Can heat affect bunnies moods/behaviour?

[Becca]

Its been really really hot here recently and Benjamin has been being really moody towards me. Like lunging at my hand when I put my hand in the cage to cuddle him and when i was trying to catch him yesterday from the run he actually jumped up at me as if he was going to bite me like a dog does.

Wierd??

Any ideas? He was fixed AGES ago!!

:?

 

[Flashy]

Heat can do that. It can make people irritable, so it stands to reason that it could with animals to, especially when they are wearing such a thick coat.

Are you doing anything to help keep them cool?

Another option is that he is in pain (for example with teeth problems, or something else going on for him), so that might be your other thing to look at and think about; a vet visit.

 

[PamsWarren]

Of course, with buns anything is possible, really. I must say, though, that I've never seen this type of reaction to heat. My rabbits typically look "melted" and act lethargic when it is warm. In my experience, unexplained aggression is more likely linked to a medical condition or something in the environment that is causing the rabbit to be unhappy (ie: change in schedule, less out of cage time, loud guests, etc). Best wishes.

 

[Becca]

Thanks for the replies guys - I'll make sure I keep a super close eye on him. Hes eating well and everything and drinking no change in diet or anythiing.