Your rabbit has a few reasons for hiding under your furniture, but most likely they are a combination of two things. First, it may be fear of other animals or prey species. Second, it may simply want a quiet place to be alone. If this is the case, you should visit your vet to discuss the best course of action. If your bunny continues to hide under things, you may want to consider a behavioral therapy session.
Good hiding places for bun
Rabbits can live in small spaces and need good hiding places to prevent predators from infiltrating their territory. One large hiding place is enough for all your bunnies, but make sure you also provide smaller bunnies with a separate hiding place. Bunnies may get out of larger hiding places if they’re scared. If you notice your rabbit hiding for long periods, he or she may be unwell, stressed, or frightened. If you suspect this, take your rabbit to the vet to get rid of possible causes or refer to an animal behaviourist to help you solve the problem.
Another option is a plastic container turned upside down. The bottom side can serve as a hiding place for your bunny. Alternatively, you can make a tunnel out of a cardboard box. Be sure to make it smaller than the other compartments, because bigger hideaways may be too large for your bunny. If you’re going to purchase a plastic container for your bunny, be sure to remove any labels and put the container upside down.
Fear of prey species
A rabbit’s natural fear of predators may be causing it to hide under things. The behavioural and physiological signs of fear and stress are often quite clear in rabbits. They tend to hide in back corners and hide under things, and they will often bite people who try to open their cage. A rabbit that is particularly stressed may also thump its paws in order to warn other animals and prevent predators from approaching it.
The first cause for a rabbit to hide is because it is insecure. Bunnies are prey animals and showing any weakness may draw the attention of predators. Though it is more common for wild rabbits to hide, pet rabbits will also seek out secluded areas and even tuck themselves inside nests. In some cases, this behavior could be due to an underlying illness.
Ingesting soft poop
There are several reasons why your bunny may be hiding under things when it ingests soft poop. First of all, soft stools are caused by irregular cecotropes. These soft stools are malformed and contain mucous. When cecotropes are retained for a prolonged period, they become liquid, and mucous is what makes them stick to the surface. When this happens, cleaning your pet becomes difficult.
There are two types of poop that rabbits produce. Fecal pellets, which resemble cocoa puffs, are made up of undigested fiber. Normally, bunnies do not re-ingest fecal pellets, but this behavior is not normal. A second type of soft poop is called cecotrope, and it resembles a mulberry. The cecotrope is made up of small shiny pellets that are linked together by hair. If they are separated evenly, that means the digestive system is working well.
Feeling threatened by other animal smells
My bunny will often hide under things when it notices other animals around it. Other signs include thumps whenever they perceive danger. This may be an electrical appliance that just started up, a smoke when they’re not accustomed to smoking, or the shadow of a cat on a window sill or on the floor. Regardless of the source, this is a rabbit’s attempt to save its family from danger.
Injury
You may have noticed your bunny huddling under things because of a recent injury. Even the toughest breeds can suffer broken bones if injured by objects. Fortunately, there are several ways to diagnose floppy bunny syndrome and treat it. If your bunny begins to hide under things because of an injury, you should seek veterinary care as soon as possible. This way, you can minimize the risk of further injuries.
Some injuries can cause a rabbit to hide under things. Abdominal pain from a traumatic event is a common cause. A rabbit may hide under things after being stepped on, being attacked by another pet, or experiencing noises from construction work in a neighboring property. This type of trauma can disrupt the normal atmosphere and introduce a fleet of unfamiliar sounds. In these situations, a bunny may need assistance getting out of hiding so it can continue playing happily.
Avoiding stressful situations with your bunny
When your bunny hides under things, you might be wondering why he’s doing it. Rabbits can be easily stressed by noises outside, such as heavy footsteps, barking dogs, and construction work on neighboring properties. In these situations, it’s best to create a calm and sheltered environment. Make sure that you know where to find your bunny, and approach him calmly.
Besides being able to avoid stressful situations, rabbits can also help you to make your home a safe place for them to hide. By placing them in places they can choose from, they won’t be stressed by the sudden change in their environment. In addition to hiding, you can also prevent your bunny from developing any illness by changing the environment. However, make sure that you’re patient as it might take some time for it to adjust.
