing it for her to keep the babies warm.. When the Female bunny has its young you have to separate the male into another cage for about a month at least. If you don't do this the female can get pregnant again because females can get pregnant again within 24 hours. That can cause some trouble to the babies and the female. Hope this helps...

Answer 5

One Opinion:

The two rabbits may be having sex. You should separate the rabbits and get them neutered. You don't want a bunch of baby rabbits on your hands. Shelters all over North America are stuffed full of rabbits as it is.

If they're not having sex, the rabbit humping the other rabbit is being aggressive. Rabbits are aggressive because of hormones, territorial feelings, and fear/anger. Rabbits of either sex (male/female) can hump and attack other rabbits of either sex: it's about dominance, control, etc.

You should separate the rabbits. A little humping may be okay between rabbits comfortable with one another, to reinforce social roles, but violence (including fur pulling) shouldn't be allowed. A tiny tear in the skin that we can't see can turn into a huge abscess within a few days/weeks.

You should take measures to reduce the aggressive behaviour of your rabbit. (See the related question, "What should you do if your rabbits are fighting?" linked below.)

Another Opinion: It is fine male rabbits do that.

Answer 6

She is asserting her dominance over the other female. Pulling hair is a sign of dominance, therefore she is stating "Hey I'm in charge". Kind of like humping in dogs.

The top female dog humps the other female in order to put herself in charge. If she is seriously hurting the other female rabbit, I suggest getting them both fixed if they are not.

Answer 7

Because the rabitte gets hungry for nutrients and food. The hair is badly very bad on the rabbits intestines and can die or suffer of intestinal irrigation if does not eat of drink any thing else.

Answer 8

Are they doing this while mating? my rabbits used to do this when mating, im not sure if its 'normal' u should ask ur vet if u take a rabbits to the vets.

Answer 9

They are mating or the one bunny thinks its her or his son