Bunny behaves differently after partner moved in

[Otis2020]

Hi guys!

I'm a little worried about my bunny, Otis. He is a 6.5 year old Holland Lop who I adopted 5 months ago. He's never been a very active bun, but enjoyed hopping around here and there and playing with a few toys. He also would run up to me when I came home or when it was feeding time.

For the last month, he's been very inactive - he's eating/drinking/using the bathroom normally but he stays in one spot. I even have to put his I've checked him for any injuries, all good.

This actually coincides with my partner moving in, and now I'm thinking, would it be related to that? Has anyone experienced this? Him moving in actually means that Otis gets more attention, my partner works at night so is home during the day - I thought he would be happier. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated!

If you think it may be something else (winter blues?), please let me know your thoughts as well!

Thank you

 

[SimbaAndFlora]

To me it doesn’t seem abnormal. I’ve had a lot of rabbits and in winter they aren’t very active because they need to stay warm. I don’t think it’s anything to worry about but if your rabbit stops eating, drinking or going to the bathroom then take them to the vet immediately because it could be something serious. Does your rabbit seem to enjoy your partners company? If so then they’re definitely not the problem. Rabbits don’t tend to express discontent by sulking. Often they will thump, grunt, bite, dig or chew on the bars. Keep a close eye on your rabbit and if anything gets worse take him to the vet

 

[WildThumper2010]

I always play it safe and if I notice a change in my rabbit I take him to the vet. Because things can happen very quickly with them and sometimes by the time they stop eating it can be too late. I’ve never noticed winter blues in my rabbit.
But I second what was said, if you notice your rabbit thumping, grunting, growling or even spraying at your partner then there might be an issue with him.
There also could be an issue with the way your partner is handling the rabbit so make sure he knows how to treat it.

 

[Otis2020]

Thanks both!

He seems to like him, he lets him pet him and feed snacks.

Just FYI he has his own area but can roam freely. He seems happy overall and often grinds his teeth out of contentment or flops. May just be old age then I may give the vet a call and see what they think

 

[Morgan Mayon]

Rabbits are gregarious by nature and need almost constant companionship to avoid emotional suffering. If you have outdoor rabbits, they must be kept in pairs or groups, or at the very least within sight and sound of another rabbit. House rabbits, on the other hand, can be kept as singles in the right conditions.

Watching two rabbits fall in love and form a deeper bond with every passing day is a truly wonderful experience. Bonded rabbits sleep together, eat together, groom each other, play with toys together etc and have 'rabbit chats'. As much as we try, human companionship can never fully replicate this bond. This is not to say that you will be excluded; from a rabbit's viewpoint, the more the merrier as they are designed to live in large communities and a pair of bonded house rabbits will include the humans in their 'warren'.