“Spring is in the air….every sight and every sound”! The earth is waking up from her winter slumber, the days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, the birds are tweeting and in some places bulbs are starting to peek out of the ground. Along with the rebirth and renewal of the season, springtime can bring on various changes and considerations for pet rabbits.

The arrival of spring brings many changes including how your pet rabbit behaves, eats, and needs to be cared for. Whether you have an indoor or outdoor rabbit, spring affects them in a variety of ways. Understanding these changes can help you provide the best care and ensure your bunny is happy and healthy during this season.

How Spring Can Affect Your Rabbit

Rabbits are creatures of habit, and as the seasons change, so can their behavior.

Increased Energy and Playfulness

As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, your rabbit may become more active. Rabbits are prey animals, so they tend to be more active during the dawn and dusk hours, and with longer daylight hours, your bunny might be up and about more than usual. Spring is a great time to provide your rabbit with extra playtime and stimulation, such as tunnels, toys, and space to explore. You might notice your rabbit running around and performing joyful binkies.

Behavior

Springtime can bring on a noticeable change of hormones especially in un-spayed or un-neutered rabbits where they might exhibit more mounting behavior. This is obviously linked to mating season. They may also exhibit spraying of urine and becoming more territorial. These hormonal changes can affect your rabbit’s mood and behavior, making it even more important to monitor and manage their environment. Changes in social interactions such as aggression or dominance can occur especially if you have pairs or groups of rabbits. Note: bonding bunnies during this hormonal time may be a bit harder to achieve.

Anxiety

Some rabbits may exhibit restlessness or anxious behavior during spring, especially if they’re sensitive to changes in their environment or routines (time change for one). Providing a consistent schedule, plenty of enrichment, and a safe, secure living space can make your bun feel safe and secure. Herbs and flowers such as Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Red Clover, Hibiscus and Cornflower can also help alleviate stress and anxiety.

Grooming

The winter to spring moult is the most significant of the year. You’ll likely notice an increase in shedding as your rabbit sheds their winter coat in preparation for warmer weather. Regular grooming is essential to remove loose fur and prevent hairballs. Doing so can help reduce the risk of digestive blockages. Eating a pile of hay the size of their body can help keep the digestive track moving.

Diet

Spring brings a variety of fresh foods to the environment, and your rabbit’s diet may change to reflect these seasonal offerings. Weeds like dandelion and plantain as well as fresh leafy greens are great options during the spring. Herbs like parsley, cilantro, and mint can be added to your rabbit’s diet, offering both variety and nutrition. Just be sure to introduce new foods gradually to avoid upsetting their digestive system.

Springtime Care Tips

The beginning of spring is a great time to schedule certain tasks such as a checkup with your veterinarian to assess your rabbit’s overall health, update vaccinations if necessary, and discuss any seasonal concerns or preventive measures.

It is also time to assess, clean and refresh your rabbit’s living space. If your bunny lives outdoors, check their enclosure to ensure it’s secure and clean. Spring rains can cause dampness, which may lead to mold or mildew, so be sure to dry everything out. Provide plenty of shaded areas where your rabbit can cool down during warmer days. If your rabbit is indoors, ensure their environment is clean and well-ventilated. Pay attention to temperature fluctuations and avoid placing their exercise pen near windows or areas where they could get too hot or cold.

Outdoor Time

Longer, warmer days can offer a wonderful opportunity for your rabbit to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Sun exposure provides them with the necessary vitamin D that most domesticated rabbits are lacking. However, this also means possible exposure to hazards such as toxic plants, predators, hazardous weather conditions ( sudden rain or extreme temps), parasites and RHVD2.

Grasses: During spring, rabbits have access to more fresh greens and grass in outdoor environments. It’s essential to introduce clean pesticide free grass gradually to allow a rabbits digestive system to become used to it and prevent digestive issues. Grass clippings from a mowed lawn should not be given as they could contain residue of gasoline from the mower and clippings that have been sitting can start to ferment causing upset tummies.

Garden & Forage: Now is the time to plant your bunny garden! When the spring peas and radishes pop up your bun will love you for it! As plants (herbs, flowers, weeds, roots and branches) start to bud and flower, it is also time to start foraging. Yarrow, clover, plantain, dandelion and nettle are just some items that can be foraged in spring. If you are unsure of what is safe for your bun to eat, check out this list here. Whether it is vegetables, fruits or forage, be sure to wash and dry thoroughly before feeding to your rabbit.

Toxic Plants: Be cautious of toxic plants that may start to sprout in spring. It’s a good time to evaluate what is growing in your yard if you plan on taking your rabbit outside. The most poisonous plants for rabbits are deadly nightshade, daffodils, azalea, foxglove, hemlock, meadow saffron and poppies. Also, look out for begonias, chrysanthemums, clematis, tulips, hyacinth, lily of the valley, and iris. Veggies such as potato plants, rhubarb, tomato plants, garlic and onion are also toxic to rabbits.

Exercise and Play: Rabbits are naturally more active during spring as they have more daylight hours to explore and play. You may notice your rabbit running, jumping, and playing more than usual. Provide a secure outdoor playpen or run and always supervise your rabbit when they’re outside to ensure their safety.

Hazards: Predators of course are a major concern when it comes to outdoor play. Wildlife on the ground are usually the first to come to mind (fox, dogs, cats), but don’t forget those that swoop down from the sky (hawks, Eagles, Owls). Make your enclosures safe by digging down deep and creating a solid foundation that your rabbit can’t dig out of, and put a roof or tarp over the top to prevent flying creatures from grabbing your rabbit.

Parasite Prevention: Warmer weather can lead to an increase in parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites. Regularly check your rabbit for any signs of infestation, such as scratching or irritated skin. Consult your veterinarian for safe and effective parasite prevention methods or treatments should your bun become infected. Of course, make sure your rabbit has the RHDV2 vaccine and if abroad the Myxomatosis vax.

Temperature Regulation: Spring weather can be unpredictable, with fluctuating temperatures. For those rabbits living out of doors, their living space should be well-insulated and provide shelter from rain, wind, and direct sunlight. Check for drafts or overheating issues. Rabbits that go outside for playtime should always be supervised and have access to shade.

Water and Hydration: Rabbits can easily overheat as temperatures rise, especially if they haven’t lost their thick fur coats. Ensure your rabbit has access to clean, fresh water at all times and monitor their intake to prevent dehydration. For those rabbits that are not active water drinkers, try brewing a flavoring such as chamomile or raspberry leaves, cool and strain then add to their water to entice them to drink more.

Final Thoughts

Spring is a time of renewal, not only for the environment but also for your pet rabbit. Understanding how the season affects their behavior, diet, and care needs is essential for keeping them happy and healthy. By providing extra playtime, offering fresh seasonal treats, grooming regularly, and ensuring their living space is comfortable, you can help your bunny enjoy the beauty of spring to the fullest.

Sources

• Little Hay Company Rabbits – Spring Feaver
• New Age Pet Spring Grazing: Safe Outdoor Time for Rabbits in Blooming Weather
• Pet Remedy Spring time with your rabbit: factors to consider February 11, 2022
• The Littlest Lives Rescue Spring fever in rabbits
• Home & Roost Spring Is Here