Signs of stress may include: appearing nervous (freezing, hunched up with ears flat against the body) being excessively jumpy and watchful (bulging eyes) being aggressive to people or other rabbits, particularly if the behaviour is unusual.
The Main Signs of Stress In Rabbits
Apart from sleeping, the most common sign of stress is a bunny is curled up with paws tucked in and ears going flat. Heavy breathing can also be a major sign that something is wrong with your bunny. Unlike other pets, bunnies react to stress in several different ways.
Pulling at their fur and over-grooming - or not grooming at all. A change in feeding or toilet habits. Drinking a lot more. Repeated circling or pacing up and down.
Rabbit is limp, floppy or cold
These rabbits are very, very sick and may be close to death. The common end point of dehydration, shock or sepsis is a weak floppy rabbit, often with cold ears. They tend to sit hunched in a corner and 'feel funny' when you pick them up.
Your rabbit may be dehydrated if you see any of these problems: thick sticky saliva, crusty eyes, poor appetite, small amounts of dark colored urine, or hard dry fecal pellets. In order to correct dehydration, extra water must be given to your rabbit. Sometimes this can be done by helping the rabbit drink.
Often a rabbit in pain will sit hunched up, unwilling to move. A rabbit that sits hunched up, with eyes half closed, and firm teeth grinding is likely in pain and needs a vet check form filled out and supervisor notified.
It's extremely important to contact your vet straight away if you notice your rabbit is eating less than normal. There are many different problems that could have caused your rabbit to stop eating, but some of the most common include dental disease, stress, and gut problems.
Social stress i.e. too many animals in one space. Exposure to extreme environmental stimuli such as heat waves, lighting, storms etc. Lack of ventilation. Insufficient access to food or water.
Your rabbit would sit in a single place for typical reasons such as resting, eating, nesting, grooming, or even just when they feel satisfied. However, there may be times when your pet would sit in the same spot because it feels sick, afraid, or shy.
You can help your rabbit calm down by covering their eyes with your hands. During this time, you'll want to speak gently to your rabbit. If your rabbit is familiar with you, then they'll also know your voice. Speaking gently can help your rabbit to understand that there is no danger, and will help them to calm down.
Most rabbits absolutely hate being held. The experience of having all four feet off the ground and being trapped in someone's arms can make a rabbit really scared. If your primary way of interacting with a rabbit is to pick them up, then they will start to run away from you whenever you come near, to avoid being held.
Most commonly, rabbits make muttering sounds amongst themselves or squeal when they're in pain. Sometimes they cluck or chug in their sleep, much like humans snore. People may be able to hear them darting through vegetation or digging if they're close enough.
Your rabbits can miss a feeding sometimes, but should have a good fresh supply of water every day. In fact, if you don't give your rabbits drinking water for even one day, they could die. Rabbits often consume two to three times more water than feed.
They are dry, odorless and range from light to dark brown in color. You should be able see bits of hay in them and the pellets should crumble easily with some pressure from your fingers. Rabbits also produce something called cecotropes. Technically, these are not feces as they are not a waste product.
The most urgent symptoms of a sick rabbit include not eating and not pooping. A rabbit in this condition should be brought to the emergency room. Other serious symptoms include a sudden decrease in energy levels, mouth breathing, or a snotty nose.
Being a prey animal, anything that is unfamiliar or that could be a potential threat will cause rabbits to feel stressed and fearful.
Hold rabbits gently but firmly - ensure one hand supports their back and hindquarters at all times. Help them feel secure by holding all four feet against your body. Never pick rabbits up by their ears - this would be extremely stressful and is highly likely to injure them.
How do you tell if your rabbit is ill? If your rabbit is quieter than normal, is sitting still and hunched up, does not want to move about, or has not eaten for more than 12 hours, contact your vet as soon as possible.